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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Poole Museum & Scaplen's Court

Poole

Discover the story of Poole - Harbour, Town & People from prehistory to the 21st century.
Bournemouth Beach

Bournemouth

Buckets and spades at the ready... welcome to seven miles of award-winning beaches
Turbary Common

Bournemouth

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

Poole

Three days of great music set in the beautiful grounds of Upton Country Park.
Lemur Landings

Poole

Multi award-winning children’s entertainment centre, Lemur Landings is one of the biggest and best play centres in Dorset
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Bournemouth

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum houses important collections of paintings, sculpture, furniture, ceramics, world-wide collections and contemporary craft commissions.
Manor Steps Beach

Boscombe, Bournemouth

Manor Steps is a Blue Flag beach in a delightful, quieter 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 home to 'Bournemouth Beach…
Mudeford Spit Beach

Christchurch, Bournemouth

Enjoy sandy, quiet beaches, tranquil views and famous beach huts at Mudeford Spit beach.
West Cliff Lift

Bournemouth

The West Cliff Lift was built in 1908
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.
Ramsdown

Christchurch

Ramsdown is an area of scenic walks through heathlands and coniferous forest. It is the perfect place to take walks with your dog and from the top of the hill you can view out over the heathland over towards Bournemouth.
Middle Chine Beach

Bournemouth

Middle Chine is a dog friendly family beach located between Durley Chine and Alum Chine beaches.
Great Dorset Steam Fair

Blandford

GDSF 2021 POSTPONED UNTIL 2022. If you are looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family, you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair!
Alum Chine Tropical Gardens

Bournemouth

A chine is a steep dry river valley and Alum Chine is the largest of four Chines within Bournemouth.
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.
Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe, Christchurch

Highcliffe Castle is a Grade 1 listed building situated on the cliff top overlooking Christchurch Bay.
Stour Valley Nature Reserve

Muscliffe Lane, Bournemouth

This idyllic riverside Reserve forms part of the Stour Valley Way and provides a wall following a 2 mile stretch of the river Stour. It is perfect for walking, relaxing or exercising in the fresh air.
Alum Chine Beach

Bournemouth

Enjoy sandy beaches, amazing views and the cool sea breeze on your skin when visiting Alum Chine Beach

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