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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: 83

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Tower Park

Poole

Tower Park… The South Coast’s Premier Entertainment Centre!
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Bournemouth

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum houses important collections of paintings, sculpture, furniture, ceramics, world-wide collections and contemporary craft commissions.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1859 reviews
The Great Dorset Steam Fair National Heritage Show

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!
Mr Mulligans Adventure Golf

Bournemouth

Three courses, spread across two levels, will capture the imagination of all individuals, as you dodge eye catching obstacles, play additional games and keep an eye on the live scoreboards following you around the course.
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
1036 reviews
Splashdown

Poole

A roaringly good welcome awaits those who dare to enter the lair of the resident Dragon; or plunge into the Mississippi Drifter for a fantastic river tyre ride; get into a spin on Infinity with it’s funky laser lights and jukebox; there are a total...
Pier Amusements

Bournemouth

A wide range of entertainment machines and all of the most up-to-date videos and prizes.
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
6939 reviews
Marwell Zoo

Winchester

Marwell’s 140-acre park is home to an incredible range of exotic and endangered species, in beautiful, landscaped surroundings. Just by visiting Marwell Zoo (owned and operated by conservation charity, Marwell Wildlife) you'll be making a big...

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2535 reviews
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
434 reviews
Camp Bestival

East Lulworth

Welcome to the wonderful world of Camp Bestival a multi-award winning festival that combines an all-encompassing family festival experience with an action packed camping holiday; something that we like to call a Festi-Holiday!
Bournemouth Pier

Bournemouth

The iconic Bournemouth Pier is set in the middle of ten miles of golden sand with plenty to do for all the family
Alum Chine Play Park

Bournemouth

The Alum Chine playground has recently been extensively refurbished to create an amazing playspace inspired around ‘Treasure Island’ and features a number of adventurous play elements.
Old Sarum

Salisbury

Climb the mighty ramparts for views over the Wiltshire plains and imagine the once thriving town of Old Sarum. Stand in the footprint of Salisbury's original cathedral and conquer the royal castle!
Dog Friendly Zones

Bournemouth

Bournemouth Seafront welcomes responsible dog owners. Please help us to keep the seafront a safe and clean environment for all visitors…
Corfe Castle Model Village

Wareham

Corfe Castle Model Village is situated in the heart of Corfe Castle village

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2413 reviews
Kingfisher Barn

Bournemouth

Discover the riverside and encounter otters at this hidden gem in Muscliff , North Bournemouth.
Oasis Fun

Bournemouth

Oasis Fun, Bournemouth’s no.1 indoor fun centre!

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