Sea kayaking in Bournemouth

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Bournemouth Activities

Whether you’re a ball of energy with an insatiable appetite for adventure or looking for some good old-fashioned rest and relaxation, Bournemouth has it all to cater to your perfect day out. We’ve got endless activities to keep you on the move, from kid friendly activities to family days out, wet weather fun, and a plethora of outdoor adventures to enjoy. Whether you want to focus on health and fitness, pamper yourself in luxury, or try something completely new, Bournemouth truly has it all.

We’ve listed some of our favourite Bournemouth activities to inspire you:

Walking & Hiking

Since Victorian times, people have come to Bournemouth for the sea air and pine-scented walks. These days, you can still take a leisurely 19th-century stroll or choose a more energetic adventure. The resort is criss-crossed with routes through our grade II-listed gardens, spacious golf courses, sandy beaches, and sweeping coastline. If you’re an intrepid explorer, you can chart a course out into the surrounding countryside; there are some spectacular, long walks through the New Forest and along the Jurassic coast. Best of all, walking doesn’t cost a penny, so it’s a great, low cost day out for all the family.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Do you love tough uphill climbs or exhilarating downhill rides? Speed racing through the countryside with a group of mates? Or freewheeling along flat routes with the family? We’ve got cycle rides for every age and ability, from the promenade along the water’s edge to more challenging adventures out in the surrounding hills. There are lots of places to hire bikes if you don’t have your own, making Bournemouth the perfect setting for fun on two wheels.

Fishing

With miles of coastline on our doorstep, keen fishers are spoilt for choice in Bournemouth. It’s one of the country’s best spots for sea fishing, whether you’re in the tranquil surroundings of a nature reserve or at the end of one of our historic piers. The beaches themselves offer the perfect spot to catch a variety of fish, and there are tackle and bait shops dotted along the coast.

Wildlife & Bird Watching

Bournemouth is home to a huge variety of natural habitats, from expansive nature reserves and a tropical paradise to miles of rugged coastline and sandy beaches. There are tons of places to pitch up and look down to the ground or up to the skies. If you're lucky, you'll spot some of the rare species that have made their home here. Ornithologists regularly hail Bournemouth and neighbouring Poole as the ideal environment for bird watching, and there are museums and visitor centres where you can find out more.

Health & Spa

As one of the first spa towns in England back in the 1800s, people travelled to Bournemouth for its clean air and health benefits. Today, many of the big hotels run spa packages, and you can find almost every treatment imaginable in the resort. You can also team your spa day with an evening meal, afternoon tea, or a glass of bubbly. With miles of golden sand and our warm micro-climate, Bournemouth makes an impressive backdrop for your wellness break by the sea.

Shopping

From late night shopping in the town centre on a warm summer evening to finding stocking fillers at the Christmas markets during the Christmas Tree Wonderland festivities, Bournemouth is well equipped to satisfy even the most exquisite tastes. With unique pop-ups, independent boutiques, popular high street chains, and some great shopping centres further out from the town centre, Bournemouth has it all to satisfy your shopping needs.

Entertainment

While Bournemouth’s concert venues attract world renown acts year-round, our intimate coastal village venues show equally charming theatre and performing arts, as well as arts and independent films, and several cinemas in the destination screen the latest blockbusters. Our resort town is also famous for its bustling nightlife, which features some fantastic clubs and bars perfect for a night out on the south coast.

Sports

We have an array of fantastic leisure centres to suit your fitness needs, with classes on yoga, Pilates, HIIT, and great gym facilities. Our beloved Cherries (AFC Bournemouth) are playing Premier League football, so expect to see some black and red football shirts out on the weekend. If you’re not already planning a trip to the Vitality stadium, you can enjoy football around the destination. Bournemouth is also home to some truly beautiful golf courses, and with our great sunshine hours, it’s the perfect destination to get out on the green.

Adventure & Outdoor

From archery and high wire climbing to water-based obstacle courses and water sports galore, not to mention seven miles of beautiful beaches, there are loads of outdoor adventures on offer in Bournemouth. Whether you’re organising a children’s party or looking for a fun way to spend a weekend with friends, you’ll find plenty of high-energy experiences to make sure that you have a day full of fun and laughter.

