The New Gallery

The New Gallery sits right in Woolacombe, a proper working art space that punches above its weight for a seaside town. You're looking at contemporary work from local and regional artists - the sort of place where the exhibitions actually change, so you won't see the same thing twice if you visit a few times during your holiday.

It's worth an hour or so if you're into art, though I'll be honest - don't expect the scale of a big city gallery. The space itself is intimate, which works in its favour. The staff know their stuff and aren't precious about it, which makes it feel less intimidating than some galleries. If you've got teenagers who actually give a damn about art rather than amusement arcades, they'll get something from it. Young kids? They'll be restless after twenty minutes unless there's something particularly visual on.

Free admission is the usual setup for galleries like this, though it's worth checking ahead as I can't confirm current opening hours. You're two minutes' walk from Golden Sands Touring Park if you're staying there - handy if the weather turns and you need somewhere dry to spend an hour. Woolacombe itself is built around the beach, so this works best as a rainy-day activity sandwiched between coastal walks and fish and chips. Not the reason you'd come to Devon, but while you're here picking up presents and avoiding showers, it's worth a look.