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Culture Delights

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Culture Breaks

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum • Bournemouth Upper Gardens • Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) / Bournemouth Pavilion • Pavilion Dance South West • Bournemouth Natural Science Society (BNSS) • Shelley Theatre

Day 1:

Start your visit with a trip to one of the UK’s most unique museum houses – the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. This exotic clifftop villa was built by Merton Russell-Cotes as a birthday present for his wife Annie and is filled with beautiful objects from their travels across the globe, as well as a remarkable collection of British art and a year-round exhibition programme. Book a tour or browse at your leisure.

Spend the afternoon strolling through Bournemouth’s historic Upper Gardens, originally laid out as a private garden for the Durrant family in 1860s and themed around three continents – Europe, Asia and North America. With gothic architecture and trees and plant species that date back over 100 years, step back in time to Bournemouth’s Victorian past.

As night falls, catch global music stars at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) concert venue or a West End show at Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre.

Day 2:

As the national dance development organisation for the South West of England, Pavilion Dance South West not only runs classes and participation events but also a programme of shows and exhibitions. Pop in for a coffee, find out what’s on and witness the many ways dance can make a difference to people’s lives.

Heading to Boscombe via the Lansdowne area, stop in at the Bournemouth Natural Science Society (BNSS) and explore a wealth of exhibits and artefacts across all branches of natural science and history. The BNSS runs an extensive programme of lectures, open days, exhibitions and social activities throughout the year.

The celebrated poet, Sir Percy Bysshe Shelley, had a timber theatre built in the grounds of Boscombe Manor but replaced it with a grander performance space in 1870. Today, this is known as the Shelley Theatre and as well as being steeped in history, the Shelley Theatre Trust works hard to deliver a programme of drama, film, dance and live music. Find out what’s on and be part of the project.

For an extra special treat…

Visit in September and you can catch Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival, bringing intriguing, spectacular and sometimes down-right curious arts experiences to the town. A spirited mix of some of the best acts across dance, film, music, visual art, literature, theatre and comedy, the festival utilises some of Bournemouth’s best places and spaces from the traditional to the unexpected.

For further information on accommodation along our beautiful coastline please click the link here or scroll down to view places to stay in and around Bournemouth.

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Bournemouth Beach Lodges

Bournemouth

Stunning, contemporary Lodges, situated on elevated decking just a few steps away from the soft, beautiful sands of Bournemouth beach, offering picturesque uninterrupted sea views

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150 reviews
Thistle Hotel - Poole

Poole

Located directly on Poole quayside with a restaurant overlooking the harbour, this 70 bedroom hotel boasts the most spectacular views of Poole Harbour & is within easy walking distance of Poole town centre, as well as being a great base for…

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1550 reviews
Holiday Inn Bournemouth

Bournemouth

COVID-19 VISITENGLAND WE’RE GOOD TO GO ACCREDITED BUSINESS
- A warm welcome and a smile awaits you at our modern and stylish hotel centrally situated and within easy walking distance of Bournemouth beach, town centre and Bournemouth International…

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46 reviews
Winter Dene Bed and Breakfast

Bournemouth

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Friendly family run Bed & Breakfast in large gardens close to beach and town centre. All rooms en-suite. Excellent Breakfast. Free car parking. Weekly/Special Break tariffs.

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157 reviews
Harewood Haven

Bournemouth

Harewood Haven is an 8-bedroom detached luxury house near the sea. It is conveniently located just a 5-minute drive from Southbourne Beach and 8-10 minute drive from the shops, bars and restaurants of Bournemouth town centre.

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61 reviews
The Queens Hotel & Spa

Bournemouth

Situated in the heart of Bournemouth near the beaches, The Queens Hotel boasts 109 en suite bedrooms and deluxe suites. It also has its own Indoor Leisure Club with a Day Spa & Beauty Clinic.

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Hilton Bournemouth

Bournemouth

Hilton Bournemouth boasts an ideal location just five minutes' walk from the town's beautiful beach and promenade. This modern hotel is within easy reach of the bustling town centre and the BIC.

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Riviera Hotel & Holiday Apartments

Bournemouth

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- Whether you are looking for a fun get-away, a special romantic occasion, a base for exploring Dorset or a family beachside holiday. The Riviera Hotel & Holiday Apartments Bournemouth…

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2290 reviews
New Westcliff Hotel

Bournemouth

Once the Duke of Westminster's summer residences, now a well established, smartly appointed hotel within 500yds of Durley Chine beach.

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The Cumberland Hotel

Bournemouth

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- The Cumberland is a very well-known hotel located in Bournemouth, with 88% of it situated on Bournemouth’s prestigious East Cliff, overlooking miles of golden sandy beaches.

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Best Western Sure Collection East Cliff

Bournemouth

Panoramic views across Bournemouth bay. Set on a clifftop overlooking the beach, the distinctive whitewashed Bournemouth East Cliff Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western is perfect for a traditional seaside family holiday or couples' break.

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1616 reviews
Hotel Collingwood

Bournemouth

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- Situated just a short stroll from the beach and town centre, the privately-owned Hotel Collingwood enjoys a central location in relaxing surroundings, along with delicious dining options.

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New Forest Living

Bideford

New Forest Living offer more than 50 hand-picked holiday cottages to choose from in the New Forest and beyond.

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RNLI College

Poole

Wake up to your very own harbour view, overlooking Holes Bay on Dorset’s magnificent south coast. All of our 60 bedrooms offer a home-from-home experience – with full en-suite facilities, double beds and high speed Wifi as standard.

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1170 reviews
Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa

Christchurch

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- Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa is a relaxed coastal spa retreat, set against the backdrop of spectacular Harbour views.

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2638 reviews
Wareham Forest Tourist Park

Wareham

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- Wareham Forest Tourist Park located within the peaceful Wareham Forest. 55 acre park complete with first class facilities.

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Bournecoast Holiday Agents

Bournemouth

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- With Bournecoast you can choose from a superb selection of properties stretching from Christchurch in the east, to Sandbanks in the west.

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Meadowbank Holidays

Christchurch

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Relax by the river with Meadowbank holidays. We offer luxury Rose award caravans and touring pitches on spotless riverside parks. Our superb position between Bournemouth and Christchurch…

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209 reviews

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