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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, mini 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 in warm weather as well as in the rain. We have indoor climbing and high wires, as well as museums and galleries meaning you’ll be able to have a great time whatever the weather.

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 – mini 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 Alum Chine.

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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Sandbanks Mini Golf

Poole

If you think you’ve got what it takes then come and test yourself at Sandbanks Mini Golf, the South Coast’s best mini golf course, right next to one of Europe’s best beaches!
Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts

Poole

Experience, explore, discover and join in with the arts at Lighthouse, Poole, the largest regional arts centre in the UK.
Oceanarium, The Bournemouth Aquarium

Bournemouth

Oceanarium, The Bournemouth Aquarium takes you on a magical underwater adventure above and below the waves.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
3091 reviews
Upside Down House Bournemouth

Bournemouth

Upside Down House™ is the UK's first inverted experience. Walk on the ceiling, reach for the coffee table and take unbelievable photos to share on social media with your friends and family.
Swanage Railway

Swanage

What’s better than a leisurely trip behind an historic steam engine through an area of natural beauty.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
3141 reviews
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
1036 reviews
Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World

The New Forest

Paultons Family Theme Park has over 70 wonderful rides and attractions. Paultons is of course home to the world’s first & UK exclusive Peppa Pig World!

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
9751 reviews
PierView Room

Boscombe, Bournemouth

The PierView Room is a private venue hire located in a spectacular position, right on the beach front at Boscombe with stunning sea views. Perfect for parties, social gatherings, work away days or corporate networking events
Beaulieu National Motor Museum

New Forest

In the heart of the New Forest National Park, Beaulieu is a marvellous day out that can be enjoyed together.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
7299 reviews
Turbary Common

Bournemouth

Turbary common is the largest area of heathland in north Bournemouth and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex

Christchurch

There are many new safety measures we have in place to protect our customers. See the new video below and take a look at our website to see what has changed.
Two Riversmeet is situated on the edge of the historical town of Christchurch. The…
The Regent Centre

Christchurch

The Regent Centre is situated in the middle of Christchurch High Street and is the cinema, theatre, concert hall, art gallery and entertainment centre serving Christchurch, East Dorset and the New Forest.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
146 reviews
Stour Valley Nature Reserve

Muscliffe Lane, Bournemouth

This idyllic riverside Reserve forms part of the Stour Valley Way and provides a wall following a 2 mile stretch of the river Stour. It is perfect for walking, relaxing or exercising in the fresh air.
Great Dorset Steam Fair

Blandford

GDSF 2021 POSTPONED UNTIL 2022. 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!
Middle Chine Beach

Bournemouth

Middle Chine is a dog friendly family beach located between Durley Chine and Alum Chine beaches.
The Bournemouth Big Wheel

Bournemouth

Summer fun beside the sea as the big wheel returns to Bournemouth seafront.
West Cliff Lift

Bournemouth

The West Cliff Lift was built in 1908
Southbourne Beach

Bournemouth

Southbourne Beach is one of Bournemouth's favourite Blue Flag award winning beaches, particularly loved by the locals for its wide, exceptionally clean, sandy and shingle beaches.

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Visit the beautiful Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Attractions in and around Bournemouth

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