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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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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
828 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!
Pier Amusements

Bournemouth

A wide range of entertainment machines and all of the most up-to-date videos and prizes.
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
5393 reviews
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
247 reviews
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
7243 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
1098 reviews
The Bournemouth Big Wheel

Bournemouth

Summer fun beside the sea as big wheel returns to Bournemouth seafront.
Boscombe Chine Gardens

Bournemouth

Boscombe Chine Gardens were developed originally from a ‘chine’ of heath and mire into a splendid Victorian garden, a central part of the then thriving Boscombe resort.
Centre VR

Bournemouth

Centre VR brings the wonder of virtual reality to life, with some of the most amazing and fun immersive experiences around!
Alum Chine Tropical Gardens

Bournemouth

A chine is a steep dry river valley and Alum Chine is the largest of four Chines within Bournemouth.
Salisbury Cathedral & Magna Carta

Salisbury

See Britain’s tallest spire & best preserved original 1215 Magna Carta as well as the world’s oldest working clock, largest cloisters & close - all set within the historic city of Salisbury.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
6102 reviews
Hengistbury Head

Southbourne, Bournemouth,

Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt and south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs.
Red House Museum

Christchurch

A former Georgian workhouse, the Red House is now a museum exploring the story of Christchurch from before the Ice Age to modern times.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
126 reviews
The Dinosaur Museum

Dorchester

Fossils, skeletons, life-size dinosaur reconstructions and plenty more.
Pause Cat Café

Bournemouth

A cat cafe with a difference… one that improves lives by promoting kindness
through animal welfare, ethical eating, volunteering and community projects.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
274 reviews
Bournemouth International Centre

Bournemouth

Whether you want to see a show, be educated at a conference, attend an exhibition or enjoy some art, the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is a premier conference, events and entertainment venue, centrally situated in the town with panoramic...
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.

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