Big Takeaway

The Big Takeaway near Kenilworth is a gallery space that operates a bit differently from the usual white-wall affairs you'd expect. It's run as a working art studio and exhibition venue, so what's on show changes regularly depending on who's currently creating there. The space itself isn't enormous, which is rather refreshing - you can actually spend proper time with the work rather than trudging through endless rooms.

You'll find contemporary art, installations, and sometimes live-work studios where artists are actively making things. The appeal here is that immediacy - you might catch someone mid-project, ask questions, understand the process. It's the sort of place that works well for anyone curious about how art actually gets made, rather than folk who want a quick cultural tick-box.

If you're basing yourself at one of the caravan parks in the area - Broadwell Woods or Hollyfast are closest - this makes a decent half-day outing when the weather turns dodgy. Pair it with a walk around Kenilworth town centre, which has some pleasant spots worth exploring. The gallery tends to attract local artists and emerging practitioners, so expect quality but don't pitch expectations too high for blockbuster exhibitions.

Opening hours vary, so phone ahead before you go. Admission is usually free or modest, though best to confirm. Allow an hour, longer if you're genuinely interested in having a chat with whoever's working that day.