Kennaway House
Historic Sidmouth venue hosting art exhibitions, weddings, jazz gigs, and community events with a charming, intimate atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Buzzing atmosphere
Kennaway House
Best Time
Buzzing atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Sidmouth venue hosting art exhibitions, weddings, jazz gigs, and community events with a charming, intimate atmosphere.
"A beautiful house, perfect for weddings and cultural events, run by friendly volunteers."
🎯 Check Event Schedule
See what's on before you go! Art shows, jazz, and talks are common.
☕ Enjoy Coffee & Cake
Real china adds charm to delicious treats. Open Mon-Fri 10am-3pm (till March).
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Art Exhibitions
Various rooms
Showcasing local and regional artists, these exhibitions offer a vibrant display of talent. A must-see for art lovers!
Wedding Venue
Various rooms, cellar
A charming and intimate venue for weddings, offering a magical experience close to the seafront.
Jazz Gigs
Intimate venue space
Enjoy enjoyable music in a cozy setting with reasonably priced tickets and drinks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Events
Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Event Schedule
See what's on before you go! Art shows, jazz, and talks are common. 
☕ Enjoy Coffee & Cake
Real china adds charm to delicious treats. Open Mon-Fri 10am-3pm (till March).
♿ Accessible Venue
A lift is available to all floors, great for those with mobility needs.
💍 Wedding Enquiries
Beautiful seaside venue for ceremonies and receptions. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Event Schedule
See what's on before you go! Art shows, jazz, and talks are common.
☕ Enjoy Coffee & Cake
Real china adds charm to delicious treats. Open Mon-Fri 10am-3pm (till March).
♿ Accessible Venue
A lift is available to all floors, great for those with mobility needs.
💍 Wedding Enquiries
Beautiful seaside venue for ceremonies and receptions. +1
🎶 Jazz Night Vibes
Intimate venue for enjoyable jazz gigs with affordable tickets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kennaway House is lauded as a fantastic venue for small to medium functions, weddings, and cultural events, praised for its historic charm and intimate atmosphere. Visitors highlight the friendly, volunteer-run staff and the quality of events like jazz gigs and art exhibitions. While generally positive, some may find specific event timings or offerings vary.
"Attended a wedding here. Fab venue for small and medium functions. Several meeting and function rooms and a bar on the lower ground floor. Historic building with long a history, all documented on info boards inside. Bookings are available. A lift operates on all the floors, so ideal for the less abled."
robbob tomps
"Amazing venue, run mostly by volunteers who are really friendly.
Went for a jazz gig, very enjoyable music and cheap tickets. Reasonable priced drinks. Very intimate venue. Loved it."
Tim Husain
"My Husband and I were recently married at Kennaway House on 3rd September 2022.
Our Special day was magical from start to finish. Nikki the manager of the house allowed myself the bride to get ready at Kennaway before the ceremony.
We had a photographer and videographer there to capture the preparation of me getting my hair done and dressed. Once I was ready, soon after the guests started to arrive and it gave me the chance to see them all without them knowing. Being able to get ready at the house meant so much to me. I think it settled the grooms nerves too knowing I was there ready to make my grand entrance.
We celebrated our whole day at the house using the cellar for our wedding breakfast and reception in the evening. Doing this made our day run so smoothly. Our guests even told us that our wedding was the best they had ever been to.
The venue is so close to the seafront and Connaught Gardens that we managed to slip away for a short amount of time, to get some private photos taken with our photographer and videographer.
We can't recommend Kennaway House enough for the perfect place in Sidmouth to be married. Thank you so much Nikki and Kennaway House for having us.
Mr & Mrs Mitchell"
Fionna Goodhew
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kennaway House is located in Sidmouth, Devon. It's easily accessible by car, with parking options nearby. Public transport, including local bus services, also serves the area. Its proximity to the seafront makes it a pleasant walk from many parts of the town.
While Kennaway House itself may have limited parking, there are several public car parks within a short walking distance in Sidmouth. It's advisable to check local signage for the most convenient options.
