Famous for its miles of long sandy beaches and warm sea temperatures, Bournemouth makes the perfect holiday destination for young and old alike.
Whether you’re going away with the family, with your spouse, or by yourself, Bournemouth boasts some of the best that the Dorset coast has to offer.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the top things to do in Bournemouth so you can start planning your seaside holiday break today.
1. Sunbathe on Bournemouth Beach
Bournemouth Beach is arguably the UK’s best beach, having been named number 1 in the UK on TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2019 for Best Beaches. Set under a majestic cliff line, the beach boasts some seven miles of golden sand, with some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK.
Needless to say, it’s the perfect spot to pitch your windbreak and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the seaside. It’s a delightful spot at any time of year. Take a picnic and make sure you spend at least an afternoon at this fantastic award-winning beach. Alternatively, stay in Bay Savoy Hotel or Hotel Riviera By the Sea and have your breakfast overlooking this beautiful spot. One of our all-time favourite things to do in Bournemouth!
2. Follow the Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail
Bournemouth & Poole Tourism came together with local artists to create a collection of murals that make the perfect backdrop for your selfies. The trail stretches from Sandbanks to Southbourne and can be followed by foot, bike or land train.
Some of the artists involved in the trail were Iain Alexander, Dairo Vargas, Owain Nicholls and Krishna Malla. The artwork is brilliant, and the trail is perfect to help you take in the coastline and the surrounding countryside. And, of course, it provides some great photo opportunities to show off about what a great holiday you’re having!
3. Take the West Cliff Lift down to the beach
Built in 1908, the West Cliff Lift runs from the Bournemouth International Centre down to the seafront. It offers easy access to the beach along with beautiful views of the coastline. As it runs on tracks, it’s classed as a light railway and operates every day between Easter and the end of October.
A classic funicular railway, the West Cliff lift is a charming relic of 19th-century engineering, and an essential part of any trip to the popular and sandy West Cliff beach. No trip to the seaside is complete without it.
4. Go crazy at Mighty Claws Adventure Golf
Brave your way through eighteen holes as you face near life-size dinosaurs and prehistoric thrills. Travel through the magical kingdom of ancient landscapes in an unforgettable adventure.
Mighty Claws Adventure Golf is an impressive crazy golf course by anyone’s standards. A great morning or afternoon out - whether you’re with family or friends - you simply can’t go wrong with a round of crazy golf in this whacky spot. Pick up some lunch while you’re there at The Kitchen Club.
5. Hire a bike at Kool Cycle Hire
The perfect way to explore the town for the first time is to cycle along the seafront and follow the coastal trails. Kool Cycle Hire have a range of bikes available from mountain bikes, to Dutch Style Amsterdamers, and Children’s cycles. Bikes can be collected from the unit or delivered to your hotel.
With bike hire services like Kool Cycle, it’s super easy to get out on two-wheels. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking to try something different, what better way to take in the views that Bournemouth has to offer?
6. Go on an underwater adventure at the Oceanarium
A fun-filled morning or afternoon out whatever the weather, the Oceanarium is filled with hundreds of different creatures from Blacktip Reef Sharks to African Dwarf Crocodiles.
Home to ten playful Humboldt Penguins, each with their own personality, make sure you check out the Oceanarium’s Penguin Beach Encounter which has been custom built to represent the birds’ natural habitat.
A must for any animal lovers, the Oceanarium is also a great way to stay dry if the weather turns. But be warned, it can get busy! If you need to take a break, you can pick up light bites and refreshments from Offshore Café, or Bay View Terrace, which also offers fantastic views over Bournemouth Bay.
7. Learn about the world of aviation at the Bournemouth Aviation Museum
A memorable and educational day out, the Bournemouth Aviation Museum features interactive exhibits and aircraft cockpits that you can sit in. From the Vulcan Bomber to the Boeing 737-200, the exhibition offers an impressive range of historic planes for you to discover.
Offering a fun and engaging way to learn about history and the development of aeroplane technology, Bournemouth Aviation Museum is a rare, not-to-be-missed experience, and one of the best family-friendly things to do in Bournemouth. Head down to this fantastic museum for a fun-filled and educational family trip that will interest young and old alike.
8. Visit Bournemouth Pier
Since the boom of seaside resorts across the UK in the Victorian period, the pier has been a focal point in many seaside towns. Bournemouth is no exception. Visited by over half a million people each year, Bournemouth Pier is filled with things to do including a zip wire, indoor climbing walls and vertical drop slide.
No seaside break is complete without a trip to the pier, just a few minutes walk from the classically styled Royal Bath Hotel, so make sure you pop along to take in the sea air and views. You can also shop for souvenirs at the pier beach shop or refuel at RockReef café, which serves a selection of light bites, pizzas and ice cream.
9. Discover a Victorian House at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
One of the last Victorian houses built in England, the Russell-Cotes, East Cliff Hall was the home of Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes. Construction of the building began in 1897 and was completed in 1901. Give yourself a couple of hours to explore the incredible architecture and exquisite décor of the house.
As well at the house, at Russell-Cotes you can explore four art galleries, and extensive gardens. Make sure you see the Victorian stone grotto and fountain, and Japanese Garden, too. The house also has a café which serves teas, coffees, cakes and light lunches. One of Bournemouth’s hidden gems!
10. Take a ride on an afternoon tea bus
Frieda’s Teabus is a kitsch and luxurious café in a double-decker bus. Enjoy incredible views of the Bournemouth coast, as you tuck into a sumptuous afternoon tea. The 90-minute tour starts at Bournemouth Pier and travels to Boscombe Pier with amazing views of the ocean. Stops are available as the journey proceeds along the coast, so you can step out and enjoy the fresh sea air.
