The Royal Bath Hotel has launched a collaboration with the Russell-Cotes Museum and Art Gallery to welcome new visitors to the landmark.
BOURNEMOUTH, March 2026 – The historic Royal Bath Hotel & Spa has announced a new partnership to celebrate its rich heritage with an exclusive discount at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum.
Perched at the top of the East Cliff, the Royal Bath Hotel has remained a cornerstone of Bournemouth’s skyline for over a century. The estate’s history began in 1876 when it was purchased by Sir Merton Russell-Cotes, the future Mayor of Bournemouth. Under his ownership, the hotel became one of Europe’s finest establishments, hosting a roster of prestigious guests – including King Edward VII, the King and Queen of Sweden and Oscar Wilde – a distinction that eventually secured its ‘Royal’ title.
In 1901, Sir Merton built a house of great beauty adjacent to the hotel as a 66th birthday gift for his wife, Annie. As the family were avid world travellers and passionate collectors, the home was designed to showcase their curated collection of treasures. The house would later become the Russell-Cotes Museum, leaving behind a legacy for their family and the people of Bournemouth.
To honour their vision and introduce a new generation to this landmark, guests staying at the Royal Bath can benefit from an exclusive 10% off admission fees; a rare opportunity to see the museum’s unique collection at a special rate.
Now an Elite Venue Selection hotel, the Royal Bath Hotel & Spa offers a premier guest experience alongside stunning gardens and panoramic views of the Bournemouth coastline. Located just steps from the iconic pier and town centre, the hotel blends modern leisure amenities with the preservation of its grand historic features.
Jane Heath, Head of Sales at Elite Venue Selection, commented: “We’re thrilled to be working alongside the Russell-Cotes Museum to offer our guests an even closer connection to the area’s rich history. Located just moments from the museum, the Royal Bath Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore what the area has to offer. We look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come, with several exciting events already in the pipeline.”
Ruaidhri O’Mahony, Visitor Services Team Leader at Russell-Cotes Museum, commented: “It’s been fantastic to collaborate with the Royal Bath Hotel and to share our collection with audiences who may not have visited us before. Here at Russell-Cotes, we’re often opening new exhibitions for our visitors to enjoy, including our highly anticipated Flower Fairies exhibition opening at the end of March, making us a must-visit destination even for returning guests. We’ve seen a really positive uptake of the discount since we launched back in December, and we can’t wait to welcome even more of the Royal Bath’s guests through our doors.”
Flower Fairies™: Enchantment by the Sea runs at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum from 28 March until 4 October 2026
