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Top things to do in Bournemouth

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Bournemouth: the city's best neighborhoods

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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 $170 per night

Next weekend

From $291 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency £1 = $1.23
Language English
Average weekend price $173 per night
Average weekday price $168 per night
Average stay 2 nights

Bournemouth reviews

What other travelers say about Bournemouth

10

There is a great bus service throughout Bournemouth and the...

September 23, 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...

September 22, 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
10

The restaurants we chose were all great, lovely food and...

September 22, 2023

The restaurants we chose were all great, lovely food and great service . We visited the Cat Cafe which is a must for cat lovers, that was great fun and good to see the folks there supporting our feline friends. Bournemouth is a place with plenty to do and a generally pleasant atmosphere.

Andrew
Andrew
8.0

The problem was that we were not made aware that the air...

September 20, 2023

The problem was that we were not made aware that the air display was on during the time we would be there. My wife and I had been seeking a relaxing short break because of illness. We have seen and enjoyed the air display on several occasions in the past and it was definitely not what we wanted/needed this year. We enjoy Bournemouth and will be back again, all being well.

Reddick
Reddick
8.0

Bournemouth has a beautiful beech and small eateries within...

September 17, 2023

Bournemouth has a beautiful beech and small eateries within reach from the beach. It has an Aquarium Centre located on the edge of the beach should the weather become inclement . The gardens leading from the beach to the nearby town are really beautiful and well kept. Unfortunately the town itself I am afraid like many these days is full of closed down units. For those wishing to visit an M n S this is located just outside Bournemouth town at Castle Point along with other well known shops. Visitors to the town should also be aware those shops remaining are located both sides of the town but on rather steep hills.

Irene
Irene United Kingdom
4.0

Bournemouth is tired and in need of rejuvenation for it has...

September 17, 2023

Bournemouth is tired and in need of rejuvenation for it has a vast array of restaurants most of which have become enclosed by empty scruffy run down buildings. Too many early drinkers in the parks. The beach is as good as ever, clean and inviting. Good places to eat cotes, nicolla, wagamma, hot rocks and for your seaside delight Harry ramsdens and there are too weatherspoons to fall back on

Rob
Rob

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