Best Arts and Culture Places in Sandbanks

"Opening its doors back in 1939, Southampton City Art Gallery is home to one of the best publicly owned collections in the UK outside of London – 5,300 internationally recognised, high-quality pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings and even photography and film. Ever-changing displays and exhibitions ensure new experiences for the locals, and visitors, on every visit."

"One of the best places to learn about local history is the Dorset County Museum. It is due to reopen sometime in 2021 following a two-year redevelopment. So you can expect a brand-new experience with top-of-the-range facilities."

"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."

"At the New Forest Collective, we bring you the very best our local artisans have to offer including ceramics, jewellery, crafts,... Original Art, Jewellery, Ceramics, Candles, Furniture, Photography, Prints, Yoga Mats, Greetings Cards"

"Westover Gallery is a gallery where you can see the best contemporary art of international and regional artists. You will see the temporary exhibitions of only renowned artists, as well as works of artists that exhibited their arts throughout the world. There are exhibitions of extraordinary talents such as John Wilson, Simon Claridge, Mark Spain and others."

"You can either get into your car and drive to Durdle Door for sunset photo or if you have time you can walk your way there. It isn’t close nor easy, but surely is a great experience with some stunning views of this incredible coast. Take some beers and crisps and enjoy the sun go down sitting on the beach at Durdle Door, see the ray of light painting it and changing the coulor of the sea itself, embrace nature and its incredible, speechless beauty. You are almost done for the day, it’s time for dinner, so drive to Wareham and eat some burgers or sausages and mash at Hall & Woodhouse."

"It’s littered with pebbled beaches, hidden coves, fishing villages, and the famed Durdle Door – a natural limestone arch overlooking the sea. This drive is bound to be one of the highlights of your long road trip in England."

"Take a quick, post-prandial walk along the coast path to Durdle Door, a spectacular, naturally occurring limestone arch and famous geographical wonder."

"The startling, fractured battlements of one of Dorset's most famous landmarks were once home to Sir John Bankes, Charles I’s right-hand man. The Civil War saw the castle besieged by Cromwellian forces; in 1646 the plucky Lady Bankes directed a six-week defence and the castle fell only after being betrayed from within. The Roundheads then gunpowdered Corfe Castle apart; turrets and soaring walls still sheer off at precarious angles – the splayed-out gatehouse looks like it's just been blown up."

"If you prefer your morning jaunt a little more on the dry-side, then skip the splashes and make your way to the iconic Dorset landmark, Corfe Castle. Located just a stone’s throw from the waterpark (the castle is visible from the lake), this half-crumbled monument is one of Britain’s most stoic survivors of the English Civil War. Time may have done its worst, but the castle still, partially, stands, welcoming visitors to explore its fallen walls and secret nooks."

"Once you are done, go back to the car and drive to Corfe where you can once again park for free* at Castle. You can then walk up the castle ruins and enjoy the view from there. It’s pretty impressive. But once you are in Corfe, don’t forget to go to the train station for a short time travel when a on old-style train will pass by."

"These museums will give you enough to do in Bournemouth and Poole while you’re visiting, great for summer days and rainy days!. If you’re bored of museums I’d suggest visiting the Bournemouth Upside Down House for a giggle and then grab something to eat in Bournemouth town. If you’re looking for more Bournemouth attractions do let us know and we’ll try our best to help!"