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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 October 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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Mayfair Hotel

Bournemouth

Mayfair hotel on Bath Road is ideally situated with only a short walk to the beach and shops in Bournemouth. It has a substantial car park offering free parking for Hotel guests.

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Riverside Park

Christchurch

Riverside Park is a friendly family run business comprising of 9 self- catering town houses furnished to a high standard and equipped with everything to make the most of your stay.

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44 reviews
The Suncliff Hotel

Bournemouth

Located on the seafront overlooking Bournemouth Bay. Situated on Bournemouth’s prestigious East Cliff, this premier hotel is within easy walking distance of stunning blue flag beaches, award winning gardens and the vibrant town centre.

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2576 reviews
Avon Breeze

Christchurch

Avon Breeze is our contemporary home offering quiet relaxing accommodation in Mudeford. It is open to adult guests for bed and an award winning breakfast serving (when possible) locally sourced organic food and a selection of fresh foods.

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41 reviews
Riviera Hotel & Holiday Apartments

Bournemouth

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 offers you an enjoyable and relaxing time.

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2188 reviews
Riviera Hotel and Holiday Apartments

Bournemouth

Set in the heart of Alum Chine, only two minutes’ walk from the Alum Chine Blue Flag beaches, the Riviera Holiday Apartments provide the comfort, privacy and freedom of your own home with all the services of a hotel.

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2186 reviews
The Trouville Hotel

Bournemouth

A 77-bedroom hotel situated in the centre of Bournemouth, 200yds from the Bournemouth International Conference Centre.

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Captain's Club Hotel & Spa

Christchurch

Join us for 4 star accommodation, delicious dining, an award-winning spa, and beautiful views over the River Stour.

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New Forest Living

Bideford

Relaxing luxury cottages perfect for that getaway break, from family friendly cottages to something a little more romantic in the New Forest and beyond.

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