Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Victorian villa turned museum housing an eclectic collection of art and artifacts from around the world. Built in 1901 by Sir Merton Russell-Cotes, the ornate building itself is as interesting as the collections inside. The museum displays everything from Japanese armor to Pre-Raphaelite paintings in period room settings. It sits in Bournemouth's East Cliff, close to the other main sights. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Bournemouth, especially paired with nearby Bournemouth Beach. Tickets cost £8 adult, £6 concession, under 18s free and 2-3 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 2-3 hours Best for: unique combination of ornate victorian Skip if: You prefer modern art galleries or have limited time and want to focus on outdoor activities Cost: £8 adult, £6 concession, under 18s free

You move through opulent Victorian rooms filled with exotic treasures, from suits of samurai armor to ornate furniture and paintings. The building's decorative ceilings, stained glass, and period furnishings transport you to the height of Victorian collecting culture, while large windows offer glimpses of the sea between galleries.

Accessibility: Lift access to most floors, wheelchair accessible toilets, some narrow doorways in period rooms

Unique combination of ornate Victorian architecture and diverse art collections in a clifftop setting with sea views. It is not the first thing you should see in Bournemouth, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with Bournemouth Beach and Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve - together they fill a solid half-day. Mornings are quieter if you want to take your time.

Skip if: You prefer modern art galleries or have limited time and want to focus on outdoor activities

• The cafe has sea views and serves afternoon tea.
• Free guided tours available on Sundays at 2:30pm.
• Parking is very limited - use nearby pay and display streets.

Insider tip: The Japanese Room contains one of the finest collections of Japanese art outside London, assembled during the Victorian era

Photography allowed in most areas, ornate ceilings and room settings make good shots, natural light varies by time of day