Strike

Strike is a gallery space in Leicestershire that punches above its weight for a rural area. Located near Barrow upon Soar, it's the sort of place you might stumble across while exploring the quieter corners of the East Midlands, and it rewards that kind of wandering.

The gallery focuses on contemporary art and craft, with rotating exhibitions that shift throughout the year. You'll typically spend between an hour and ninety minutes here, depending on how you engage with the work. It's not a massive space, which is rather the point - the curation tends to be thoughtful rather than overwhelming. Artists exhibiting often have strong connections to the region, so there's real substance to what's on the walls.

Worth knowing: head to their website or ring ahead first, as opening times aren't fixed and admission policies vary by exhibition. Some shows are free, others charge a modest entry fee.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Proctors Park or High Meadows Farm are within easy reach - Strike makes a decent afternoon stop between walks along the Soar Valley or exploring Barrow upon Soar itself. It's particularly good for anyone interested in contemporary craft or regional artists, though those seeking blockbuster exhibitions might find it a touch low-key. That said, there's something rather refreshing about a gallery that doesn't try to be all things to all people.