Location: Bournemouth
Top Things to do in Bournemouth
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Top 10 Things to do in Bournemouth, England
Bournemouth’s seven miles of beach and exceptionally warm microclimate make it a favorite of U.K. travelers. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re a watersports fanatic (try surfing lessons!) or just want to let your kids splash around in the calm waters. For a traditional Bournemouth vacation, rent a classic beach hut.
Restaurants in Bournemouth
1. Bournemouth Beach
2. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,118 reviews
Private home of extensive travelers Sir Merton Russell-Cotes and his wife Lady Annie was one of the last Victorian manor houses ever built.
Reviewed By nigelcymru - Conwy, United Kingdom
Excellent museum especially for lovers of Victoriana Good collection of Victorian and pre raphaelite paintings Quirky building with an encyclopaedic collection of architectural styles I would recommend a visit
3. Hengistbury Head Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,283 reviews
Reviewed By BillS3851 - Swindon, United Kingdom
Must go here, amazing coastal view and amazing walk, land train that my granddaughter loved , when we come to Bournemouth next will be making a trip back here
4. Lower Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,038 reviews
Upper, Central and Lower Gardens have all been Green Flag winners since 1999 and run from Bournemouth pier to the boundary with Poole. The gardens are 3 kilometres long. They are all part of the Bourne Valley Greenway and are Listed Grade II in the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens. There are lots of activities and events taking place, or you can simply enjoy the scenery. Find out more about the history of the gardens here. The Lower Gardens This section of the gardens is quite short, it runs from the pier to the town centre, but there is always lots going on. Year-round attractions include Classic mini golf, a bandstand, refreshment kiosks and Street food corner site, an aviary, and art exhibition. Seasonal events in this section of the gardens attract thousands of visitors. In 2018 the gardens became the main setting for the Christmas Tree Wonderland.
Reviewed By 231angiep - Peterborough, United Kingdom
Wonderful beach fine sand and blue sea, gorgeous beach huts. Memories from my childhood and it’s exactly the same, clean and everywhere well kept, lower and upper gardens right near beach, the band stand and crazy golf a great childhood memory from over 50 years ago. Great it’s all still there. Park lovely and wonderfully well kept gardens. There’s usually someone playing guitar and singing in the park which is great Well worth a visit
5. Alum Chine Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 406 reviews
Reviewed By xxxxsarahxxx
Stunning beach with lovely views. Very clean, has car park literally on beach however gets very busy. Toilet facilities as well as ice cream kiosks etc. Perfect place to spend the day Or you can walk along to the next beach going towards Bournemouth or sandbanks.
6. Southbourne Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By Johnfrisbee - Christchurch, United Kingdom
Loved our stroll along Southbourne beach and promenade in the sun this week. Both prom and beach are wide, clean and traffic-free. It was lovely watching the dogs enjoying their walkies too, with owners being very responsible, clearing up any mess. (Dog restrictions do appply, especially in the summer.) There are benches and other seating all the way along the prom, occasional toilets, plus 3 or 4 cafés, if you include the Boscome Pier end. So it's not as commercialised as Bournemouth and Boscombe beaches. Most cyclists rode well: the prom is for cyclists as well as walkers, with pedestrians having right of way. But several were cycling well over the 10mph limit, which is pretty reckless, bearing in mind there are children around. I'm a cyclist, and sooner or later, accidents will mount up, with the few uncaring cyclists spoiling things for the rest of us. I've cycled along the prom for 30 years, always aware of others, and dismounting if the prom is busy. How about spot fines for speeders, before we all get banned? My wife and I had to move swiftly out of the way 3 times, to avoid being hit by speeding, determined cyclists. Most were very sensible and polite though. Access to the prom is from the Boscombe pier area to the West, and via several sets of steps and "zig-zags" along its length. The beach is fine, golden sand - we love playing Frisbee here, if the beach is not too busy. It's far less crowded than Bournemouth's other beaches. A great place for a stroll - walk back along thd cliff top for great views across the Bay, and to the Isle of Wight. Fantastic!
7. Oceanarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,013 reviews
The Oceanarium is the perfect all weather attraction - discover the mysterious beauty of our watery world in a spectacular underwater journey. From stunning sharks, curious rare green sea turtles and brightly coloured clownfish, to menacing piranhas, venomous lionfish and the weirdly wonderful octopus – they are all waiting to be discovered!Experience the world's first virtual Interactive Dive Cage and take a magnificent adventure without getting wet.... Then discover the interactive Global Meltdown to unveil the potential effects of climate change. Be enchanted by two very cute Oriental small clawed otters, watch them swim, splash, feed and play in their exotic, naturally themed oasis.Open daily from 10am. Closing times vary throughout the year – please check before visiting. Closed Christmas Day. Tickets valid all day with nine daily feeding presentations.Book tickets online to make great savings.
Reviewed By 902lindaf - Wrexham County, United Kingdom
really loved the oceanarium good value for money you go back in as many times as you liked once you had paid. loved every min walking through the tunnel with the sharks and the giant turtal was amazing we were there in time for the feeding times of the penguins very good i would go there again fantastic place
8. Bournemouth International Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,265 reviews
Set in the heart of Bournemouth, with panoramic views across the bay, Bournemouth International Centre is the South Coast's premier conference, exhibition, entertainment, and hospitality venue, with licensed capacity for up to 10,000 visitors. Four main halls and a variety of smaller meeting and hospitality areas can be blended and scaled to host events such as multi-hall conferences, exhibitions, banquets, meetings, music concerts, dance and comedy performances. Cafes, bars, a seasonal ice and roller rinks and art exhibition space also feature at the venue - see website for details
Reviewed By looieloo - Worthing, United Kingdom
Myself and the kids enjoyed our visit ; Parking costly nearby as wanted to keep away from the masses of the BIC parking next door ; even so 5 hours plus is £15; we had a great time nonetheless ; food expensive at £7 for nachos and £7 small pizza ; plus three drinks £6 which I guess is normal when you go out ;the venue itself is small enough to have a good view and not exceptionally high if you suffer from vertigo like me , when having to sit in the stalls higher up ( like you would do in Wembley );will be there again soon .
9. Boscombe Pier
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 456 reviews
Reviewed By tomrO7902RK - Plymouth, United Kingdom
Fantastic views, free entry, interesting information and fun little free attractions? What's not to love?! Of course, the stalls there are a little overpriced but that's to be expected from a touristy thing but you are free to bring your own snacks and drinks.
10. Bournemouth Pier
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2,215 reviews
Reviewed By S5329YZtonyg - Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Up until recently, I haven't been to the bmth pier for a while. Having now a amazing rock climbing and activity centre called Rock Reef, our kids live it there. Keeps them active and being on the pier just makes it different and fun.
