Swanage is quite an arty place, and has a couple of galleries (see also Mulberry Tree). Quarr…read moreGallery is very central, and has a good range of paintings, prints and cards. They stock work by a number of painters, mostly local. There's nothing edgy or abstract here, but we liked the work of Steve Read. His beach hut pictures use a limited palette, reminiscent of old railway posters.

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!

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.

Love it. Beautiful and colorful art. Great location, friendly people…read more What a lovely greeting with a glass of chilled prosecco while browsed and felt under no pressure to buy. But we did. Great friendly staff and some quirky pieces of art

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.

I go into this shop all of the time, hoping that I'll find something that I just have to have. The…read moreshop is filled with clothes - some gypsy, funky, very girly stuff with all kinds textures to the fabrics. I think every outfit in the place makes some kind of statement. I just haven't found a statement that I'd like to make with any of it yet. There are some beautiful things here though, with price tags to go with them. There is lots of jewelry and some greeting cards, and gift type things. What I really love is the little chandeliers that hang by the stairs on display, and the huge selection of fun scarves. There are lots of pillows upstairs that deserve a good look. Some are just beautiful. I can spend hours in this shop. The staff tend to be stand-offish, although not really unfriendly. I've been frequenting this shop for over a year and have not yet had someone ask to help.

Look a bit like a shop with pictures bunged in it rather than a gallery. I would expect a lot more…read morefrom such a grand sounding name. A few of the pictures were ok but not a place I'd rave about.