Things to do in Bournemouth

Things to do in  Bournemouth

Cherry on the coast

With a 7-mile (11-kilometer) expanse of soft, golden sand, Bournemouth is said to have one of the finest beaches along England’s South Coast. That’s certainly helped establish its reputation as a popular resort town, as have the historic Bournemouth Pier and many entertainment options along the water’s edge. But there are more things to do in Bournemouth than visit the waterfront—visitors can also explore the wealth of Victorian architecture; cultural destinations such as the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum and Mary Shelley’s grave; the destination-worthy Upper, Middle, and Lower Gardens; and the nearby UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast.

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Top 1 attractions in Bournemouth

#1

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

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Lavish both inside and out, the Grade II–listed Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum offers an insight into the eclectic tastes of world travelers Lady Annie and Sir Merton Russell-Cotes. Here, admire the striking art nouveau architecture, permanent collection of European and Japanese artefacts, sloping English gardens, and more.More
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Top activities in Bournemouth

Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door Mini-Coach Tour from Bournemouth

Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door Mini-Coach Tour from Bournemouth

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316
From
$43.37
Full Day Jurassic Coast Mini-Coach Tour from Bournemouth
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Full Day Jurassic Coast Mini-Coach Tour from Bournemouth

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91
From
$66.91
Journey Through Winchester's Past: Private Tour
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Journey Through Winchester's Past: Private Tour

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10
From
$111.51
per group
Winchester Treasure Hunt Mystery of The Bishops Golden Tankard

Winchester Treasure Hunt Mystery of The Bishops Golden Tankard

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59
From
$9.29
Journey Through Winchester's Past

Journey Through Winchester's Past

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208
From
$14.87
City Sightseeing Bournemouth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Bournemouth Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

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70
From
$19.82
Private Tour Winchester

Private Tour Winchester

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21
From
$30.98
E-Bike Half-Day Trip to Harrys Rock or Corfé Castle

E-Bike Half-Day Trip to Harrys Rock or Corfé Castle

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45
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$92.93
1 Hour VR Gaming Experience in Bournemouth
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1 Hour VR Gaming Experience in Bournemouth

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239
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$43.37
E-Bike Day Trip with Lunch to Harrys Rock or Corfé Castle

E-Bike Day Trip with Lunch to Harrys Rock or Corfé Castle

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5
From
$117.71
Private Transfer from Bournemouth Airport (BOH) to Southampton City

Private Transfer from Bournemouth Airport (BOH) to Southampton City

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$86.02
per group
Alfred the Great Ghost Trail in Winchester

Alfred the Great Ghost Trail in Winchester

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12
From
$14.87
Private Transfer from Bournemouth City to Southampton Airport (SOU)

Private Transfer from Bournemouth City to Southampton Airport (SOU)

From
$86.02
per group
Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt - Bournemouth, UK

Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt - Bournemouth, UK

From
$9.91
Private Bournemouth Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport

Private Bournemouth Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport

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$48.38
Bournemouth Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK

Bournemouth Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK

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$18.59
per group
Hengistbury Head: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Hengistbury Head: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

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2
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$5.32
Private Transfer from Bournemouth Airport BOH to Portland Port

Private Transfer from Bournemouth Airport BOH to Portland Port

From
$52.69
Private - Three games of Tower Tag Experience (up to 8 players in 2 teams)
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Private - Three games of Tower Tag Experience (up to 8 players in 2 teams)

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23
From
$37.17
Bournemouth to Bournemouth Airport Departure Private Transfer

Bournemouth to Bournemouth Airport Departure Private Transfer

From
$64.52
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All about Bournemouth

When to visit

With a micro-climate that provides mild winters and some of the UK’s best weather, Bournemouth offers year-round opportunities for over 25 different watersports. The town is at its best during the summer months (June through August), when the weather is lovely and festival season is in full swing. Look for the Shake and Stir Festival, a vintage-themed extravaganza; Bourne Free, Bournemouth’s LGBTQ pride festival; and the Bournemouth Air Festival, the UK’s largest air show.

Getting around

Bournemouth’s compact center makes it easy to walk around town. If you want to save tired legs, use the local bus services. There are also lots of cycling paths, and you can rent a bike through the Beryl bike sharing system; you’ll need to download their app. Another scenic option—available from spring through fall—is taking one of the blue-and-yellow land trains that travel up and down the seafront.

Traveler tips

There’s more to Bournemouth than just beachside attractions: For a change of pace, head east to the suburb of Pokesdown, which is known as the city’s creative quarter and attracts artists, artisans, musicians, and writers. While there, browse the vintage shops, emporiums, and boutiques on Christchurch Road. Lastly, for incredible ice cream with Italian flair, head to Giggi Gelateria, located in the Burlington Arcade. The owner is from Puglia and makes authentic southern Italian gelato.

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People Also Ask

What is Bournemouth famous for?

Bournemouth is a quintessential British seaside resort town, and it has remained popular even after similar spot lost their appeal (thanks to cheap air travel to other parts of Europe). Tourists today come for bucket-and-spade fun in the sand and a stroll down the piers—just as tourists did in Victorian days.

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How do I spend a day in Bournemouth?

Take a hop-on hop-off tour to get your bearings, then stroll from Bournemouth Square through the Lower Gardens to the seafront, where the beach, the pier, and countless eateries await. For an active day, take the 4-hour looped hiking trail along the coast from Bournemouth to Boscombe and Hengistbury Head.

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What is the nicest part of Bournemouth?

Central Bournemouth is nice, and it’s ideal for a quick visit as it offers easy access to the main beach and pier. If you’re staying longer, try Westbourne, a hip enclave popular with locals, or Sandbanks, which is the place for a blow-the-budget trip with posh shops and views of Poole Harbour.

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What is there to do in Bournemouth in the winter?

Winter is a great time for crowd-free fun. Go for a bracing beach walk—fish and chips in hand—and enjoy a spin on the Bournemouth Big Wheel. During the holidays, there’s also the Christmas Tree Wonderland with a market, ice skating, and lots of lights.

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Does Bournemouth have rides?

Yes. There are a number of theme parks in the area and an amusement arcade with (somewhat pricey) children’s rides at the end of Bournemouth Pier. For a ride with a high-up twist, take the PierZip, a zip line that takes you over the sea to the sand.

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Is Bournemouth worth visiting?

Yes, Bournemouth is worth a visit, especially if you are coming in on a cruise from nearby Southampton or having an extended stay in London. You’ll experience a proper British seaside town with a modern feel and see one of the loveliest sweeps of sand on England’s south coast.

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