Originally a birthday present, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth is a fantastic attraction for groups, with an unusual back story and fascinating collections. And the CPT coach-friendly town has even more to offer coach groups, as Jessica Sludds finds out
What would you buy your partner for their birthday? Jewellery? Or maybe flowers or a trip away? How about a lavish dream house on a clifftop in Bournemouth?
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum was originally a birthday present from Merton Russell-Cotes to his wife Annie – their very own seaside villa.
Now a group-friendly attraction, Merton Russell-Cotes’ generous gift to his wife can be enjoyed by future generations.
Sealed in time
Merton, then the owner of the Royal Bath Hotel in Bournemouth, commissioned the architect John Frederick Fogerty to build the house in 1897. Originally called East Cliff Hall, the house was built in the northeast section of the hotel’s garden.
The house was completed in its first form in 1901, and Merton and Annie began filling it with objects they collected from their travels across the world and a collection of British art.
The couple donated East Cliff Hall and its contents as a museum to the town of Bournemouth in 1908, but continued to live in part of the house. Over the next 10 years they paid for an extension to be built and made further donations, including the freehold of the site.
The Borough of Bournemouth took over the running of the house after Annie and Merton’s deaths and it was re-opened as the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in 1922. Since then, further extensions of the house have been opened.
Victorian hoarders
Each room of the house is brimming with items collected by the couple during their travels, especially to Japan.
The main hall has a remarkable collection of high Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art, including many works by female artists. It even has a water fountain and stained glass in the roof, which features signs of the Zodiac.
Sir Henry Irving was a friend of the Russell-Coteses and when Irving died in 1905, one room was dedicated to him. The Irving Room exhibits items purchased at the sale of Irving’s effects and objects donated by members of the public and the theatrical profession.
Visitors are advised to look up as beautifully intricate decoration adorns the ceilings.
Stunning views along the Dorset coastline can also be enjoyed in the Conservatory or the Red Room.
Changing exhibitions
The history of the property and its contents alongside contemporary exhibitions makes the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum an ideal and versatile attraction for groups with different interests.
The house has three purpose-built art galleries and, since the deaths of Annie and Merton, the collections have continuously grown, meaning the collection is extensive as well as fascinating.
Twice-yearly exhibitions of contemporary art support works from the main collection, and this active exhibition programme means there will always be something new for returning visitors to see.
For groups
The art gallery and museum is open Tuesday-Sunday 1000hrs-1700hrs and Bank Holiday Mondays.
Admission for pre-booked groups of nine or more is £5pp, which includes GiftAid. Guided tours are also available at an additional cost and last an hour.
There is no coach parking at the property, but a coach drop-off point is located about five minutes’ walk away. The walk up to the house is on an incline.
Light refreshments can be pre-ordered and enjoyed in the café – or the morning room can be booked for a fee. Breakfast, lunches and afternoon tea are also available at the onsite Urban Renaissance Café.
The galleries, café and most of the historic house are accessible by a lift, but the upper ground floor of East Cliff Hall can only be accessed by stairs.
There is an art shop which stocks a variety of gifts and souvenirs, including fine art prints, books, jewellery, toys and greetings cards.
- For more information about the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum call 01202 451858, email r-c.enquiries@bournemouth.gov.uk, or visit russellcotes.com
- Further information about Bournemouth can be found out bournemouth.co.uk
Other attractions
Oceanarium: The aquarium is located on the seafront and offers visitors a journey around the waters of the world with 10 recreated environments, including the Amazon, Key West, the Mediterranean, and the Great Barrier Reef. It also has a new penguin enclosure and sea view terrace.
Hengistbury Head: An outstanding site for wildlife and archaeology, offering beautiful beaches and views across the New Forest, Isle of Wight and Purbecks. Access is easy for all ages and abilities and there are three cafés nearby. The reserve is easy to find your way around, but maps are available for £1 at the Visitor Centre.
Town centre gardens: Bournemouth’s Gardens are split into three areas of Victorian beauty- starting with the Lower Gardens, adjacent to the sea and leading to the Central Gardens in the town centre, and then the Upper Gardens. Groups can take a beautiful walk from the seafront through these gardens for 1.5 miles and take in the many trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials from around the world, planted to provide interest throughout the year.
Bournemouth Pier: One side of the Pier Approach has been re-landscaped, complete with a new year-round Tourist Information Centre and water play feature. On the pier is the RockReef Activity Centre, which is an all year, all weather adventure activity attraction. It hosts the PierZip Line – the first shore zipwire.
Beaulieu: Here groups can see the National Motor Museum’s collection of over 250 vehicles. There is also the Palace House, the 13th century Abbey, beautiful gardens, World of Top Gear, and On Screen Cars. Groups can enhance their visit with a tailored tour and see the sights from the high-level Monorail and replica 1912 London Bus.