Yes, Kennaway House is very close to the seafront and Connaught Gardens, making it an easy and pleasant walk. This proximity is often highlighted by couples for wedding photos.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Kennaway House for general viewing or specific events like art exhibitions is often free, though donations are welcome. For ticketed events like jazz gigs or special talks, booking in advance is recommended as they can sell out.
Opening hours can vary depending on events and the season. For refreshments, it's typically open Monday-Friday from 10 am to 3 pm (until March). Always check the official Kennaway House schedule for specific event times and general access.
Many art exhibitions held at Kennaway House, such as the South West Academy Open Exhibition, offer free entry. This makes it an accessible way to enjoy local art.
Yes, Kennaway House is a popular venue for weddings and private functions. It offers various rooms and a cellar space, and the management is known for being accommodating. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kennaway House is equipped with a lift that operates on all floors, making it ideal for visitors with mobility challenges. This ensures everyone can enjoy the venue.
Visitors can enjoy freshly brewed coffee and delicious cakes, often served with real china cups and plates, offering a delightful mid-morning treat.
Events at Kennaway House are often described as having a buzzing and intimate atmosphere, whether it's an art exhibition private view or a jazz gig.
Yes, Kennaway House has several meeting and function rooms available for hire, in addition to its bar on the lower ground floor.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During specific hours (e.g., Monday-Friday 10 am-3 pm until March), you can enjoy coffee and cake. Some events might also feature food stalls or pop-ups, like the Sidmouth Eats Boutique.
Yes, there is a bar on the lower ground floor, and drinks are often available at events, sometimes with special offers like happy hour deals.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, especially during events like art exhibitions. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific venue rules. Couples often take advantage of the nearby seafront for wedding photos.
The historic architecture of Kennaway House itself, combined with its proximity to the Sidmouth seafront and gardens, offers lovely opportunities for photography, particularly for events like weddings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The proximity to the seafront and Connaught Gardens offers a great opportunity for families to combine a visit to Kennaway House with outdoor play and exploration. This makes it a good option for a mixed itinerary, offering a dose of culture followed by seaside fun.
💍 Couples & Wedding Planners
The venue's capacity for small to medium functions makes it ideal for couples who prefer a more personal celebration. The dedicated staff and the beautiful surroundings ensure a magical experience, as evidenced by glowing reviews from past newlyweds.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
+3 and displays by the National Acrylic Painters Association. These events offer a chance to discover new artists and admire a variety of styles and mediums.The intimate setting of Kennaway House provides a more personal viewing experience compared to larger galleries. Visitors can appreciate the artwork up close and often engage in conversations with artists or fellow art enthusiasts during private views.
+2 The free entry to many exhibitions makes it an accessible cultural outing for everyone. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Hub for Arts and Culture
+3 to displays by the National Acrylic Painters Association, the venue showcases both established and emerging artists. These events provide a fantastic opportunity to engage with local and regional creative talent in a beautiful historic setting. The house's intimate atmosphere makes viewing art a personal and enjoyable experience.Beyond visual arts, Kennaway House also serves as a venue for other cultural events. It's known for hosting jazz gigs,
during the Sidmouth Science Festival. This broad spectrum of activities solidifies Kennaway House's role as a key cultural hub.The volunteer-run nature of Kennaway House contributes to its welcoming atmosphere. Visitors often praise the friendly staff and the overall community feel. This dedication ensures that events run smoothly and that attendees have a positive experience, whether they are visiting for an art show, a concert, or simply for a coffee and cake.
A Charming Wedding Venue
The venue offers flexibility for wedding ceremonies, accommodating celebrant-led ceremonies, registrar services, or a combination of both.
+1 This allows couples to tailor their ceremony to their preferences, ensuring their special day is exactly as they dreamed. The management, including Nikki the manager, is noted for being accommodating, with one bride mentioning being able to get ready at the house before the ceremony, which helped settle nerves and added a unique touch to her preparation. Reviews consistently praise the intimate and beautiful surroundings of Kennaway House for weddings, with guests often describing their wedding as the best they've ever attended.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit