Mermaid Tail

The Mermaid Tail gallery in Poole is an odd little spot that shouldn't work half as well as it does. It's essentially a collection of mermaid-themed art and curiosities - think paintings, sculptures, and installations celebrating everyone's favourite mythical sea creature. The space has that handmade, labour-of-love quality you don't often find in proper galleries. You're looking at maybe an hour here, longer if you're genuinely into the subject matter, which means it works best as an add-on rather than a day in itself.

Families with young kids will find the visual storytelling engaging enough, though teenagers might roll their eyes. It's the kind of place that appeals to people who appreciate quirkiness over conventional art-world gravitas - which is precisely why it's worth a look. Poole's waterfront location means you can easily pair this with a walk along the harbour or a visit to the nearby museums if you want to make an afternoon of it.

If you're based at Meadowbank Holidays just up the road, this fills a rainy-day gap nicely without eating into your time. Haven Rockley Park and Dorset Glamping are also close enough for a quick trip. Do phone ahead though - opening times aren't widely advertised, and you'll want to check admission costs before making the journey. It's the sort of independent venture that keeps irregular hours.