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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Swanage Railway

Swanage

What’s better than a leisurely trip behind an historic steam engine through an area of natural beauty.
Pavilion Theatre

Bournemouth

The Bournemouth Pavilion and Ballroom is Bournemouth’s stunning Art Deco theatre providing year-round entertainment. Built in the 1920s, this vintage theatre retains its original and elegant styling.
Splashdown Poole

Poole

Roaringly good welcome awaits those who dare to enter the lair of the resident Dragon; or plunge into the Mississippi Drifter for a fantastic river tyre ride; get into a spin on Infinity with it’s funky laser lights and jukebox; there are a total of…
Sandbanks Mini Golf

Poole

If you think you’ve got what it takes then come and test yourself at Sandbanks Mini Golf, the South Coast’s best mini golf course, right next to one of Europe’s best beaches!
Oceanarium, The Bournemouth Aquarium

Bournemouth

Oceanarium, The Bournemouth Aquarium takes you on a magical underwater adventure above and below the waves.
Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts

Poole

Experience, explore, discover and join in with the arts at Lighthouse, Poole, the largest regional arts centre in the UK.
Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World

The New Forest

Paultons Family Theme Park has over 70 wonderful rides and attractions. Paultons is of course home to the world’s first & UK exclusive Peppa Pig World!
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf

Bournemouth

Welcome to a world of golf, fun and natural wonder!
Bournemouth International Centre

Bournemouth

Whether you want to see a show, be educated at a conference, attend an exhibition or enjoy some art, the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is a premier conference, events and entertainment venue, centrally situated in the town with panoramic…
Beaulieu National Motor Museum

New Forest

In the heart of the New Forest National Park, Beaulieu is a marvellous day out that can be enjoyed together.
Bournemouth Central Gardens

Bournemouth

The Central Gardens extend from the town centre to Coy Pond. They are now the home of the tennis courts, a children’s playground and a war memorial with beautiful rose borders, a Rhododendron Walk and heather beds.
Land Train

Bournemouth

Jump aboard one of our famous land trains, sit back and enjoy the seafront scenery as we sweep you along the Promenade.
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…
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…
Fisherman's Walk Beach

Bournemouth

Fisherman's walk beach is arguably the best of a fine set of beaches that collectively make up the Bournemouth beaches
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Wareham

Come to visit the location of the TV show Monkey Life! Monkey World assists governments around the world to stop the smuggling of primates from the wild.
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.
Turbary Common

Bournemouth

Turbary common is the largest area of heathland in north Bournemouth and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

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