Best Arts and Culture Places in Isle of Wight

"At the Art Deco Civic Centre complex, the Southampton City Art Gallery was established in 1939. The gallery holds a ” Designated Collection”, considered one of the strongest in the South of England, made up of 5,000 works spanning eight centuries. The bulk of these pieces are by luminaries of 20th-century and contemporary British painting, sculpture and photography, like members of the Camden Town Group and the London Group, as well as Richard Long, Tony Cragg and Richard Deacon."

"Portsmouth Museum gives you an idea of what it was like to live in Portsmouth at different times in history. Galleries include 'Living in Portsmouth,' 'No Place Like Pompey' and 'Portsmouth at Play'. You can also visit Portsmouth Museum to find out more about Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes."

"Finally, the New Forest Heritage Centre is a free museum and gallery dedicated to sharing the history and traditions of this beautiful National Park. For families there are plenty of hands on exhibitions – lift the flaps of the family fun tree to see what creepy crawlies lurk beneath. Or have fun and walk through the giant trunk and match the animals with their tracks."

"Location: At the eastern end of the main car park in Lyndhurst (the car park is straight off Lyndhurst High Street).Telephone: 02380 283444Remarks: A great place to start your New Forest visit is this official Museum and Visitor Centre. Includes detailed Forest information, picture gallery, library and gift shop."

"The New Forest Centre in Lyndhurst runs a fascinating programme of New Forest themed exhibitions and events throughout the year and is crammed with interesting information about the region."

"Welcome to GHT – A brand new arts and heritage venue at the entrance to Southampton’s fascinating Old Town. Join us for inspirational art, stunning rooftop views and 700 years of history. Explore and discover the fascinating history of GHT, with…"

"Named after an honorary graduate and benefactor of Southampton University, learning is at the heart of everything the John Hansard Gallery does, and has been since it opened in 1979. Based at the University of Southampton, this is one of the finest places to view some superb contemporary and visual works, by both young, up-and-coming talents and major international artists. You can explore beautiful exhibitions showcasing the diversity of art, from solo pieces to historical surveys, paintings, sculptures and photography."

"The Spinnaker Cafe in Broad Street, formerly the Old Slipway Cafe. This traditional cafe serves a variety of cooked breakfasts as well as sandwiches and drinks. Open for breakfast and brunch, this is a cosy, friendly cafe with a maritime inspired interior, a great spot if you are on a stroll around Old Portsmouth."

"This cafe in Broad Street, Old Portsmouth is one of the most child-friendly in the city. It has 4.5 star rating on Tripadvisor based on 328 reviews. One person wrote: 'great service and very child friendly'."