If you love discovering local talent, browsing artisan wares, or finding that perfect handmade gift, South Devon is bursting with creative charm. From vibrant markets and quirky studios to award-winning galleries, the region offers a rich tapestry of craftsmanship and creativity.
Whether you’re exploring coastal towns or charming rural villages, here’s your guide to the best local crafts, markets and galleries in South Devon.
Artisan Markets & Craft Fairs
South Devon plays host to a thriving market scene all year round, where you can meet local makers and pick up unique, handcrafted treasures.
Held every second Tuesday of the month in Totnes Civic Hall, the Totnes Indoor Artisan Market is a hub for local creativity.
Expect to find local craft makers with an array of handmade goods including jewellery, knitted toys, handmade chocolate, clothes and textiles, cards and prints, mosaic art, and dried flowers.
Tavistock Pannier Market
Situated at the very heart of the historic town of Tavistock is the ancient Pannier Market. The Market opens every day from Tuesday until Saturday and prides itself on the eclectic range it has to offer. Photographers, potters, artists, upholsterers, quilters, card makers, wood turners, and metal workers mingle with clothiers, milliners, antiques experts and furniture-makers.
Every first Sunday of the month, The Great Hall at Dartington Estate plays host to a range of incredibly talented makers from the local area and across the South West.
The free event is open for all to have a leisurely browse around the stalls. Discover artists to ceramicists, printmakers to glassblowers, artisan food & drink producers to authors and more.
Whether you're searching for a unique gift or something special for yourself, the Makers Market will have plenty of ideas!
Home to a wide range of stalls, a wander around Newton Abbot’s Indoor Market will take you past a fantastic selection of stalls selling a range of items including gifts, vintage treasures, tools and haberdashery. Don’t miss the 'Collectors Corner' with memorabilia, vintage vinyl, stamps, comics and much more on offer!
Bridwell Artisans & Makers Market
Whether you're searching for one-of-a-kind crafts, indulging in gourmet delights, or simply soaking in the lively ambiance, the Artisan and Makers Market at Bridwell Estate promises an unforgettable experience.
Entry to the market is completely free, with doors open from 10:00 to 15:00, making it a perfect day out for families, friends, and visitors eager to support local artisans.
Inspiring Art Galleries
Whether you're a collector, a casual admirer, or simply looking to soak in some local culture, South Devon’s galleries offer an inspiring mix of traditional and contemporary work.
The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth
In addition to the performing arts, The Flavel is also home to a spacious gallery where local artists display their work, giving visitors a taste of the rich creativity that thrives in Dartmouth. Art exhibitions rotate frequently, showcasing a wide range of styles and mediums.
Torre Abbey is Torbay's most historic building, an ancient scheduled monument dating back to 1196 and set within 18 acres of garden and parkland. It’s also a multi-award-winning visitor attraction housing an impressive art collection boasting over 600 incredible works of art from the 18th century to the present day.
Near Teignmouth’s River Beach is the Arts Quarter. Here you will find a selection of art galleries, interesting independent shops, bakeries, pubs and cafés. TAAG (Teignmouth Arts and Action Group) has its home here, as does local artist Laura Wall, the Reuben Lenkiewicz gallery (which displays work of his father Robert Lenkiewicz), Voyage Art, Spymass, Gallery 8 and Serenity gallery (home of the Teignmouth Arts Society).
The Atrium Gallery at The Watermark showcases local artists, while the bright coffee shop and bar offers a cosy spot to relax before or after a screening, meeting, or community event. With a fully licensed café-bar, it's also an ideal casual meet-up venue.
The Art Café, Kingsbridge
A colourful café and gallery space in Kingsbridge showcasing local art, pottery and illustration. It’s a great place to enjoy a coffee while browsing creative pieces from Devon-based artists.
Brownston Gallery, Modbury
If you’re ever in Modbury, you should check out Brownston Art Gallery. This beautifully curated gallery exhibits an impressive range of original works including sculpture, painting and mixed media by contemporary British artists. Set in a picturesque Georgian building, it’s a must-visit for art lovers.
Meet the Makers: Studios & Workshops
Many South Devon makers open their doors to the public, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their craft. Some even run hands-on workshops for visitors wanting to try something new.
Discover Pom Stitch Tassel, a charming children's shop and craft hub located in the heart of South Devon. Situated on Bovey Tracey's high street, this shop is a treasure trove of creative gifts, DIY craft kits, and fun activities for children. It’s the perfect stop for families and anyone else looking to inspire creativity.
Home to a pottery painting studio, glassworks, and a treasure trove of gifts and ceramics, China Blue is perfect for a creative afternoon. Visitors of all ages can paint their own pottery or browse the work of local artisans in the gift shop.
A quirky little art café located in the heart of Exmouth, Arty Boat hosts unique workshops where visitors can paint and decorate wooden items and pottery. Other workshop activities include Glass Fusion, Resin Dip flowers, Life Drawing, Sip & Paint, Decoupage and Pebble Art.
Whether you’re excited about participating in craft workshops at The Emporium, eager to explore the world of glassmaking at Teign Valley Glass Studio or tempted by the unique dining experiences at ‘The Pottery by Night’, House of Marbles offers something for everyone.
Torre Abbey is a centre for creativity and culture, offering events and workshops as well as hosting world class exhibitions alongside creative work from the cream of local talent. The Abbey pride themselves on being family friendly, with a range of activities available for youngsters, both inside the historic buildings and outside in our stunning gardens as well.
Events to Watch
Whether you want to gaze at an artist’s interpretations at an exhibition or gallery opening, watch local craftsman at work or bring out your creative side by joining in, South Devon has got the perfect event for you.
Check out our handy calendar of Arts and Crafts events here to browse a selection of craft, literature and art events taking place across the region.
Support Local, Take Home Something Special
South Devon’s craft and art scene is a true celebration of local talent and heritage. Whether you're seeking a beautiful painting, a handmade candle, or simply a story behind the object, these markets, galleries and studios offer much more than just a souvenir.
So next time you're visiting South Devon, take the scenic route and explore its creative heart. You never know what hidden gem you might discover.
Planning a trip to South Devon? Use our website to find local events, artisan trails, and maker workshops near you – and don’t forget to share your finds with us using #VisitSouthDevon.
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