Russell-Cotes Museum

The Russell-Cotes Museum (formally, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum) is one the most popular museums in the city. Located atop the East Cliff it offers a diverse collection of furniture, an art gallery and specially designed children’s section. The museum was originally built for Merton Russell-Cotes’ wife as a birthday present from him to her, designed by the architect John Frederick Fogerty. It was completed in 1907 and then given a year later by Ms Russel-Cotes to the town, which significantly added to the fine art collection of Bournemouth, an act which made them both freemen of the town.

As well as fine art, the museum also houses items collected during Merton Russel-Cotes many foreign travels to Asia. There are specially designed activates for children to explore the museum as ‘detectives’ mirroring the exploring work of Sir Russel-Coates himself.

The Beach

Being an island, Britain of course has many beaches to offer tourists. However, few match up to the beauty and size of Bournemouth beach. Indeed no other beach has won as many awards as this one, with its beautiful golden sands stretching out as far as the eye can see. The water off the coast is also crystal blue and the location on the South coast makes the conditions some of the warmest you’ll find in the UK. The beach authorities have also made sure that all can use the beach, with wheel chair access via ramps and land trains which run to the cliff tops. Very soon, an artificial reef will be introduced of the coast to provide the perfect surfing conditions, adding further to the charm of the area. For those less adventures among us, a comfortable stroll along the sea front followed by some relaxation on a deck chair with an ice-cream might be more appropriate as one can soak up the sun and gaze out to sea.

Castles and Staley Homes

The area around the city is rich with a number of historically fascinating and beautiful castles and Stately homes, most of which can be visited thought the year. Athelhampton House was built during the 15th Century and is set amidst stunning Grade I listed gardens, which have been awarded many honours over the years. Meanwhile the awe inspiring Sherborne Castle is also well worth a visit; it was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and has been the home of the Digby family since 1617. The castle is located in the middle of 40 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, including a 50 acre lake. Visitors to the castle will find collections of art and furniture which will leave them as thrilled as the castle itself. Or maybe you might want to wonder around Mompesson House, which provides an opportunity to experience a bygone age in tranquil gardens.

Swanage Railway

If you want to spend a relaxing time experiencing the entertainment of Dorset's premier standard gauge preserved steam railway then Swanage Railway is just the ticket. The six miles of track run through the gorgeous Isle of Purbeck and pass by the stunning ruins of Corfe Castle on the way to Norden. But this sight is more than just a tourist attraction, it’s a genuine attempt to revive an old rail link and bring into working use for the people of the region. Consequently as the project develops the timetables are changing, so be sure to plan ahead if you plan to ride on this evolving piece of history.

Adventure Wonderland

Located out of town close to the airport, this attraction is one for those with a young family. The rides and this themed park are aimed at primary school children and offer both indoor and out door activities. Different parts of the park are themed in different ways, such as ‘pirate’, ‘explorer’, ‘astronaut’ or ‘cowboy’, but all parts of the park are linked together meaning that one ticket is valid for all of the attractions.

All Fired Up Ceramics Café

If you want to leave Bournemouth with your own hand made souvenir then you might want to have a go at pottery painting at the All Fired Up Ceramics Café. Their only rule is that 'Everything's a work of art and everyone's an artist' so don’t worry if you’ve never tried your hand at it before. The pottery is of high quality and so is the company, so sit, paint, enjoy the conversation and come away with something completely unique.

Corfe Castle Model Village

If you’ve taken a ride on the Swanage Railway then you will have passed trough the ruins of Corfe Castle. But if you would like to experience what it was like in all its glory circa 1646 and 1/20th of the size then head on over to Corfe Castle Model Village. Everything is there, including the landscaped gardens, so you can feel like a giant pounding round your own miniature estate. This attraction was opened in 1966, an initiative of a local business man, and has continued to prove a popular attraction ever since.

Bournemouth Pier

The first signs of Bournemouth Pier appeared in 1856, when it was a short wooden jetty. However this was soon replaced by a much longer wooden pier under the design of George Rennie in 1861. This was unfortunately attacked by Teredo worm and then a gale which rendered it unusable. Repairs helped the pier back on its feet again until another gale swept it away. The new Bournemouth Pier was opened by the Lord Mayor of London, designed by the famous pier builder Eugenius Birch and completed in 1880.

However much of this third pier was dismantled by the army in the Second World War because of fear of it being able to help any German invasion. Rebuilt and restored to its current glory after the war, the pier now houses a theatre and is a wonderful place for a stroll to look back and the beautiful sands or out into the English Channel.

The Pleasure Gardens

The Pleasure Gardens are an important landmark in the city and have a history which dates right back to the town’s origins. The gardens include a war memorial, guarded by two stone lions a complex of retirement homes and a remarkable chapel. The Town Hall is also nestled within its bosom (although this used to be a hotel). On a quiet Sunday one can almost be taken back to the 19th Century when people came here to get better form their ailments; it’s a brilliant place for those indeed of a refreshing natural pepping up.