Things to do on fine & sunny days

1. The sheltered bay of Bournemouth has seven miles of glorious sandy beaches with stunning views of the Purbecks and the Needles on the Isle of Wight. Hire a beach hut for the day, call 0845 055 0968 (local rate call), all major credit/debit cards accepted. Take in the sea air and watch the world go by, or take part in one of the many activities along the coastline. These include – surf lessons, speedboat rides, boat trips, fishing and not forgetting the opportunity to enjoy beautiful coastal walks OR hire one of the new funky surf reef 'BEACH PODS', based at Boscombe Beach - the ultimate in style.

2. Get in the water! The sea off Bournemouth beach is perfect for early morning swimming, surf lessons and body boarding. There are plenty of watersports to choose from in Bournemouth and neighbouring Poole - even if you're a beginner! If it's fine and sunny, with little wind then stand up paddleboarding, jetskiing, kayaking, boating or a cruise could be just your thing. Check out www.coastwiththemost.com to see what's on offer and where. 

3. ADVENTURE WONDERLAND - Dorset's number one family theme park. A full day's fun whatever the weather, combining the outside park and rides with the indoor adventure play centre, Wild Thing! With over 28 rides and attractions there's even more to enjoy this year.

4. For a spectacular panoramic view of the area, try the BOURNEMOUTH BALLOON which gives visitors amazing views of the resort from 500 feet up.

5. For some crazy fun – try a round of Crazy Golf or Pitch ‘n’ Putt with courses throughout Bournemouth and Boscombe Gardens.

6. For the thrill seekers, hop on the simulator ride at the Pier Approach by Bournemouth Pier and be prepared to get thrown around!

7. LIBERTY'S OWL, RAPTOR & REPTILE CENTRE- Liberty's is home to a large collection of birds of prey - eagles, owls and vultures, along with many well known and popular reptiles - snakes, lizards and tortoises.

8. SURFING - Learn to surf the only way you can really understand what all the fuss is about is to get some gear and get wet!! 9. Sip coffee on one of our many al fresco coffee shops in the town centre.

10. Eat out with a view at one of the restaurants along the seafront and taste the delights of fresh seafood, Italian, classic fish & chips and much more. Enjoy panoramic views while sipping mojitos at Aruba.

11. Take a BOAT TRIP along the coast to see the stunning scenery.

12. Catch the Land Train at any one of the twelve stops and choose your beach! We have smoking-free beaches as well as dog-free beaches for your comfort.

13. Stroll through some of the 2,000 areas of award-winning parks and gardens. Check out the Tropical Gardens at Alum Chine Beach, or the Italianate Gardens at Boscombe.

14. Explore and discover the enchanting New Forest National Park.  94,000 acres of ancient enclosures, plains and forest glades.  Explore by car, bike, foot or horseback. 

15. Explore the ruins of Corfe Castle – one of Britain’s most majestic ruins, the castle controlled the gateway through the Purbeck Hills and had been an important stronghold since the time of William the Conqueror.

16. The area of Westbourne celebrates in the fact that the author Robert Louis Stevenson set up home on the chinetop in Westcliff Road in 1885. Here, he wrote 'Kidnapped' and 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde'. The house was called 'Skerryvore' and was destroyed in an air raid during the war, but the foundations have been preserved and the garden remains as a memorial to the author.

17. Explore Brownsea Island, known worldwide as the birthplace of Scouting and Guiding. Thriving natural habitats, including woodlands, heathland and lagoon; create a haven for wildlife such as the rare red squirrel and a large variety of birds and insects, making Brownsea Island a fantastic venue explore nature.

Check out the Bournemouth Mini Guide for Things to do, attractions and eating out in and around Bournemouth. Call the Tourist Information Centre T: 0845 051 1700.