The Red House Museum was built as a poorhouse (completed 1764) to house the ‘numerous poor of the parish’. Over a hundred years later the building was sold to the Reverend Bush, who named the building the ‘’Red House’ after the colour of the bricks. In the early 20th century the property passed into the hands of the Druitt family and it was Herbert Druitt’s collections of artefacts and books that formed the basis of the Museum’s displays.

In 1971, Hampshire County Council (HCC) took on the role of sole trustee and in 1974, following changes in the County boundaries, Hampshire and Dorset County Councils and Christchurch Borough Council entered into a joint management agreement that continues to this day.

The Museum aims to tell the history of the locality and over the years has developed new and specialised galleries that interpret various aspects of Christchurch’s rich history. The gardens, laid out in the 1950’s have acted as a backdrop to the museum and as a venue for garden parties and family activities over the years.

The Museum is open throughout the year, Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 2pm – 5pm The Museum also opens on Bank Holiday Mondays, 10am – 5pm.