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men playing volleyball on the beach with a stunning sunset on Bournemouth Beach

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Bournemouth Activities

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Whether you’re a ball of energy with an insatiable appetite for adventure or looking for some good old-fashioned rest and relaxation, Bournemouth has it all to cater for your perfect day out. We’ve got endless activities to keep you on the move from kid friendly activities, family days out, wet weather fun and a plethora of outdoor adventure to enjoy. Whether you want to focus on health and fitness, pamper yourself in luxury, or try something completely new, Bournemouth truly has it all.

We’ve listed some of our favourite Bournemouth activities to inspire you…

Walking & Hiking

Since Victorian times, people have come to Bournemouth for the sea air and pine-scented walks. These days, you can still take a leisurely 19th century stroll or choose a more energetic adventure. The resort is criss-crossed with routes through our grade II listed gardens, spacious golf courses, sandy beaches and sweeping coastline. If you’re an intrepid explorer, you can chart a course out into the surrounding countryside – there are some spectacular, long walks through the New Forest and along the Jurassic coast. Best of all, walking doesn’t cost a penny so it’s a great, low cost day out for all the family.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Do you love tough uphill climbs or exhilarating downhill rides? Speed racing through the countryside with a group of mates? Or freewheeling along flat routes with the family? We’ve got cycle rides for every age and ability, from the promenade along the water’s edge to more challenging adventures out in the surrounding hills. There are lots of places to hire bikes if you don’t have your own, making Bournemouth the perfect setting for fun on two wheels.

Fishing

With miles of coast on our doorstep, keen fishers are spoilt for choice in Bournemouth. It’s one of the country’s best spots for sea fishing, whether you’re in the tranquil surroundings of a nature reserve or at the end of one of our historic piers. The beaches themselves offer the perfect spot to catch a variety of fish and there are tackle and bait shops dotted along the coast.

Wildlife & Bird Watching

Bournemouth is home to a huge variety of natural habitats from expansive nature reserves and a tropical paradise to miles of rugged coastline and sandy beaches. There are tons of places to pitch up and look down to the ground or up to the skies. If you're lucky, you'll spot some of the rare species that have made their home here, ornithologists regularly hail Bournemouth and neighbouring Poole as the ideal environment for bird watching and there are museums and visitor centres where you can find out more.

Health & Spa

As one of the first spa towns in England back in the 1800s, people travelled to Bournemouth for its clean air and health benefits. Today, many of the big hotels run spa packages and you can find almost every treatment imaginable in the resort. You can also team your spa day with an evening meal, afternoon tea or glass of bubbly. With miles of golden sand and our warm micro-climate, Bournemouth makes an impressive backdrop for your wellness break by the sea.

Shopping

From late night shopping in the town centre on a warm summers evening to finding stocking fillers at the Christmas markets during the Christmas Tree Wonderland festivities, Bournemouth is well equipped to satisfy even the most exquisite tastes. With unique pop-ups, independent boutiques, popular Highstreet chains and some great shopping centres further out from the town centre, Bournemouth has it all to satisfy your shopping needs.

Entertainment

Bournemouth’s concert venues attract world renown acts the year round, our intimate coastal village venues show equally charming theatre and performing arts as well as arts and independent films and several cinemas in the destination screen the latest blockbusters. Our resort town is also famous for it’s bustling nightlife which features some fantastic clubs and bars perfect for a night out on the south coast.

Sports

We have an array of fantastic leisure centres to suit your fitness needs with classes on yoga, Pilates, HIIT and great gym facilities. Our beloved Cherries (AFC Bournemouth) are playing Premier League football so expect to see some black and red football shirts out on the weekend. If you’re not already planning a trip to the Vitality stadium, you can enjoy football around the destination. Bournemouth is also home to some truly beautiful golf courses, with our great sunshine hours it’s the perfect destination to get out on the green.

Adventure & Outdoor

From archery and high wire climbing to water-based obstacle courses and water sports galore, not to mention seven miles of beautiful beaches, there are loads of outdoor adventures on offer in Bournemouth. Whether you’re organising a children’s party or looking for a fun way to spend a weekend with friends, you’ll find plenty of high energy experiences to make sure that you have a day full of fun and laughter.

