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Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Enjoy a private garden tour of this sub-tropical garden sited on the cliff top, overlooking the sea, full of a wide variety of plants from around the globe. East Cliff Hall was the home of Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes. The garden was restored allowing for modern access with areas retaining the original 1901 design conceived by the founders, such as the ivy clad grotto and Japanese influence.

Owner Info

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

About Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

The Russell-Cotes was the home of two Victorian collectors and travel enthusiasts, Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes. In 1901, Merton gave Annie a dream house on a cliff-top, overlooking the sea. It was an extraordinary birthday present – lavish, splendid, and with a touch of fantasy. Merton describes how he resolved to create “a tropical garden” out of the wild sand dunes and “a beauty spot that any English garden lover would desire.” The central lawn featured life-sized classical sculptures and was enclosed by fragrant flower beds. Pathways flowed into a series of mysterious, enclosed plots. Summerhouses were dotted around the steep west bank (now the site of the modern extension wing), which provided opportunities to sit and admire the magnificent views over the Bay. Today the garden is an interesting survival of the Founder’s original intentions melded with the needs of the historic house visitor attraction and inevitable changes through time. Echiums and Roses are of particular interest at this time of year. Admission fee applies to Museum & Art Gallery.

Website:

https://www.russellcotes.com

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum features

Location details

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum,
Bournemouth,
Dorset,
BH1 3AA

Directions to Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Next to the Royal Bath Hotel, 2 mins walk from Bournemouth Pier. The closest car park is Bath Road South. Parking also available on the cliff top.

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum openings

Visit by Arrangement

This garden opens for By Arrangement visits from April to October for groups of between 6 and 15.

Please contact the garden owner to discuss your requirements and arrange a date for a group or bespoke visit.

Admission Adult: £3.00
Child: Free

Accessibility

  • Some gravel paths and no wheelchair access to terrace.
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FAQs

Payment is by cash only. Please get in touch with the owners for more details.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum at this time.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the garden at this time.

There are no plants for sale for the time being.

Yes, one or more routes at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.