Bournemouth City Centre
In the city centre
Everything happens in the centre. Wedged between Boscombe and Westbourne, the centre brims with hotels, monuments and parks, as well as student life. Shop on Christchurch Road in Pokesdown for a plethora of vintage shops and quirky cafes, or visit the Russell-Cotes Museum for its eclectic collection of Japanese and Russian paintings.
Places to stay from £20 per night
Boscombe
1.7 miles from city centre
Go East – life is peaceful there. Boscombe is famous for its Victorian architecture, café culture and laid-back vibe. Take to the golden sands of Eastern Cliff Beach, follow the “arts trail” from Sovereign Shopping Centre along the waterfront, or visit the Thursday and Saturday vintage bric-a-brac markets inside Boscombe’s Royal Arcade.
Places to stay from £27 per night
Its seafront location coupled with a plethora of outdoor activity opportunities makes Bournemouth a tourism hotspot in southern England.
Bournemouth is home to five Blue Flag beaches, each offering clean sands, clear waters and lots of things to do. Alum Chine Beach is popular with families while Durley Chine Beach is favoured by dog owners. At Hengistbury Head Beach, you can relax on the sandy areas or take leisurely strolls along walking paths that offer fabulous views of the coastline. Further along the shore is Boscombe Beach, where the iconic Bournemouth Pier is located. Other beaches to visit are Southbourne, Manor Steps and Fisherman's Walk.
Add a cultural touch to your Bournemouth holiday by visiting one of the many museums located in and around the city. Spend a few hours admiring Pre-Raphaelite and Victorian art at Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. Bournemouth International Centre nearby is also known to host temporary art exhibitions. You can head to Bournemouth Natural Science Society to explore a wide range of plant, animal and archaeological displays. Bournemouth Aviation Museum and Poole Museum are other noteworthy museums to visit in the area.
When you visit Bournemouth, you’ll find it quite easy to stay fit and active. Easy access to the water means you can enjoy surfing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and jet skiing here. Golf courses, tennis courts and sports centres can also be found aplenty. You can even go hiking and cycling along the city's scenic coastal routes.
Tonight
From £54 per night
Next weekend
From £169 per night
Most popular time to visit | October–December |
Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
Local currency | GBP |
Language | English |
Average weekend price | £144 per night |
Average weekday price | £141 per night |
Typical stay | 2 nights |
Scruffy and very tatty.
30 September 2023
Scruffy and very tatty. Tents camping on beach littered with rubbish.This used to be a prime seaside town, safe and pleasant to walk out in the evening.My perception is nobody cares about the area, with restaurants and bars littered with dirty glasses and plates.
So sorry it's lost a lot of old world charm due to the...
27 September 2023
So sorry it's lost a lot of old world charm due to the untramelled wealth which has moved in. Neither the bus tour nor big wheel were worth the money. The wheel is in the wrong place for a good view and the staff on the bus tour knew nothing of interest nor history. It was an automated commentary with no character. The only stop provided no refreshments nor facilities. The beach and pier are lovely and great fun for families. I like the buzz of young people the university gives it.
Lots of unusual looking shops and good restaurants and an...
27 September 2023
Lots of unusual looking shops and good restaurants and an enormous number of high quality hotels near the beach in Bournemouth. I didn’t have any time to explore all the areas of interest. Local people were extremely helpful and kind. Regular buses until late at night to Poole and I’m sure many other areas.
Boscombe Beach was quieter than Bournemouth Beach however...
25 September 2023
Boscombe Beach was quieter than Bournemouth Beach however both were great. With golden soft sand and the areas were clean made the visits well worth it. Boscombe - quiet, calm, golden sand and great for evening strolls. Bournemouth - busier, lots of amenities, golden sand and great for everyone. The views for both were lovely and I was lucky the weather was absolutely beautiful. Staff at the Bournemouth Beach and local shops were friendly, helpful and genuinely lovely. Parking may be slightly high for some people's budget however I was visiting for work and then spent the next day for me so didn't mind spending. I also drove to the sandbanks.
There is a great bus service throughout Bournemouth and the...
23 September 2023
There is a great bus service throughout Bournemouth and the surrounding area. The car remained parked for the holiday and we took trips out on the local service. There are lots of places to eat and plenty of entertainment. Lots of shops with something for everyone Never been before but will be going back.
I used Bournemouth for my base as I was visiting family in...
22 September 2023
I used Bournemouth for my base as I was visiting family in area. Used local buses to Poole with ease daily. Hotel was ideally situated for all of my needs. I walked the beach and pier after breakfast each morning and enjoyed the restaurants when I was not visiting family. The beach was clean and sand soft , perfect for families with children and sandcastles ! Plenty of restaurants to suit every pocket. Local buses run very frequently to many destinations in and around Bournemouth and beyond. Well worth a visit
Bournemouth City Centre, Bournemouth
From £360 per night
Bournemouth City Centre, Bournemouth
From £207 per night
Boscombe, Bournemouth
From £120 per night
Boscombe, Bournemouth
From £134 per night
Bournemouth City Centre, Bournemouth
From £134 per night