Dorset Museums: Bournemouth

Bournemouth Aviation Museum

Hangar 600, Bournemouth Airport, Christchurch, Dorset (Tel: 01202 580858, Web: www.aviation-museum.co.uk)

The aviation museum contains a unique collection of ex-military and civilian aircraft, some of which still fly. On display are a Meteor, Hunter, Vampire, Jet Provost, BAC-111, Buccaneer, 1934 Dragon Rapide and the world's last flying Sea Vixen. Open all year, although times vary.

Museum of Electricity

The Old Power Station, Bargates, Christchurch, Dorset (Tel: 01202 480467)

This museum is set in an Edwardian power station and contains unique displays of electrical items ranging from a Bournemouth tram car to boot warmers. Open from Monday to Thursday from April to the end of September plus Fridays during school holidays. Admission charges apply.

Red House Museum and Gardens

Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset (Tel: 01202 482860)

The museum contains a variety of objects with local and social historical interest, period costumes, and displays on geology, natural history and archaeology. There is a formal garden with culinary and medicinal herbs and a secluded informal garden with old fashioned roses and uncommon trees and shrubs. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday afternoons, as well as the spring and summer Bank Holidays. There is no admission charge.

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum

East Cliff, Bournemouth, Dorset (Tel: 01202 451800, Web: www.russell-cotes.bournemouth.gov.uk)

Bournemouth's award-winning museum and art gallery was once the home of Sir Merton and Lady Russell-Cotes and it houses fascinating collections from their travels around the world. There is a world-famous Victorian art collection as well as Japanese art and artefacts, a delightful family gallery and restored Victorian gardens. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission charges apply.

The Waterfront Museum

Poole, Dorset (Tel: 01202 262600)

Poole Museum has just undergone a major redevelopment thanks to a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The front of the building has been transformed by a new glass and steel structure designed by award-winning architects Horden Cherry Lee, and the light-filled glass atrium creates a stunning new entrance with a viewing terrace on the third floor to provide visitors with an orientation point and views across Poole and the harbour. The museum tells the story of two thousand years of Poole's history and the new displays enable greater access to the collections and feature objects seen for the first time, including the iron-age log boat.