The Living Room

The Living Room in Poole is a gallery space that trades in contemporary work - paintings, sculptures, installations, the lot. It's the kind of place where local artists get proper exposure rather than being shunted to a church basement, and the work on show tends to shift regularly enough to warrant a second visit if you're in the area.

The space itself is bright and unpretentious. You won't need more than an hour here unless you're the type to read every wall note and sit with a single piece for twenty minutes, which is fine - that's rather the point of it. The crowd tends toward art students, curious locals, and people who've stumbled in while exploring Poole town centre. It rewards a quiet afternoon between other plans rather than demanding a pilgrimage on its own.

Admission is free, which removes any pressure to feel you've got your money's worth. That said, check ahead before you travel as opening hours aren't universally published. It sits within spitting distance of Poole's other attractions - the quay, the museum, various cafes - so it slots in well to a broader day out. If you're camped at Parkdean Resorts Sandford or Hunter's Moon nearby, it's close enough to pop into town without overthinking it. Worth a look, but don't rearrange your itinerary for it.