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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The Friends of Dolphin Boat Trips

Poole

Dolphin III is a specially designed boat that offers free and fully accessible trips around Poole Harbour.
Bottle Knot Sculpture

Poole

Positioned next to the Hunger Hill Junction, the sculpture will become a new landmark for people travelling into and away from Poole’s port and town centre.
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.
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.
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…
The Tank Museum

Wareham

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

Bournemouth

Middle Chine is a dog friendly family beach located between Durley Chine and Alum Chine beaches.
Mudeford Spit Beach

Christchurch, Bournemouth

Enjoy sandy, quiet beaches, tranquil views and famous beach huts at Mudeford Spit beach.
The Etches Collection - Museum of Jurassic Marine Life

Wareham

A brand new immersive museum housing the finest single collection of Kimmeridgian fossils all found by one man.
Fisherman's Walk Cliff Lift

Bournemouth

The Fisherman’s Walk Cliff Lift was built in 1935.
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.
Poole Museum & Scaplen's Court

Poole

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

Bournemouth

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

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