The Ultimate Bournemouth Travel Guide
Nestled in a bay on the Dorset coast, you’ll find Bournemouth – a quintessentially British seaside town that’s famed for its seven miles of golden sandy beaches and bursting at the seams with charm.
As the UK looks to embrace another year of the Great British Staycation, we’ve put together everything you need to know about Bournemouth. From things to do, places to visit, romantic experiences, the best beaches and where to stay, we’ve done all the hard work for you – all you need to do is pack your bucket and spade.
Places to visit ›
Things to do ›
Kids activities ›
Romantic Activities ›
Best Beaches ›
Where to stay ›
Places to visit ›
Things to do ›
Kids activities ›
Romantic Activities ›
Best Beaches ›
Where to stay ›
Places to visit in Bournemouth
Charming, beautiful, quirky and cool, this stunning seaside town has a little something for everyone. From golden sandy beaches and lush gardens to cafés and dinosaur-themed mini golf, you’ll never be short of places to visit in Bournemouth.
1. Go to the beach Nothing says British seaside quite like Bournemouth’s beaches and famous pier lined with arcades, food stalls and attractions. In fact, Bournemouth has over seven miles of beaches scattered across the beautiful bay between Hengistbury Head and the opening of Poole Harbour. Expect white and yellow sands and sparkling waters, perfect for surfing and splashing, water sports, sandcastle-making and sunbathing. Walk along the promenade with an ice cream in hand and you’ll reach the historic Bournemouth Pier, where you can soak up views of the stunning Jurassic Coast as the sun sets over the sea. View the range of Bournemouth beaches here.
2. Visit the Bournemouth Gardens For those who love a good ramble, take a free stroll around the Upper, Central and Lower Gardens that run through the town centre. Dating back to the Victorian era, these Grade II listed gardens are bursting with life, featuring colourful flower beds, lush lawns and even a small river. Whilst the Lower Gardens are most popular due to their proximity to the town – as well as its bandstand, aviary and mini golf course, the Upper Gardens are much calmer and provide a perfect floral getaway from the hustle and bustle of the promenade.
3. Go to Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum Looking for a bit of culture on your holiday? You’re sure to get your fill at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. This opulent seaside villa was gifted as a lavish birthday gift from Merton Russell-Cotes to his wife Annie in 1901 and became a place where the quirky couple stored their eclectic collection of art and antiquities from across the globe. Now open to the public, this Grade II listed property is the most fascinating of museums and galleries, complete with a garden, outdoor terrace café with a stunning panoramic view of the sea and a gift shop. An experience not to be missed!
4. Play a round of golf at Mighty Adventures Crazy Golf For a family-friendly day out a little off the beaten track, you must visit the Mighty Adventures Crazy Golf course. Your little ones will be amazed by the course’s moving dinosaurs, thundering waterfalls and steaming volcanoes. The whole course has been designed to be both fiercely entertaining and educational, as kids learn all about our extinct predecessors as they play. Now that’s what we call a hole in one.
Things to do in Bournemouth
With so many beaches and experiences to choose from, it’s hard to pick the best Bournemouth attractions to pop on your staycation itinerary. To keep you on track, check out our favourite Bournemouth activities below, from water sports to breweries and comedy nights!
Coasteering Experience for Two at Jurassic Watersports
What better way to get up close and personal with the Jurassic Coast than with a spot of coasteering? Buddy up and get kitted out with wetsuits, buoyancy aids and safety helmets, before heading out to the beach for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. An exciting mix of mountaineering and orienteering, you and your buddy will be climbing rocks, jumping into the sea and swimming to shore under the guidance of an expert instructor. Step aside, Indiana Jones!
£88
Brewery Experience Day at Brewhouse and Kitchen
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Passionate about pints? So are Brewhouse and Kitchen. Perfect for beer enthusiasts, this experience at Brewhouse kicks off with a delicious bacon butty before you start learning all about the brewery and its processes. You’ll then get a chance to try your hand at craft beer making, as well as sampling some of the good stuff and taking away a five-litre mini keg, too! Plus, you’ll be treated to a tasty lunch from the Kitchen’s Academy menu and receive a certificate following your big day of brewing. If that’s not winning, we’re not sure what is.
£85
Wing Walking Experience
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If you’re looking to tick a few things off the bucket list on your trip to Bournemouth, this wing walking experience is for you. After a full safety briefing under the guidance of a professional wing walker, you’ll take off above the clouds on the wings of a Boeing Stearman aircraft at speeds of up to 150mph! Depending on how much of a daredevil you are, your pilot will tailor your experience to you, adding dips and dives to truly get your adrenaline pumping and make your flight a ride you’ll never forget.
£449
The Coastal Comedy Alfresco Show for Two
Treat yourself to an evening of laughter with an outdoor stand-up comedy show for two, hosted by Adrienne Coles at Bournemouth Electric Club. Coastal Comedy Alfresco showcases two professional comedians for a night of belly laughs and hilarious entertainment from household names that have graced the stages of Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week! Perfect for friends, couples and families, you’re in for an evening of hilarious entertainment.
£25
Is Bournemouth good for surfing?
Yes! Described as “the California of the South Coast” by Wavelength Magazine, Bournemouth is steeped in surfing history and attracts surfers from all over the UK. Although often overlooked for other surfing beaches in Devon and Cornwall, Bournemouth has quickly grown into a surfing hotspot with a big and passionate community of surfers. Head down to the east side of Bournemouth beach for some fun beach breaks or sign up at the surfing school for some lessons – the instructors there are sure to give you the inside scoop on surfing in Bournemouth and where all the gnarliest waves can be found in the area!
