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Bournemouth Activities

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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RockReef Activity Centre & Pier Zip

Bournemouth

If you’re looking for a fun, adrenaline fueled day out for all the family, visit RockReef, the all-year all-weather exciting attraction located on the iconic Bournemouth Pier!

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1294 reviews
Dorset Guided E-Bike Day Trips

Poole

At Dorset Guided E-bike Day Trips our mission & vision is to offer an exceptional experience to every customer, every time. Exploring the BCP area has just become a lot more fun with our guided electric bicycle tours.

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39 reviews
City Cruises Poole

Poole

A wide range of cruises departing from Poole Quay and Swanage Pier.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
630 reviews
City Sightseeing Bournemouth

Bournemouth

City Sightseeing Bournemouth is part of the City Sightseeing Worldwide family which operates in scores of cities throughout the world. Hop on and Hop off the bus as much as you like at any of the bus stops on the route and see all the best sights…

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
152 reviews
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.

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375 reviews
Greenslade Pleasure Boats

Poole

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

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93 reviews
Auto Europe Ltd

Pilgrim Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Auto Europe is a global online car hire broker with over 60 years experience in dealing with regional, national and international suppliers. Collaborating with highly trusted brands such as Hertz, Europcar, Avis and Thrifty, to name but a few, means…
Brownsea Island Ferries

Poole

Poole's oldest boat company leaving from the Yellow Kiosks on Poole Quay. Harbour cruises, Jurassic cruises, bird boats and much more!

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691 reviews
Queen's Park Golf Course

Bournemouth

A warm welcome awaits you at Queen’s Park Golf Course, which was established in 1905. As ex-Championship course, it is Bournemouth’s golfing crowning glory set in undulating mature parkland with tree-lined fairways.
It’s not for the…

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47 reviews
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.
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!
All Fired Up Ceramics Cafe

Bournemouth

Our ceramics café is the perfect place for friends to meet, for families to enjoy time together and for everyone to be creative. Come in and paint one of the many pieces of pottery on offer. Be tempted by our freshly made sandwiches and paninis,…
Musical Trail at Boscombe Pier

Bournemouth

The Musical Trail on Boscombe Pier. Have a stroll, watch the waves and make some music.
Bournemouth Lower Gardens Mini Golf

Bournemouth

Mini golf in Boscombe
Car Hire from Karzoom

516 Wallisdown Road, BOURNEMOUTH

If you’re looking for a car for your Staycation, or to explore the local towns and beaches, then try a whole new car rental experience with Karzoom.
From small hatchbacks to large 7-seaters – whatever your plans, we have a car to suit you, direct…
Brewhouse & Kitchen Experiences

Bournemouth

Open your mind to a new experience!
Book the following experiences at our Poole, Bournemouth, and Southbourne locations!

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709 reviews
Sea Fishing Poole

Poole

Sea Fishing Poole, book a fishing trip, buy your equipment or charter a boat - have a day's adventure.
Castaway Luxury Boat Charters

Poole

Luxury Cruises along the Jurassic Coastline, Isle of Wight, or Lulworth Cove.

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66 reviews

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