If you’re a ball of energy with an insatiable appetite for adventure, we’ve got an endless variety of activities to keep you on the move. Whether you follow a strict health and fitness regime or prefer to build your mental stamina through regular wellness and pampering sessions, Bournemouth has activities in the great outdoors and places to relax in luxurious surroundings.
We’ve listed some of our favourite Bournemouth activities to inspire you…
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.
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.
Climbing
There are lots of indoor climbing walls in Bournemouth itself so you can learn the ropes, improve your skills or drop the kids off for an active afternoon. Or why not head out into the surrounding coast and countryside where you’ll find outdoor experiences with professional tutors?
Backpacking
With a huge selection of low cost hotels, B&Bs and hostels, Bournemouth is a great place for you to start an adventure, recuperate from your journey or stop over on a sightseeing expedition. You can enjoy bracing walks along the coast or out into the countryside and our transport networks are excellent so it’s easy to get to historic towns and cities.
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.
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. So, 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 and 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.
Adventure & Outdoor
From archery and high wire climbing to a water-based obstacle course and paddle boarding, 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.
