The First Gallery

The First Gallery sits quietly in Southampton, a proper working gallery that takes itself seriously without any of the stuffiness you'd expect. It's contemporary art, so if you're the type who likes a bit of challenge with your viewing, this is your kind of place. The space itself is bright and uncluttered - they've clearly thought about how to show work rather than just cramming the walls.

You'll spend anything from forty minutes to two hours here depending on what's on and how much time you want to spend with each piece. There's usually a mix of painting, sculpture, and installation work from emerging artists and established names. It's free to get in, which is always welcome, though they appreciate donations if something speaks to you.

This works best for the art crowd - serious collectors, art students, anyone who actually enjoys contemporary practice rather than just ticking off gallery visits. If you're with teenagers who might be interested in visual culture, they won't find it boring. Young kids will probably drain their enthusiasm within half an hour, so plan accordingly.

It's a solid stop if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Sunnydale Farm or Mercury Holiday Park, both within a couple of miles. Pair it with a walk along Southampton's waterfront and you've got a decent afternoon sorted. The town itself has decent enough shops and cafes to kill time if you need padding between activities.