Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, BH1 3AA

Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Cafe / restaurant
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Facilities for children
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Shop
Lift access is available to all levels of the modern wing (including the Cafe and Shop) and the ground floor of the historic house. The upper floor of the historic house is only accessible by stairs. A tablet with a video tour of the upper floor is available for anyone who cannot manage stairs.
Accessible toilet facilities are available. The closest Changing Places toilet can be found directly across the road in the Marsham Court Hotel.
Trained assistance dogs are welcome in the museum.
For more information on accessibility please visit our website: https://russellcotes.com/accessibility or contact us on 01202 128000 to discuss your requirements.
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is a spectacular Victorian Villa on Bournemouth’s East Cliff, with views looking across our tropical garden to the grand sweep of Poole Bay.
The Historic House is full of paintings, sculptures and treasures from around the world. Built in 1901, it is one of the last great houses of the Victorian period, and was the vision of Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes, who rose from humble origins to become wealthy hoteliers.
Each room and gallery has been designed to impress guests, and the house is displayed as much as possible as Merton and Annie designed. You can discover a huge range of artworks, objects and stories, including Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces; the props of Victorian acting superstar Sir Henry Irving; an unusually large collection of works by female artists for a museum of this age; a room dedicated to Japanese treasures, and much more.
Our main exhibition changes every six months, and is included in the price of admission. Smaller installations are on display at different times throughout the year. More information can be found on our website in the What’s On section.
The Museum also has a charming Cafe serving drinks, snacks, cakes and light lunches. Afternoon Teas are available to be pre-booked online. On sunny days visitors are welcome to enjoy the Terrace Cafe space, with views of the sea. The historic garden is small but wonderful, and full of delightful corners that you will discover as you explore. We also have a Gift Shop full of unique items and souvenirs.
Tours, talks and live background music are on offer on various days throughout the week.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm
Closed Good Friday
Open Bank Holidays
Please check website for other closures
Adult Admission Gift Aided – £9.50
Child Admission Gift Aided – £5.00
Family Admission Gift Aided – £25.00
Child Under 5 – Free
Student Admission Gift Aided – £5.00
Means Tested Benefit Concession – £.4.50
Essential Carer/ Companion – Free
Please see website for additional admission options
Historic House Members, please show cards on arrival for free admission.
We would be delighted to welcome your group. Please contact us at russellcotes@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or on 01202 128000 for enquiries, to make a booking, or for more information on tour and catering options.
We welcome visits from schools, language schools, home education groups, colleges and universities. Please contact us at russellcotes@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or on 01202 128000 for more information.
Lift access is available to all levels of the modern wing (including the Cafe and Shop) and the ground floor of the historic house. The upper floor of the historic house is only accessible by stairs. A tablet with a video tour of the upper floor is available for anyone who cannot manage stairs.
Accessible toilet facilities are available. The closest Changing Places toilet can be found directly across the road in the Marsham Court Hotel.
Trained assistance dogs are welcome in the museum.
For more information on accessibility please visit our website: https://russellcotes.com/accessibility or contact us on 01202 128000 to discuss your requirements.
Getting here
East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, BH1 3AA
By Foot
The Russell-Cotes is on the East Cliff Promenade, just two minutes walk from Bournemouth Pier and ten minutes walk from the town centre.
By Bike
There are bicycle-racks on the East Cliff Promenade next to the Russell-Cotes entrance. Bicycles are not allowed in to the house’s historic garden.
By Bus
The house is situated on the main bus routes with services provided by Morebus, which run from the Travel Interchange every three to four minutes. The journey takes about five minutes.
The bus stop is on Westover Road by the Bournemouth Pavilion.
By Rail
The Russell-Cotes is 1.2 miles from Bournemouth Railway Station (approximately 20 minutes walk). Morebus run busses from the station to Bath Road, most of these routes go from Stand 5.
By Road
Sat nav: BH1 3AA
From London: Take the M25, M3, M27 and A31 to Ringwood. From Ringwood follow the A338 (Wessex Way) to Bournemouth.
From the North & West: Head to the A31/A338 Ashley Heath junction just outside Ringwood and take the A338 (Wessex Way) to Bournemouth.
From the A338 (Wessex Way): Turn onto the A35 (St Paul’s Road). At the roundabout take the third exit (B3066) along Holdenhurst Road. Keep following the signs for the B3066, which will lead on to Bath Road.
Parking
The closest car park is Bath Road South. There is also parking available on the cliff top on East Overcliff Drive, and alternative car parks nearby.
By Coach
There are no facilities onsite for coach parking but coaches can stop on Westover Road outside the Pavilion Theatre to drop off passengers close to the house. Coach parking is available on Queen’s Road, approximately ten minutes away.
By Plane
Bournemouth International Airport is about a twenty minute drive from the town centre. There is an airport shuttle bus which operates between the airport and Bournemouth town centre.