At £30 a head for adults, the retro-style bus experience is a special treat if you’re looking for a spot of luxury. What could be better than enjoying afternoon tea while you take in Bournemouth’s views? The bus caters for vegetarian, pescetarian, and gluten-free diets.
11. Go for a stroll around Bournemouth Upper Gardens
Originally designed as private gardens before they were taken over by Bournemouth Council, the Bournemouth Upper Gardens are split into three sections with different themes.
The first section has a European theme, the second has an Asian theme, and the third is themed on plant species from North America. The Upper Gardens are home to many interesting tree species, many of which are over one hundred years old.
Whether you need a break from a lively week, or if you’re just looking for a moment’s peace, Bournemouth Upper Gardens is the perfect spot to get away for a quiet afternoon stroll and a picnic.
12. Enjoy the thrills at Paultons Family Theme Park
Home to over seventy rides and attractions, Paultons Family Theme Park is the perfect day out for all the family. It houses the one and only Peppa Pig World with photo opportunities available with characters from the show. Rated amongst the top theme parks in the UK on TripAdvisor, Paultons Park offers five rollercoasters, a log flume, go karts, teacups, a Victorian carousel, and much more.
If fairground rides aren’t your thing, then head over to Little Africa to see a range of different animals, including meerkats, the fennec fox, and African crested porcupines. A guaranteed hit for the kids, and the young at heart.
13. Make a splash at Splashdown Poole
Splashdown Poole is an action water park with thirteen indoor and outdoor flume rides, and three under 5’s splash areas. Brave the new infinity ride with a high-speed drop, music and lighting to create a disco atmosphere.
Since opening in 1990, Splashdown has become a popular attraction in Dorset. Today, it attracts around 180,000 visitors a year. Prepare yourself for a loud, wet, and thrilling few hours at this fun-filled water park!
14. Absorb the atmosphere at St Peter’s Church
St Peter’s Church is a striking and beautiful church located in the centre of Bournemouth. It’s well worth a visit to admire its architecture and bathe for a
few moments in the tranquillity of the place. The church boasts a magnificent spire, stained glass windows, and a number of murals and paintings.
St Peter’s Church has consistently attracted visitors of all religions and none over the decades. Make sure you pop in to see why, and support this remarkable piece of living history. The graveyard is the site where Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein is buried - along with a few other notable people. There’s also a small coffee shop to grab some refreshments on your way out.
15. Learn how to surf
Bournemouth has been called ‘the California of the South Coast,’ and with its history, it’s the perfect place to try out this beautiful sport. Although the famous artificial reef installed by the council has been left to fall into disrepair, there are still some great spots to catch waves, especially in the winter months. And in fact, Bournemouth is known for its surf.
If you’ve never tried surfing before, then why not check out surf schools like Surf Steps. Located on Bournemouth beach, Surf Steps is an experienced surf school that is made up of Accredited Professional Surf Instructors and Qualified Lifeguards. They offer a selection of different courses to suit people of all ages and abilities. If you fancy something new, then surfing can be a great activity for all the family.
16. Go wild at Dorset Adventure Park
Dorset Adventure Park is a fun-filled outdoor adventure experience, featuring a woodland aqua assault course spread over two lakes, each with different inflatable obstacle courses for you to take on. It’s the perfect spot for lovers of the outdoors, or kids who need to use up some energy!
If you don’t mind getting a bit messy then head over to the mud trail which has over fifty different muddy obstacles over a 2km trail. Perfect for a sunny or rainy day!
The park has its own snack shack that serves a range of drinks, hot and cold food. Alternatively, why not bring a picnic and make a day of it?
17. Explore more of Dorset with a Discover Dorset Tour
Venture out of Bournemouth and explore some of Dorset’s hidden gems with a Discover Dorset tour.
Choose from either the Jurassic Coast, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Stonehenge, Salisbury, the New Forest, the Isle of Wight, or Bath, and enjoy an amazing day out with plenty of time to explore. Many of the tours available visit places that are not served by public transport or have limited parking which makes them difficult to visit independently.
Discover Dorset tours provide a personalised service and can pick you up from wherever you are staying in Bournemouth. An easy way to get out of Bournemouth and explore some of the delights the wider region has to offer.
18. Cruise along with City Cruises Poole
City Cruises Poole operates both in the day and evening from Swanage Pier and Poole Quay. Take either a long or short cruise, then relax and enjoy the fantastic views offered along the Jurassic Coast.
Visit the Victorian resort of Swanage, or enjoy a cliff walk and picnic at Durlston Country Park. During the warmer months, birdwatching and firework cruises are available for you to enjoy.
All boats feature a licensed bar serving hot and cold refreshments and light snacks.
19. Go fishing at Sea Fishing Poole
A perfect afternoon excursion for the whole family, Sea Fishing Poole has the best skippers on the South Coast and offers fishing and crabbing trips. Experience the thrill of catching your own fish and taking it home for dinner!
If you’re more interested in watching sealife than eating it, then keep your eye for trips to see dolphins. These clever mammals are a frequent sight in the waters of Poole Bay from around April, and sightings have even been reported as late as November.
Short notice trips are often running if a pod of dolphins is sighted and likely to be staying for several hours.
20. Take to the slopes at Snowtrax
Go snowboarding and skiing right in Bournemouth at Snowtrax Alpine activity centre. Children can enjoy an exhilarating ski-bob or ring ride down the slopes, or explore the Alpine Adventure Park which features a zip-wire, forts, climbing frame, adventure trail and life-sized pirate ship.
For something a little more thrilling, join the Snowtrax Ski & Snowboard School with professional instructors that cater for all ages and abilities. Children aged 2-4 can join the Alpine Stars for skiing or Junior Boarder for snowboarding programs.
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