To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.

Fantastic Attractions to enjoy

You are here: Things to Do > Attractions

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.

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.

Arts & Crafts

With Poole’s iconic pottery catching the eye of visitors the world over, here in Bournemouth we’re not short of inspiration. You’ll find pottery and ceramics cafés in and around the town, as well as other opportunities to experiment with your own creativity.

Searching For...

What's On
Things To Do
Accommodation
Food & Drink

Things to Do

Accommodation

Food & Drink

What's On

Things to Do

Accommodation

Food & Drink

Number of results:

Number of results: 84

, currently showing 1 to 18.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Kingfisher Barn

Bournemouth

Discover the riverside and encounter otters at this hidden gem in Muscliff when Kingfisher Barn opens on May 23rd. Our new Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre is the gateway to the Stour Valley Nature Reserve. The Visitor Centre is next to the car park...
Oceanarium, The Bournemouth Aquarium

Bournemouth

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

Wimborne

This magnificent house tells the story of a great Dorset family.
Poole Pottery

Poole

Recognised as a centre of excellence for the most skilled craftsmen and artisans.
Sherborne Castle

Sherborne

Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and home to the Digby family since 1617, the Castle’s staterooms display glorious art, furniture and porcelain collections from the great periods of English history.
Adventure Wonderland

Christchurch

Dorset’s number one, triple award winning family theme park. A full day’s fun whatever the weather, combining the outside park and rides with the indoor adventure play centre Wild Thing! With over 30 rides and attractions
Land Train

Bournemouth

There is no better way to travel along the seafront at Bournemouth than on the Land Train.
The Tank Museum

Wareham

The Tank Museum in Bovington brings history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2988 reviews
RNLI College

Poole

Experience the home of RNLI training including visiting our world-class Sea Survival Centre, which hosts the wave tank and Lifeboat simulator.
Swanage Railway

Swanage

What’s better than a leisurely trip behind an historic steam engine through an area of natural beauty.
Super Huts at Bournemouth, Southbourne

Bournemouth

For sale on 25 year lease: £49,995 (incl.VAT)‘Bedford’s View’ – location 21 new super huts overlooking a Blue Flag, award winning beach. The super huts are based on a high quality traditional construction adaptable to suit individual requirements.
Haynes International Motor Museum

Yeovil

The UK’s largest international motor museum with over 400 vehicles displayed in stunning style, dating from 1886 to the present day.
Stour Valley Nature Reserve

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.
Beaulieu National Motor Museum

Brockenhurst,

At the heart of the New Forest, Beaulieu is a multi-award winning family day out with something for everyone.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
4571 reviews
Bournemouth Upper Gardens

Bournemouth

The Upper Gardens hold many unusual tree species including a North American Giant Redwood (believed to be the largest in the country) and a group of mature Persian Ironwood trees.
Bournemouth Big Wheel

Bournemouth

Summer fun beside the sea as big wheel returns to Bournemouth seafront.
Alum Chine Beach

Bournemouth

Alum Chine Beach is probably one of Bournemouth's favourite Blue Flag award winning beaches, particularly loved by the locals for its wide, exceptionally clean, sandy and shingle beaches situated further to the West of Bournemouth, away from the...
Brownsea Island

Poole

Begin your Brownsea adventure with an exciting boat trip across Poole Harbour from Poole Quay and Sandbanks.

Ratings & Reviews

Home	Things to Do Attractions, Activities, Beaches, Sports & Leisure, Watersports, Shopping, Entertainment, Tours & Sightseeing ,	What's On Events, Festivals, Exhibitions,
Accommodation Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Self Catering, Caravan & Holiday Parks, Camping & Glamping, Group Friendly,	Food & Drink Restaurants, Pubs & Bars, Cafes & Delis, Vegetarian & Vegan, Search By Cuisine ,	Ideas & Inspiration Itineraries, Short Breaks, LGBT, International Education, Competitions, Bournemouth Blog, News,
Explore Towns, Villages, Coast , Countryside,	Special Offers	Visitor Information Tourist Information Centre, Bournemouth Loves Groups, Travel Information, Sign Up for E-newsletter, Accessibility Guide, Contact Us,
Business About Us, Become a Partner, Advertise With Us, Bournemouth Tourism Management Board, Bournemouth Tourism Marketing Group, Business Events Bournemouth, Tourism Awards,	Media	International Education
Events & Filming