Indoor

On those rare days that the sun hides away, we have some great options to enjoy your time in Bournemouth indoors. Our stunning museums and galleries will quench the thirst of any culture vulture. On a cold and blustery day why not tuck away with a delicious hot chocolate or coffee from one of our talented barista’s in the town centre? You can find more great indoor activities in our rainy-day itinerary.

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Number of results: 41

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Frieda's Teabus

Bournemouth

Looking for a memorable experience? Frieda’s Teabus will not disappoint!

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
423 reviews
Dorset Adventure Park

Corfe Castle

Dorset Waterpark is a wet and wild Woodland Waterpark set in the stunning surrounding of the Purbeck countryside.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1568 reviews
City Sightseeing Bournemouth

Bournemouth

City Sightseeing Bournemouth is a fantastic way for visitors to get their bearings in the area, experience our beautiful, dramatic coastline whilst learning some fascinating facts about this spectacular part of the South Coast via open top bus.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
111 reviews
Condor Ferries

Poole

If you're looking for a day out with a difference that's really great value, join us on one of our high speed journeys to Guernsey.
Discover Dorset Tours

Bournemouth

We are a Bournemouth based tour company offering a range of high quality sightseeing tours across Dorset, Hampshire and neighbouring counties.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
437 reviews
Auto Europe Ltd

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

For over 60 years, Auto Europe has been a leader in car hire services. In recent years, we have expanded our services to include over 20,000 car hire locations worldwide.
Queen's Park Golf Course

Bournemouth

We are pleased to announce that tee times are now available to book by phone 01202 451675 with restrictions and guidelines.
A warm welcome awaits you at Queen’s Park Golf Course, which was established in 1905. As ex-Championship course, it is…

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
43 reviews
Volleyball at Boscombe Beach

Boscombe

Enjoy a game of Volleyball on the award winning Boscombe Beach and enjoy one of the best views in the South Coast. A unique setting for a fun, sporting activity. Whether a family game or something more serious, the courts are available to hire. No…
Brownsea Island Ferries

Poole

Poole's oldest boat company leaving from the Yellow Kiosks on Poole Quay, harbour cruises, Jurassic cruises, bird boats and trips to Brownsea Island.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
652 reviews
Musical Trail at Boscombe Pier

Bournemouth

The Musical Trail on Boscombe Pier. Have a stroll, watch the waves and make some music.
Bouldering at Boscombe Beach

Bournemouth

Come and scale the boulders, increase your fitness and have fun.
Bournemouth Guided Walking Tours *Cancelled*

Bournemouth

Let our knowledgeable Guide take you on a memorable walk with stunning views of Bournemouth Bay, a walk through our Award winning gardens on to our dynamic Town Centre with information on Restaurants, Hotels, Theatres, Bars, Casinos, Shops, …
Pier Fishing

Bournemouth

Fish off the end of both Bournemouth and Boscombe pier. Buy your permit, get some bait and get out for a days adventure.
Kool Cycle Hire

Bournemouth

Are you new to Bournemouth? Weekend Away / Holiday / Student or just on a Day Visit we are here for you.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
43 reviews
Bournemouth Lower Gardens Mini Golf

Bournemouth

Lower Gardens Mini Golf is located in the centre of town in the award winning Gardens between the Town Centre and Bournemouth Pier.
Bournemouth Gardens Tree Trail

Bournemouth

Learn how to recognise your trees with this gardens trail. It takes approximately two hours and identifies 12 types of tree including Redwood, Cypress and Palm, and is totally free!
Greenslade Pleasure Boats

Poole

Board a Greenslade boat & see the wonderful Poole Harbour, take a trip up the Wareham river or visit Brownsea Island.

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77 reviews
Table Tennis at Boscombe Beach

Bournemouth

Free Table Tennis on Boscombe beach. Two tables are available free of charge for public use so come down and enjoy the fresh air while battling friends and family

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