Indoor

On those rare days that the sun hides away, we have some great options to enjoy your time in Bournemouth indoors. Our stunning museums and galleries will quench the thirst of any culture vulture. On a cold and blustery day, tuck away with a delicious hot chocolate or coffee from one of our talented baristas in the town centre. You can find more great indoor activities in our rainy-day itinerary.

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RockReef Activity Centre & Pier Zip

Bournemouth

If you’re looking for a fun, adrenaline fueled day out for all the family, visit RockReef, the all-year all-weather exciting attraction located on the iconic Bournemouth Pier!
Queen's Park Golf Course

Bournemouth

A warm welcome awaits you at Queen’s Park Golf Course, which was established in 1905. As ex-Championship course, it is Bournemouth’s golfing crowning glory set in undulating mature parkland with tree-lined fairways.
It’s not for the…
Centre VR

Bournemouth

Centre VR brings the wonder of virtual reality to life, with some of the most amazing and fun immersive experiences around!
New Forest Activities

Award-winning outdoor activities provider in The New Forest, Hampshire. Offering a great range of fun things to do for all ages and abilities including canoeing, kayaking, archery and more! Established in 2003.
PRC Streamline Taxis

Bournemouth

The largest and best taxi company covering Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Wimborne, Ferndown and surrounding area, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year providing you with a prompt, friendly and reliable taxi service.
AFC Bournemouth

Dean Court, Kings Park Drive, Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth are a professional football club, formed in 1899, currently playing in the Premier League – the top tier of English Football. They are based at Vitality Stadium.
Pier Fishing

Bournemouth

Piers offer great fishing locations year round.
Bournemouth Pier
***Sorry there is no fishing allowed currently from Bournemouth Pier***
Text updated 18/12/24
Boscombe Pier
Boscombe Pier is a typical pier fishing mark…
Maize Maze & Sunflower Picking Fields

Fordingbridge

Picking Patch hosts seasonal fun for everyone!
Convent Walk

CHRISTCHURCH

The Convent Walk is a tranquil route that follows the course of Mill Stream, as it runs parallel to the River Avon, from Town Bridge to Place Mill on Christchurch Quay. It is approximately 500 metres (0.5 km) long on a wide tarmac path suitable for…
Castaway Luxury Boat Charters

Poole

Luxury Cruises along the Jurassic Coastline, Isle of Wight, or Lulworth Cove.
Kool Cycle Hire

Bournemouth

Are you new to Bournemouth? Weekend Away / Holiday / Student or just on a Day Visit we are here for you.
Brownsea Island Ferries

Poole

Poole's oldest boat company leaving from the Yellow Kiosks on Poole Quay. Harbour cruises, Jurassic cruises, bird boats and much more!
Poole Harbour Boat Tours

Poole

This very spacious, fun pontoon boat offers every thing you need for your friends and family, bring your drinks and snacks its your day on your boat.
City Sightseeing Bournemouth

Bournemouth

City Sightseeing Bournemouth is part of the City Sightseeing Worldwide family which operates in scores of cities throughout the world. Hop on and Hop off the bus as much as you like at any of the bus stops on the route and see all the best sights…
Snowtrax

Hurn, Christchurch

A dry ski slope with fully licensed bar and restaurant. Fully equipped ski and snowboard shop with hire facilities.
Ideal for the children to enjoy an exhilarating ski-bob or ringo ride and then explore the Alpine Adventure Park.
morebus

Poole

morebus covers the area of Poole and Bournemouth with routes going to Salisbury, Ringwood, Wimborne and Christchurch.
All Fired Up Ceramics Cafe

Bournemouth

Our ceramics café is the perfect place for friends to meet, for families to enjoy time together and for everyone to be creative. Come in and paint one of the many pieces of pottery on offer. Be tempted by our freshly made sandwiches and paninis,…
Discover Dorset Tours

Bournemouth

We are a Bournemouth based tour company offering a range of high quality sightseeing tours across Dorset, Hampshire and neighbouring counties.

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