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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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…
The Tank Museum

Wareham

The Tank Museum brings history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks & explosive live displays.
Compton Acres

Poole

Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven with spectacular themed gardens, relax in the charming Café, browse creative gifts or delve into the exciting world of plants within the Plant Centre, there's a surprise at every turn.
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…
West Cliff Beach

Bournemouth

West Cliff Beach is a vibrant beach close to Bournemouth Town Centre and often referred to as 'Bournemouth Beach' due to its popularity with visitors. It is located to the west of Bournemouth Pier and over a mile long.
There are numerous beach…
Mudeford Spit Beach

Christchurch, Bournemouth

Enjoy sandy, quiet beaches, tranquil views and famous beach huts at Mudeford Spit beach.
Poole Park Crazy Golf

Poole

12 holes of crazy golf fun set in picturesque Poole Park.
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.
Boscombe Pier

Bournemouth

Boscombe Pier is the perfect vantage point to watch volleyball, table tennis and swingball on the beach. If you are feeling adventurous, try scaling the nearby, purpose built boulders next to the pier or have a go at slacklining!
Pier Amusements

Bournemouth

A wide range of entertainment machines and all of the most up-to-date videos and prizes.
Allianz KidZone Bournemouth

Bournemouth

Allianz KidZone is a child safety scheme that runs across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s beaches every summer to coincide with the school holidays.
New Forest Wildlife Park

Nr Ashurst, Southampton

Enjoy a wildlife adventure in this lovely park, set in 25 acres of unspoilt woodland.
Fisherman's Walk Cliff Lift

Bournemouth

The Fisherman’s Walk Cliff Lift was built in 1935.
Upton House Concerts

Poole

Three days of great music set in the beautiful grounds of Upton Country Park.
Go Ape Moors Valley

Ashley Heath

Located 10 miles north of Bournemouth and 5 miles west of Ringwood, you can find us in Moors Valley Country Park. We're just off Horton Road - near to Ashley Heath and the New Forest. Go Ape Moors Valley hosts five action-packed adventures. Explore…
Bournemouth Natural Science Society & Museum

Bournemouth

The Bournemouth Natural Science Society (BNSS) is a registered charity whose aims have little changed since its formation in 1903: to promote study, interest and enjoyment in all branches of the Natural Sciences and History.
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…
Boscombe Chine Gardens

Bournemouth

Boscombe Chine Gardens were developed originally from a ‘chine’ of heath and mire into a splendid Victorian garden, a central part of the then thriving Boscombe resort.

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