Voted for a third time as the Best UK Seaside Town at the 2019 British Travel Awards it isn’t hard to see why Bournemouth offers something for everyone. Now with neighbouring Christchurch and Poole look no further for a brilliant day, top attractions and superb events for the whole family to enjoy - here are some of the highlights which should definitely be on your 2020 bucket list!

  • Seaside Attractions (Smuggler’s Cove, The Big Wheel, Zip Wire)

Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf is a treat for visitors young and old and one of the newest developments in the conurbation. For some of the best views of the coastline, why not take a ride on the Big Wheel at Pier Approach? If you fancy your aerial thrills at a somewhat higher speed, then try out PierZip from 15 February.

A bright afternoon in Bournemouth's lower gardens looking over the rockery towards the big wheel.  

  • Bournemouth 7s Festival

Bournemouth 7s is one of the biggest sporting festivals in Europe providing all day entertainment, with a full programme of sport and music to entertain revellers from 22-24 May.

An elevated view of a packed crowd between rows of tents as the sun sets on the Bournemouth 7s festival.

  • Sandfest and Sandpolo

SandPolo returns to Sandbanks, for two days of exhilarating sporting action, 10-11 July. Closed by SandFest on 12 July, this event provides three days of musical and sporting action.

An image of two jockeys contesting the ball at SandPolo on the beautiful sandy and sunny SandBanks beach.

Stompin’ on the Quomps is a family-friendly unique event full of of raucous jazz and big band music in a beautiful setting overlooking the harbour, taking place on 1 August.

An image looking out between a jazz band towards a large crowed on a sunny day at Stompin' on the Quomps in Christchurch.

  • Air Festival

Now in its thirteenth year the Bournemouth Air Festival is the biggest event of its kind in the UK promising an unmissable four-day extravaganza from 20-23 August.

Christmas Tree Wonderland is a spectacular trail of more than 100 glittering trees and illuminations and the outdoor ice rink provides endless fun for all the family, set to launch in mid-November.

  • Bay Run

The Bournemouth Bay Run is the ideal opportunity for competitive and casual runners alike. With a half-marathon, 10km, 5km and 1km children’s fun run youngsters and adults can get their hearts racing in aid of the British Heart Foundation on 5 April.  

This other-worldly wildlife sanctuary is a must when visiting Poole – great for bird-watching, tours, talks and trails, it has a wonderful woodland to explore and beaches to picnic on.

A view across the harbour towards Poole's iconic Brownsea Island, with boats dotted along the waterline. A prominent building composed of traditional red and grey brick sits in the background

Whether it’s kite-surfing, paddle-boarding or just sipping something sparkling with a nice view, the jaw-droppingly beautiful second biggest natural harbour in the world promises to fulfil everyone’s pastime.

A view out toward Brownsea Island as the sun sets over Poole Harbour

Taking place in June and incorporating the Poole Harbour Boat Show (12-14 June) and Harry Paye Day (20 June), this month-long festival draws in the crowds from far and wide.

A yacht sits prominently in Poole Harbour over the weekend of the Boat Show, with a crowd milling in the background

  • Food Festivals

Food, glorious food. We love it. And we love eating it most when we’re surrounded by a lot of it. Like, at a festival. Christchurch (8-10 May) and Mudeford (23-25 May) each have their own celebrations of sustenance all set in some truly lovely places. Please sir, we want some more!

A view over a predominantly seated crowd on a sunny day at the popular Christchurch food festival.

  • Parks

Did you know we have 24 parks and open spaces that were awarded a Green Flag in 2019? From Parkrun to park yoga and even just the simple stroll our wonderful outdoor spaces are worth visiting at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

A view over a tranquil body of water in Poole Park with a swan gracefully sitting in the centre of the lake

  • Museums

With so much history and heritage to celebrate among our three towns why not expand your knowledge with a visit to one of our beautiful museums? Poole Museum and Russell-Cotes in Bournemouth have some great exhibits all year round and the Red House Museum in Christchurch, run by the Hampshire Cultural Trust, is a must.

A view from a terrace at the Russell-Cotes museum towards Bournemouth Pier with a clear view of the ocean.

  • A day at the Beach

It’s simple, it’s cheap and it's what brings millions of visitors to our shores every year. Pack a picnic or pick up some food from some of the many fabulous eateries up and down our 15-mile stretch, put down your towels and enjoy some fun in the sun.

What a place to wake up! With the waves lapping just feet away, this is as close to paradise as it comes. And with space for up to four adults and two children it’s a wonderful way to spend some time with family and friends all year round. And at some you can bring your doggies too!

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