Rowbury Gallery

The Rowbury Gallery sits quietly in Paignton, the sort of place you might walk past twice before noticing it's there. Inside, you'll find contemporary art and craft work - paintings, sculptures, jewellery - displayed across modest but well-lit rooms. It's the kind of gallery that actually rewards a slow look rather than a quick dash through.

For art lovers and anyone with a keen eye for local talent, this is worth an hour of your time. The work changes regularly, so there's a genuine reason to revisit if you're staying nearby. Children might find it less engaging unless they're already interested in galleries - it's not interactive or flashy, just straightforward exhibition space.

You're only a few minutes from South Bay Holiday Park if you're basing yourself there, which makes it a convenient cultural pit stop between beach days. Paignton itself has plenty of cafes and shops within walking distance, so you can easily build a morning or afternoon around it without feeling rushed.

Admission is free, which makes popping in a proper no-brainer. Check ahead for opening hours and what's currently on display - the gallery's worth planning around rather than stumbling upon by accident. If you're after something genuinely local and away from the standard tourist attractions that line Paignton's seafront, this delivers without pretence.