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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Manor Steps Beach

Boscombe, Bournemouth

Manor Steps Beach recently received a Blue Flag Award. Manor Steps is a delightful 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…
Hengistbury Head

Bournemouth

Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt and south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs.
Beach Huts

Bournemouth

Beach huts are great for relaxing with friends and family and offer inspirational coastal views.
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.
Southbourne Beach

Bournemouth

Southbourne Beach is one of Bournemouth's favourite Blue Flag award winning beaches, particularly loved by the locals for its wide, exceptionally clean, sandy and shingle beaches.
Dog Friendly Zones

Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

Here in Bournemouth, we love to see dogs enjoying our spectacular stretch of coastline, whether getting plenty of fresh air on a clifftop walk or playing at the water’s edge in our designated dog zones. Here’s some information about where your…
New Forest Wildlife Park

Nr Ashurst, Southampton

Enjoy a wildlife adventure in this lovely park, set in 25 acres of unspoilt woodland.
Rubyz Cabaret

47 Gervis Road , Bournemouth

Rubyz is Bournemouth’s fabulous little secret. Drag queen comedy at its very best!
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Poole

Fun for the whole family!
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.
Bournemouth Lower Gardens

Bournemouth

The Lower Gardens in Bournemouth are only a five minute walk from the main shopping centre, the beach and the pier.
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!
Upton Country Park

Poole

Whatever the season, there's something for everyone - enjoy the wildlife along the shoreline, try the Woodland Play Trail, visit an exhibition at The Gallery, try one of the many events – or simply find a quiet spot to admire the grounds and…
The Bournemouth Big Wheel

Bournemouth

Summer fun beside the sea as the big wheel returns to Bournemouth seafront.
Bournemouth Aviary

Bournemouth

Bournemouth Aviary has existed at Pines Walk on Westover Road for more than 50 years.
Beach Pods

Bournemouth

Book a modern, stylish beachside base and relax with fantastic views over the beautiful bay. With electricity and your own kitchenette try a little luxury on Bournemouth’s award-winning seafront.
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.
Bournemouth Upper Gardens

Bournemouth

The Upper Gardens hold many unusual tree species including a North American Giant Redwood (believed to be the largest in the country) and a group of mature Persian Ironwood trees.

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