Things to Do In Bournemouth

Nestled in a sheltered bay on the South Coast of England in the picturesque county of Dorset, there are plenty of things to do in Bournemouth and seven miles of sandy beaches for you to enjoy all year round. When the sun is shining, Bournemouth shines, too and it's great to be outside to enjoy all that the area has to offer. There’s so much to do in the resort and even more during the summer months, with attractions and activities coming alive for you to enjoy. You have plenty of options to use the town as a base for the best summer experience! Stay and eat here while exploring the rest of Dorset’s history, heritage, and picture-postcard scenery. Here are some of the best things to do in Bournemouth.

Attractions

We’ve got plenty of places for you to visit, whatever the weather. There are museums, galleries, amusement arcades, a climbing centre, beach-to-shore zip-wire, mini golf, play parks, beach huts, and an oceanarium. You can enjoy our resort town in the rain just as easily as you can on a hot summer day. Bring friends and families of all ages, too – there is something for everyone to enjoy. During the summer, just being outdoors, you can enjoy so much: hiking, walking, or cycling in our beautiful countryside and gardens, or head to the seaside for paddling, swimming, and a bit of sandcastle building action!

Activities

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Or do you prefer a more relaxed pace? You can hike on the clifftops or freewheel gently along the prom. If you’d rather slow your pulse than get the blood pumping, you can spend your time being pampered in one of our spas or basking in the sun on one of our beautiful blue-flag beaches.

Sport & Leisure

With AFC Bournemouth playing Premier League football and miles of stunning beaches, Bournemouth is naturally an active place. We’ve got golf courses, gyms and leisure centres, bowling lawns, tennis courts, and the option to try beach sports. We find it’s easier to get motivated with the sand between your toes and sea views on the horizon!

Watersports

You don’t have to go very far for rippling waves and sparkling seas. Here in Bournemouth, you can take to your surfboard, kayak, or paddleboard and get straight out onto the open water. You can bring your own equipment or hire it while you’re here.

Shopping

We’ve got a fabulous mix of shops in Bournemouth – there are boutiques, department stores, designer brands, and high street favourites. Our shops are close to the beach and surrounded by cafés and coffee shops. 

Entertainment

At night, Bournemouth becomes a hotspot for a bustling atmosphere and a great variety of things to do and places to go! There are cinemas, comedy clubs, theatres, casinos, nightclubs, and plenty of places to catch live music. It’s hard to beat a sunny day on the beach, but with a huge choice of gigs and shows in town, you’ll continue to be wowed long after the sun has gone down.

Tours & Sightseeing

We have tours around Bournemouth itself and beyond into the rest of Dorset and Hampshire. There’s a huge amount to discover, particularly the impressive geology and nature along the Jurassic coast – from incredible rock formations to lush, tropical plants. You can see the area on foot, by bus, or even by boat with the wind in your hair!

Venue Hire 

Whether you are looking for the ideal location for a birthday party, family celebration, or gathering for your best friends, or alternatively, a space for some professional team building and a different meeting environment, across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, you are sure to find the ideal room for hire.

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.