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Fantastic Attractions to enjoy

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Attractions in and around Bournemouth

We’ve got indoor and outdoor places for you to visit with friends or family while you’re in Bournemouth. It doesn’t matter what you’re into or what the weather’s doing – there are museums, galleries, amusement arcades, crazy golf, play parks, an oceanarium and more. Read on for ideas of things we think you’ll enjoy...

All Year Round

Here in Bournemouth, we’re blessed with a warm microclimate but we can’t guarantee it for all 365 days of the year. So, many of our attractions are designed to be enjoyed whatever the weather. We have indoor climbing and high wires, as well as museums and galleries meaning you’ll be able to stay dry and still have a great time.

Family Fun

What could be more family friendly than a huge, sandy beach? Well, we’ve got one of those, as well as other seaside favourites – crazy golf, amusement arcades and an oceanarium. You can also bring tiny tots to play in the water feature on the seafront or take your ‘big kids’ down the zipwire on the pier!

Group Friendly

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a shared passion, your group will feel at home in Bournemouth. You’ll be able to get group bookings and offers at lots of our attractions.

Beaches

Buckets and spades at the ready – we’ve got seven miles of sandy beaches for you! Surrounded by majestic cliffs, our beaches bask in their very own microclimate while some of the warmest seas in the UK lap onto the shore. You can hire deckchairs and sun loungers, as well as everything you need to play beach sports. Or, you can make your own fun building sandcastles and paddling in the shallow waters.

For ease of access to the beach, Cliff Lifts are situated at West Cliff and Fisherman’s Walk, along side zigzag path ways and the Land Train also runs along the promenade towards Boscombe and westwards to Branksome Chine.

Click here to view our beaches guide

Aquariums

Bournemouth’s right next to the sea so it’s no surprise that we’ve got an oceanarium. Complete with penguin enclosure, you can find out about all aspects of marine life in this popular, family friendly aquarium.

History & Culture

Bournemouth has a rich history centred around literary inspiration and the medicinal benefits of the sea air. With its very own museum house and a variety of galleries and performance spaces showcasing a growing portfolio of high quality art, there’s plenty for the culturally curious to explore.

Religious Landmarks

Bournemouth is home to a number of churches and religious centres in a variety of architectural styles, many of them home to points of interest including the resting place of Mary Shelley in one of our town centre cemeteries.

Museums & Galleries

Bournemouth’s famous universities and renown for digital industries have made it a natural home for art and culture. Exhibitions are held throughout the year in its world class venues and there are museums to help you uncover the past, including a clifftop treasure trove!

Parks & Gardens

We’ve got an enormous 2,000 acres of parks and gardens here in Bournemouth! The gardens in our town centre are grade II listed and date back to the Victorian era. There are plenty of golf courses and other green spaces. Dotted along the coast you’ll also find a tropical paradise and nature reserve.

Looking for accommodation in Bournemouth… a perfect place to stay by the sea…

Bournemouth is well known for its great variety of hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and self catering options situated along our stunning coastline. You’ll find luxury international hotel groups, national chains, beautiful boutique hotels, independent and family friendly hotels and guest houses, budget friendly hotels, a great choice of self catering options and caravan and camping parks along our neighbouring coastline and countryside.

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Number of results: 81

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Peppa Pig World at Paultons Family Theme Park

The New Forest

A world first and UK exclusive, Peppa Pig World is an amazing land that lets youngsters discover Peppa’s World in nearly 3 acres of fully themed fun! Paultons Park is the action-packed theme park for families which has more than 70 wonderful rides…

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
7428 reviews
Great Dorset Steam Fair

Blandford

If you are looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family, you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair!
Poole Stadium Greyhound Racing

Poole

Let's Go Racing... A great night out for all the family, enjoy your evening & cheer your winners past the post.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
249 reviews
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Poole

Farmer Palmer’s is the fabulous Farm Park where young adventurers can frankly ‘let their hair down’ without older children around to stifle their enjoyment!

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1123 reviews
Pier Amusements

Bournemouth

A wide range of entertainment machines and all of the most up-to-date videos and prizes.
Adventure Wonderland

Christchurch

Dorset’s multi award-winning family theme park, Adventure Wonderland, with its great range of rides and attractions is the perfect spot for an unforgettable day out.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
842 reviews
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Wareham

Come to visit the location of the TV show Monkey Life! Monkey World assists governments around the world to stop the smuggling of primates from the wild.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
5490 reviews
LV=KidZone

Bournemouth

LV=KidZone is a child safety scheme that runs across Bournemouth and Poole’s beaches every summer to coincide with the school holidays.
Laser Quest

Bournemouth

Whether you're 6 or 66 you’ll love the adrenaline pumping exhilarating of stalking your opponents and unleashing a volley of Laser Fire in the Battle-Zone of the next Century!

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
236 reviews
British Beach Polo Championship Sandbanks

Poole

The British Beach Polo Championships returns to Dorset on 12-13 July 2019. With up to 10,000 people in attendance, it is the biggest beach polo event in the world
Bournemouth Central Gardens

Bournemouth

The Central Gardens extend from the town centre to Coy Pond. They are now the home of the tennis courts, a children’s playground and a war memorial with beautiful rose borders, a Rhododendron Walk and heather beds.
Pavilion Theatre

Bournemouth

The Bournemouth Pavilion and Ballroom is Bournemouth’s stunning Art Deco theatre providing year-round entertainment. Built in the 1920s, this vintage theatre retains its original and elegant styling. Bournemouth's regular home for West End stage…
Hengistbury Head

Southbourne, Bournemouth,

Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt and south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs.
London Repertory Players

Bournemouth

The London Repertory Players (LRP) return for an extended season of 5 weeks in Summer 2019!
Compton Acres

Poole

Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven with spectacular themed gardens, relax in the charming Café, browse creative gifts or delve into the exciting world of plants within the Plant Centre, there's a surprise at every turn.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
911 reviews
Dog Friendly Zones

Bournemouth

Here in Bournemouth, we love to see dogs enjoying our spectacular stretch of coastline. Whether it’s getting plenty of fresh air on a clifftop walk or playing at the water’s edge in our designated dog zones.
The Teddy Bear Museum

Dorchester

This museum, devoted to the wonderful world of the teddy bear, contains a wealth of bears for you to delight in.
The Blue Pool

Wareham

A unique Pool which varies in colour from green to turquoise is surrounded by 25 acres of pine trees, gorse and heather. A haven for families to enjoy and explore.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
475 reviews

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