Best things to do in Bournemouth
A picturesque coastal town, Bournemouth is renowned above all for its pristine sandy beaches, and parks and gardens, but it’s certainly not short on cultural attractions.
Viewpoints and panoramas
Bournemouth Pier: The pier provides a sublime backdrop for sunset views of the English Channel and the coastline stretching away into the distance either side.
Level8ight: This rooftop bar is not called the Sky Bar for nothing; in fact it’s the perfect vantage point for sipping cocktails while gazing over rooftops to the pier.
The best districts
Westbourne: The highlight of this well-to-do suburb (once home to Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson no less) is its gargoyle-decorated Victorian shopping arcade. Be prepared to spend.
Boscombe: There’s a buzz about bohemian Boscombe that you won’t find anywhere else in town.
Parks and gardens
Lower Gardens: Just a short walk from the beach and town centre, these beautifully maintained gardens are perfect for a relaxing day out. They often host mini golf and art exhibitions.
Boscombe Chine Gardens: The “chine” gardens don’t get the attention they deserve, but this ravishing Victorian space offers formal flowerbeds, big grassy areas for lazing on and a water playground.
Historical monuments
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum: Housed in a historic Victorian villa, this striking edifice hosts a whimsical collection of global artefacts and artwork amassed by its erstwhile owners – including the largest collection of Victorian nudes in the country.
St Peter's Church: This historical site manifests some stunning architecture as well as the grave of Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein – together with the heart of her husband, apparently.
Day trips in the area
Brownsea Island: Jump on a ferry and channel your inner scout (for this was the birthplace of scouting and guiding) on this diversely landscaped island, which also has some pretty, shingly beaches.
Jurassic Coast: Spend a day exploring the Jurassic Coast; this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a remarkable fossil-filled landscape that peaks at Golden Cap, whose brilliant outcrop of auburn sandstone is crowned with gorse.
The New Forest: William the Conqueror’s old hunting ground, home to wild ponies and deer, is ideal for walking, biking and riding.
Southampton: Immerse yourself in maritime history with a day trip to Southampton. Explore the impressive Southampton Docks, delve into the fascinating story of the Titanic at SeaCity Museum, or wander the charming cobbled streets of the medieval town centre. Discover a range of hotels for your Southampton adventure, from Southampton hotels in the city centre to charming stays near the docks.
Portsmouth: History buffs won't want to miss Portsmouth, home to the iconic HMS Victory, Lord Nelson's flagship. Explore the Mary Rose Museum, delve into naval history at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, or take a thrilling boat tour around the harbour. Find your perfect Portsmouth home base with our selection of hotels Portsmouth hotels.
Bath: Step back in time with a visit to the beautiful city of Bath. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts stunning Roman Baths, elegant Georgian architecture, and charming independent shops. Explore the Thermae Bath Spa, soak up the culture at the Jane Austen Centre, or simply wander the picturesque streets. After a day of exploring Bath's rich history, unwind at one of our many Bath hotels.
Activities for families in Bournemouth
Beachy pleasures for all the family come as standard in Bournemouth, making it an ideal destination for holidays with kids.
Beaches: Like bees to honey, Bournemouth's long, sandy beaches are a magnet for families, offering safe swimming areas, lifeguard patrols during the summer months, and plenty of sandcastle-building opportunities.
Adrenaline activities: Adrenaline-pumping activities are currently all the fashion here in Bournemouth, none more so than the world’s first pier-to-shore zipwire, an exhilarating ride with dual wires so that you can race against another family member.
Aquariums and zoos: Located right on the seafront, the Oceanarium gives kids the opportunity to get up close (but not too close) to West African dwarf crocodiles, reef tip sharks and the like.
Playgrounds: Bournemouth is blessed with numerous well-maintained playgrounds, perfect for letting the kids burn off some energy while you sit and read a book. Even more energy-sapping is Adventure Wonderland, an all-in-one theme park that features rides, entertainment and characters from Alice in Wonderland.
Free things to do in Bournemouth
Beach resorts are ideal for seeking out free activities and Bournemouth is no exception, but there are many other ways you can avoid spending unnecessarily.
Beach days: The easiest and most obvious choice for a spend-free day, Bournemouth's beautiful and well-maintained beaches are free for the public to enjoy.
Gardens and parks: Bournemouth has a wide choice of stunning gardens for visitors to avail themselves of, such as the Lower Gardens, which are close to the seafront and always free to enter, or the pretty Boscombe Chine Gardens.
Free events: The big one is the Bournemouth Air Festival at the end of August, one of the largest free land and sea shows in the country, featuring spectacular acrobatic displays – including the Red Arrows – over the beach. Better still are the night-time displays.
Museum visits: The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum offers free admission days throughout the year. This historic house and museum not only gives insight into Victorian life but also houses a fascinating collection of global art.
Free guided tours: During the summer, look out for free guided walking tours that explore Bournemouth’s historical and cultural landmarks.
Nature and outdoor activities in Bournemouth
From bracing coastal walks to heart-stopping zip rides, Bournemouth has stacks to offer the outdoor enthusiast.
Water sports: Surf’s up! Grab a surfboard and try your luck at catching a wave, but if the waves aren’t playing ball, then you’ve likely got perfect conditions for stand-up paddleboarding – boards can be rented from Surf Steps on Boscombe Beach.
Cycling: The promenade along the beachfront extends for several kilometres, offering a safe and scenic route for cyclists. Bike rentals are available from several outlets, making it easy for visitors to explore the coastline at their own pace.
Walking trails: Trek the coastal path that wends its way from Bournemouth to Poole or undertake a more adventurous hike in the glorious Purbeck Hills.
Ziplining: For all you adrenaline junkies out there, head for PierZip, the world’s first pier-to-shore zipwire – a thrill a second guaranteed.
