A top class art gallery in the middle of nowhere - what's not to like?! Hauser & Wirth is a…read moreleading gallery for contemporary and modern art with well established outlets in Zurich, London, New York and LA. I love the fact that they took over an old farm in Somerset and turned it into an oasis of calm and beauty. The current exhibition by Pipilotti Rist (till Feb 2015) alone is worth the trip. One of her video and sound installations is presented in a big room where visitors are asked to take off their shoes and settle on one of the fluffy sheep skins dotted around the floor - the most comfortable exhibition I have ever visited! There's also a lovely shop with local artisan products and a restaurant/bar - enough to keep you busy for most of the day.

Over 60 stunning installations set in an estate park plus an award-winning gallery and artist's…read morehouse housing a programme of exhibitions. Roche Court is open daily and is free although a donation to Salisbury Hospice (optional) is suggested. Groups and schools should call ahead and book. View works by the likes of Anthony Caro, Anthony Gormley, Gavin Turk, Eva Rothschild, Michael Hischer, Alison Crowley, Bill Woodrow and many more. All works are for sale and you are requested not to take photographs.

This is a really super gallery and quite an unexpected find - it is the only shop in the village!…read more The exhibits range from landscape to abstract painting, sculpture to contemporary furniture. There's even a grand piano, should you feel the urge to play (although I'm told it's not for sale)! Definitely worth a visit.

From the owner: Contemporary Fine Artread more

This is a little gem of a place! Stanley Spencer is one of Britain's best loved painters and he…read moreused to live in this village. Somehow, there is this amazing gallery with some of his most famous work in this pretty village. I've been many, many times and I love it the same every time I come. It's not big but it's quite clever and delightful.

The gallery itself is a work of art and worth a look alone. The work here is totally original and…read morecomplex, I don't think there is anything like this style of art anywhere else. It was a lucky find down a street I wouldn't normally use. I'm saving my pennies for the Butterfly one. This gallery is a little bit cool and the owner is quite quirky and good for a chat if you pop in. Its new and I hope it enjoys the success that it rightly deserves.

The Art House is somewhere I make sure I frequent every time I'm in Southampton town centre. With…read moretheir vast selection of teas, coffees and vegan food - it's a great little place to grab something light in a pleasant atmosphere. I've never eaten a meal here however I've only heard good things, but what I will say is that their coffee is divine! You can choose from Italian and Colombian roast which comes in a cafetiere which keeps it fresher for longer. At the back of the shop you can find a small shop featuring clothes, jewellery, pins and many other kooky bits and bobs for reasonable prices. The teas, coffee, cakes and food are all reasonably priced too. Thoroughly recommended!

During a cheeky little surprise trip to Southampton last weekend, I was taken to The Art House by…read morethe birthday boy himself! This is definitely the coolest place we saw in Southampton! Nestled in the Cultural Quarter, it oozes intriguing art vibes with its quirky decor, vegan menu and vast array of teas and hot drinks. The staff are great, especially their amazing dress sense (not sure if they're just *that* cool or its part of a uniform?....) and the Southampton Fog I had was delicious! At the back of the cafe you'll find a funky little second hand shop, all you need to kit yourself out like a trendy staff member! And in the front they're turned the windows into exhibition booths for you to sit and have tea and watch the world go by (or be watched by the world!) This place is right up my street, if I lived in Southampton I'd definitely make it a regular haunt, and for those that are thinking of visiting this port city of recommended heading there as soon as you get off the train!

The Fountain gallery is an asset to Bridge Road. We need somewhere like this. Although it is a…read moresmall shop it is amazingly effective. The premise is that it is a cooperative art gallery. It is collectively run by 18 artists who showcase their work here on alternate times. The Fountain Gallery also have guest artists. Usually each artist is allocated a certain period of time in which to showcase their work. I believe that the times are not fixed. Most artists seem to take it over for about a month. During this time they oversee the gallery, so customers can come and talk to the artists about their work. The art comes in a mixture of forms. Generally it is painted work, most in watercolours, sometimes there are photographers who exhibit their work. Occasionally there are potters. Although the gallery closes at 6, I have often walked past and seen open evenings, it is worth phoning ahead to find out what is on.

If you're a fan of accessible art and like making new discoveries this is a lovely little gallery…read morethat warrants a regular visit. It's a co-operative of many artists so the exhibitions change frequently and, as a bonus, are run by the artists themselves. Come here to enjoy the art in relaxing surroundings, perhaps with a glass of wine to enhance your pleasure. Talk to the artist and buy anything from a postcard to a limited-edition print or even a full-blown oil painting or sculpture. If you want to turn yourself into a work of art you can sometimes buy, or commission, a pretty piece of original jewellery too.