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.

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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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