Totem Pole

The Totem Pole gallery sits in Skelmersdale, and it's exactly the sort of place you'd walk past and wonder what's inside. It's a proper contemporary art space - nothing stuffy about it - with rotating exhibitions that actually make you think rather than nod politely and move on.

What you're looking at depends on when you visit, but the space itself is worth the trip. Clean lines, decent lighting, and the kind of layout that doesn't feel cramped even when it's busy. Local and regional artists get good billing here, which means you'll often find work that's genuinely rooted in Lancashire rather than London-centric.

It works best for anyone who gets a kick out of contemporary stuff - not the crowd who needs a gift shop and a cafe. You could spend anything from 45 minutes to two hours here depending on what's on. The venue attracts serious art people and casual browsers alike, though families with restless kids might find it a bit thin on interactive elements.

If you're staying at The Secret Garden Glamping nearby, it's only a short drive into Skelmersdale proper, so pairing it with the gallery makes a decent morning before heading back for lunch. Check ahead for opening hours and what's currently showing - venues like this shift their schedule seasonally. Admission details aren't readily available online, so ring ahead to be sure.