NOVA

NOVA sits just outside Warwick and is genuinely worth an hour of your time if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks. It's a contemporary art gallery that punches above its weight - the kind of place that surprises you with how thoughtful the curation actually is, rather than feeling like it's trying too hard to be edgy or clever.

You'll find rotating exhibitions across a few decent-sized spaces, and the work tends to span painting, sculpture, and installation pieces. There's a real focus on emerging and mid-career artists, so you're not necessarily seeing the household names - but that's rather the point. It makes for a more engaging visit than a formulaic run through the usual suspects.

The gallery works best for adults who actually care about contemporary art, though older teenagers interested in creativity won't find it dull. Families with young kids might struggle - there's not much hands-on activity, and a five-year-old will want out within twenty minutes. Walkers based at Knight's Village or Warwick Racecourse campsite will find it a manageable detour into town.

Access and opening hours are worth checking before you go - details are thin on the ground online, so ring ahead. It's free to wander in on most occasions, though some special exhibitions may ask for a small donation. The space itself is light and airy, which counts for something. If you're spending a week near Warwick, it beats another lap around the castle gift shop.