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Top things to do in Bournemouth

Attractions, tours and activities in Bournemouth

Bournemouth: the city's best neighbourhoods

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About Bournemouth

Including tips for the best time to visit Bournemouth

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 £62 per night

This weekend

From £169 per night

Next weekend

From £165 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency GBP
Language English
Average weekend price £151 per night
Average weekday price £144 per night
Typical stay 2 nights

Bournemouth reviews

What other travellers say about Bournemouth

4.0

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.

David
David United Kingdom
6.0

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.

Vivienne
Vivienne United Kingdom
8.0

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.

Louise
Louise United Kingdom
10

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.

Matt
Matt
10

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.

shirley
shirley
10

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

Rosalie
Rosalie United Kingdom

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