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

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Bournemouth Activities

Following the recent government announcements with news that restrictions have been eased across the country, we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful coastline this summer.

It is worth noting that many attractions will still require customers to book in advance and will not be allowing walk in visitors. Attractions having been experiencing huge demand for tickets which is set to continue all summer. With many attractions still operating at reduced capacity, it is so important to make sure you know before you go and book well in advance if required. Always visit the attraction websites direct for the most up to date information.

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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