Things to do with kids in Bournemouth
Let’s be honest, the kids will most likely want to be buried neck-deep in sand on the beach – but how do you keep your little ones entertained if the weather takes a turn? If you’re looking for things to do in Bournemouth in the rain or just want some alternative family activities banked in your arsenal, look no further!
Laser Quest for Two Adults and Two Children
Fun for grown-ups and kids alike, the classic game of laser tag needs no introduction. Don futuristic laser gun packs and battle it out for the ultimate bragging rights as you try to zap your opponents. With ramps, mazes, turrets and towers making up the purpose-built arena, you're guaranteed a fun-fuelled experience at Laser Quest. Tag, you’re it!
£29
Treetop Adventure for One Adult and One Child at Go Ape
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Time to channel your inner Tarzan as you take to the treetops in this exciting jungle adventure. Following a safety briefing and a quick practice closer to the ground, it's over to you and your little ones to make your way through the wilderness, tackling obstacles, crossings and ladders as you go. Finishing with an epic zip wire, this treetop adventure is a surefire way to get your hearts beating and have you beaming from ear to ear.
£36
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Escape Room for Two at Cyantist Bournemouth
Fancy yourself as a bit of a puzzle-solver? Well, why not put your skills to the test as you battle against the clock in this complicated yet entertaining escape room? At the Cyantist in Bournemouth, you'll have to pool your collective analytical and logical skills to stand a chance at getting out in the 60-minute time limit. Crack codes, solve puzzles and club together in this ultimate team bonding session!
£40
Romantic things to do in Bournemouth
It doesn’t get more romantic than sun-kissed picnics on the beach but if you’re looking to ramp up the romance on your getaway this year, we’re here to help! From spa days to afternoon teas, take a look at our best things for couples to do in Bournemouth.
Relaxing Spa Day for Two with Lunch and Treatment at Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel
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Spoil your sweetheart with a luxurious spa day and delicious lunch at Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel. From the sauna to the state-of-the-art aromatherapy cave, make full use of the spa’s modern facilities before enjoying a choice of 30-minute treatments each. How does a Swedish back, neck and shoulder massage sound? Or how about an express facial? This experience truly is the romantic gift that keeps on giving.
£99
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One Night Spa Escape for Two with Dinner at The Connaught Hotel and Spa
Looking for luxury spa breaks in Bournemouth for couples? Call off the search! The Connaught Hotel and Spa is the answer to your pampering prayers. Treat your squeeze to an overnight stay of glorious splendour at this 4-star hotel on the West Cliff. Enjoy complimentary access to the spa facilities, including a swimming pool, sauna and gym, as well as an exquisite three-course dinner in the hotel’s renowned brasserie and bar in the evening. If you’re looking for an opulent spa break with a certain je ne sais quoi, this is it.
£209
Premium Spa Day with Treatments for Two at Bournemouth West Cliff
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Relax on a tranquil spa day for two at Bournemouth West Cliff. Unwind with your choice of two 25-minute treatments and use of spa facilities throughout the day. Perhaps pick a tension-releasing back, neck and shoulder massage and a relaxing manicure before heading to the pool for a dip. Afterwards, sit down and relax to a delicious two course lunch or afternoon tea. This spa break in Bournemouth is the perfect opportunity to spoil yourselves!
£135
Best beaches in Bournemouth
Bournemouth is blessed with seven beautiful miles of sandy shores that wrap around Poole Bay. As well as many stunning Blue Flag awarded beaches, you’ll also have your pick from a wide range of buzzing cafés, restaurants, water sports centres, shops and promenades for the perfect day at the beach. Here’s our pick of the best!
Bournemouth Beach Right at the heart of the action, you’ll find Bournemouth Beach. A stone’s throw from the city centre, you’re only moments away from cafés and Bournemouth’s Big Wheel if you need a little break from sunning yourself. Bournemouth Pier is also a great hotspot for both keen and newbie surfers alike who are looking to catch a gnarly wave or learn some tricks of the trade from specialist instructors!
Durley Chine Beach A Blue Flag beach, Durley Chine Beach is a lot quieter than Bournemouth Beach and is perfect for families with young children who like a little more space for building sandcastles and playing beach cricket. After catching some rays, why not head to the Chineside Café for some snacks or grab a few drinks on the terrace at the Durley Inn?
Shore Road Beach Near the start of the Sandbanks Peninsula, lies a long sloping stretch of sand and sea known as Shore Road Beach. Ideal for paddling and water sports, this beach is a haven for surfers and swimmers who can take advantage of the brilliant facilities at the Watersports Academy. Head there for a whole host of exciting water-based activities from sea kayaking to paddleboarding and kitesurfing!
Alum Chine Beach One of the most picturesque and popular beaches in Bournemouth is Alum Chine, a Blue Flag beach with stunning white sands. Kids can get their fill of ice cream at the many kiosks scattered along the promenade and explore the pirate-themed playground, while the adults can relax and listen to the waves crashing against the shore or walk up to the breathtaking Alum Chine Tropical Gardens at the top of the beach. Plus, it’s good news for playful pooches as Alum Chine is one of the only dog-friendly beaches in Bournemouth!
Sandbanks Beach The home of the British Beach Polo Championships, Sandbanks Beach is a busy golden sandy beach with sparkling blue waters and is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in the UK. Complete with cafés, water sports equipment, a crazy golf course and even Rick Stein’s famous Sandbanks restaurant, Sandbanks truly has something for everyone and is not to be missed!
Where to stay in Bournemouth
From boutique escapes to chic seaside hotels, you can book the perfect coastal escape to suit you from our selection of the best hotels in Bournemouth. May the Great British Summer commence!
