Inside the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
Bournemouth Lower Gardens
Bournemouth International Centre

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Attractions in and around Bournemouth

We’ve got indoor and outdoor places for you to visit with friends or family while you’re in Bournemouth. It doesn’t matter what you’re into or what the weather’s doing – there are museums, galleries, amusement arcades, mini golf, play parks, an oceanarium, and more. Read on for ideas of things we think you’ll enjoy.

All-Year-Round

Here in Bournemouth, we’re blessed with a warm microclimate, but we can’t guarantee it for all 365 days of the year. So, many of our attractions are designed to be enjoyed in warm weather as well as in the rain. We have indoor climbing and high wires, as well as museums and galleries, meaning you’ll be able to have a great time whatever the weather.

Family Fun

What could be more family friendly than a huge, sandy beach? Well, we’ve got one of those, as well as other seaside favourites – mini golf, amusement arcades, and an oceanarium. You can also bring tiny tots to play in the water feature on the seafront or take your ‘big kids’ down the zipwire on the pier!

Group Friendly

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a shared passion, your group will feel at home in Bournemouth. You’ll be able to get group bookings and offers at lots of our attractions.

Beaches

Buckets and spades at the ready – we’ve got seven miles of sandy beaches for you! Surrounded by majestic cliffs, our beaches bask in their very own microclimate while some of the warmest seas in the UK lap onto the shore. You can hire deckchairs and sun loungers, as well as everything you need to play beach sports. Or, you can make your own fun by building sandcastles and paddling in the shallow waters.

For ease of access to the beach, Cliff Lifts are situated at West Cliff and Fisherman’s Walk, along side zigzag paths. The Land Train also runs along the promenade towards Boscombe and westwards to Alum Chine.

Aquariums

Bournemouth’s right next to the sea so it’s no surprise that we’ve got an oceanarium. Complete with penguin enclosure, you can find out about all aspects of marine life in this popular, family friendly aquarium.

History & Culture

Bournemouth has a rich history centred around literary inspiration and the medicinal benefits of the sea air. With its very own museum house and a variety of galleries and performance spaces showcasing a growing portfolio of high quality art, there’s plenty for the culturally curious to explore.

Religious Landmarks

Bournemouth is home to a number of churches and religious centres in a variety of architectural styles, many of them home to points of interest including the resting place of Mary Shelley in one of our town centre cemeteries.

Museums & Galleries

Bournemouth’s famous universities and renown for digital industries have made it a natural home for art and culture. Exhibitions are held throughout the year in its world class venues and there are museums to help you uncover the past, including a clifftop treasure trove!

Parks & Gardens

We’ve got an enormous 2,000 acres of parks and gardens here in Bournemouth! The gardens in our town centre are grade II listed and date back to the Victorian era. There are plenty of golf courses and other green spaces. Dotted along the coast you’ll also find a tropical paradise and nature reserve.

Looking for accommodation in Bournemouth… a perfect place to stay by the sea…

Bournemouth is well known for its great variety of hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and self catering options situated along our stunning coastline. You’ll find luxury international hotel groups, national chains, beautiful boutique hotels, independent and family friendly hotels and guest houses, budget friendly hotels, a great choice of self catering options and caravan and camping parks along our neighbouring coastline and countryside.

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Southbourne Beach

Bournemouth

Southbourne Beach is one of Bournemouth's favourite Blue Flag award winning beaches, particularly loved by the locals for its wide, exceptionally clean, sandy and shingle beaches.
Bh2 Leisure Complex

Bournemouth

Restaurants, Cinema and entertainment for everyone to enjoy in the heart of Bournemouth's buzzing Town Centre.
Boscombe Cliff Gardens

Bournemouth

Originally opened in 1900, Boscombe Cliff Gardens merges into the Boscombe Overcliff Local Nature Reserve. The outward looking Cliff Gardens; leading through to the more sheltered Italianate Gardens both overlook beautiful cliffs grazed by a small…
Hengistbury Head Beach

Christchurch, Bournemouth

Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt beach, consistently featuring in the annual TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice® awards for Beaches. It has a south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs, and soft, sandy beaches at…
Middle Chine Beach

Bournemouth

Middle Chine is a dog friendly family beach located between Durley Chine and Alum Chine beaches.
Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre

Bournemouth

Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre is the gateway to the Stour Valley Nature Reserve. It is run in partnership between BCP Council and the Bournemouth Parks Foundation.
We recommend stopping in before you head out down to the river. This true…
Tower Park Leisure Complex

Poole

At Tower Park, Poole, a galaxy of entertainment unfolds. With Splashdown water park, Cinema, Tenpin bowling, kids soft play, bingo and a range of restaurants, there's enough to keep you busy whatever the weather.
Bournemouth Lower Gardens

Bournemouth

The Lower Gardens in Bournemouth are only a five minute walk from the main shopping centre, the beach and the pier.
Accessible Beach Huts

Boscombe

Introducing the UK’s first purpose designed fully disabled accessible beach huts – available for hire at Bournemouth’s multi-award winning Boscombe seafront. The huts incorporate high quality design, visual flair and unique function. The inside of…
RNLI College

Poole

Experience the home of RNLI training including visiting our world-class Sea Survival Centre, which hosts the wave tank and Lifeboat simulator.
Hengistbury Head

Bournemouth

Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt and south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs.
Upton House Concerts

Poole

Three days of great music set in the beautiful grounds of Upton Country Park.
Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre

Bournemouth

A day at Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve is truly a great day out, even outside of the summer. It is still full of wildlife, rare plants, and of course, the thousands of years of important archaeological history.
Westover Gardens Art and Makers Market

Westover Road, Bournemouth

This year’s Art & Makers’ Market runs from Friday 17 May to Sunday 1 September - 11am till 5pm weekends and bank holidays.
Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex

Christchurch

There are many new safety measures we have in place to protect our customers. See the new video below and take a look at our website to see what has changed.
Two Riversmeet is situated on the edge of the historical town of Christchurch. The…
Branksome Dene Chine Beach

Poole, Bournemouth

Branksome Dene Chine Beach is a small yet stunning bit of beach with a dramatic cliff face which towers over the promenade and beach.
There are basic facilities located here such as parking, toilets and a kiosk.
Take in beautiful sights of…
Manor Steps Beach

Boscombe, Bournemouth

Manor Steps Beach recently received a Blue Flag Award. Manor Steps is a delightful location on Bournemouth's seafront. An ideal family choice for a day or a stay at the beach, Manor Steps is close to amenities and restaurants.
This area is…
Red House Museum

Christchurch

A former Georgian workhouse, the Red House is now a museum exploring the story of Christchurch from before the Ice Age to modern times.

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