Russel Coates House is a prestigious art gallery and museum in Bournemouth. It is one of TripAdvisor’s best rated attractions in Dorset and a must visit during your stay at our camping and caravan park in Poole. It is the perfect rainy day activity and well suited to families with young children. In the holidays the team host a range of craft sessions and workshops as well as guided tours and trails.

Collections

The museum is home to an impressive collection of souvenirs from across the world. As you walk around the exhibits you can admire a range of artwork from some of histories greats. Museum founders Merton and Annie were particularly fond of landscapes, biblical and mythological scenes. These themes are present in much of the earlier artwork, which dates back hundreds of years.

Garden

The garden at Russell-Cotes is just as impressive as the building’s interior. It was designed to be a tranquil haven for the owners to relax. Today, the gardens are open to the public and have a tropical feel. There are plenty of quiet spots to rest and collect your thoughts. We’re particularly fond of the Japanese garden. The ornamental fish ponds and fountains look idyllic on a sunny day.

Afternoon tea

As an extra special treat, why not book afternoon tea for two at the Russell-Cotes cafe? Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, scones and sweet treats on the terrace, while soaking up the sun. From this elevated position you can enjoy fabulous views over the gardens and out to sea.

If you don’t fancy something quite so extravagant, there are a range of light bites, cakes and refreshments in the cafe.

Getting to Russel-Cotes

Russell-Cotes house is situated in a central location, just a couple of minutes walk from Bournemouth Pier. It can be enjoyed as part of a day out in Bournemouth or a standalone activity. The drive only takes 30 minutes and there’s parking available at Bath Road South. Alternatively, you can make the journey by bike or bus.

Header image credit: Alex Liivit, Flickr