The Summerhouse Gallery

The Summerhouse Gallery sits just outside Crowlas and is exactly the sort of place you stumble upon by accident - or should deliberately hunt out if you're after something a bit different. It's a working gallery space showcasing contemporary art and craft, with a genuine emphasis on pieces by local and regional makers rather than the mass-produced stuff you'd find in chain shops.

Inside, you'll find paintings, sculpture, jewellery, and ceramics displayed properly - not crammed in. The work rotates, so repeat visits actually mean something different to see. It's the kind of space where you can spend twenty minutes or two hours depending on what's on and how much you want to chat with the artists. Most days you'll find someone here who actually made the stuff, which beats a sterile museum environment hollow.

Families with teenagers who have any artistic leanings will find it worthwhile. Younger children might get restless unless they're the hands-on type, but there's no pressure to linger if it's not clicking. The space is intimate without feeling claustrophobic.

It's only a short drive from Haven Riviere Sands Holiday Park if you're staying in the area - easily combined with a proper walk along the coast or a poke around the local villages. Opening hours and admission aren't widely advertised online, so ring ahead or check when you're nearby. Worth the detour if you're in Cornwall and want something beyond the obvious tourist trail.