Visit the Russell Cotes Museum
Even if you usually find art galleries and museums dull, the Russell Cotes Museum is anything but. The turret-covered mansion overlooks the beach, and its candy cane canopies and green walls reflect the extroverted personality of Merton Russell-Cotes, the eccentric businessman who built it.
The interior design is just as quirky. There are rooms inspired by Russell-Cotes’ global travels, including an Alhambra-themed alcove and a gallery filled with his souvenirs from Japan. Linger around to admire these, as well as a fine collection of 20th century artworks and interactive, hands-on exhibits designed with kids in mind.
ADDRESS:Bournemouth BH1 3AD, UK
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Trace the Paths of Famous Authors
Culture vultures love Bournemouth, and the town has been home to many a famous author. J.R.R. Tolkien retired here, Robert Louis Stevenson published "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" while convalescing here, Lawrence and Gerald Durrell grew up here, and "Frankenstein" author Mary Shelley is buried here.
Blue plaques are dotted around Bournemouth, showing where these talented writers once lived and worked. Seek them out and walk the streets of town at the same time. Highlights include the Shelley Theatre, St. Peter’s Church (where the Shelley family grave is), Skerryvore Garden (Robert Louis Stevenson’s former grounds), and the Art Deco Bournemouth Echo building, where travel writer Bill Bryson began his journalistic career.