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.

The Russell-Cotes Café serves a delicious range of light lunches, teas, coffees, and cakes.