Inside the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
Bournemouth Lower Gardens
Bournemouth International Centre

You are here: Home > 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, 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 by 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 paths. 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.

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: 77

, currently showing 37 to 54.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Durley Chine Beach

Bournemouth

Durley Chine 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.
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.
Alum Chine Beach

Bournemouth

Enjoy sandy beaches, amazing views and the cool sea breeze on your skin when visiting Alum Chine Beach
Branksome Dene Room

Poole

Nestled on Poole’s picturesque, gloriously photogenic coastline, sits one of the most unique function spaces in the United Kingdom.
Boscombe Cliff Gardens

Bournemouth

Originally opened in 1900, Boscombe Cliff Gardens merges into the Boscombe Overcliff Local Nature Reserve. The outward looking Cliff Gardens; leading through to the more sheltered Italianate Gardens both overlook beautiful cliffs grazed by a small…
West Cliff Beach

Bournemouth

West Cliff Beach is a vibrant beach close to Bournemouth Town Centre and often referred to as 'Bournemouth Beach' due to its popularity with visitors. It is located to the west of Bournemouth Pier and over a mile long.
There are numerous beach…
Alum Chine Tropical Gardens

Bournemouth

A chine is a steep dry river valley and Alum Chine is the largest of four Chines within Bournemouth.
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.
Bournemouth Pier

Bournemouth

Set in the middle of ten miles of golden sand, Bournemouth Pier is the destination of choice for thousands of families every year.
As well as stunning views across the bay, framed by the Isle of Wight on one side and the Purbeck hills on the…
Alum Chine Play Park

Bournemouth

The Alum Chine playground is an amazing play space inspired around ‘Treasure Island’ and features a number of adventurous play elements.
Conker

Bournemouth

We’d love for you to join us for a tour of our Distillery in Bournemouth, home of the Dorset Dry Gin and Conker Coffee Liqueur. Hear first-hand our journey from bootstrapped start-up to one of the UK’s leading craft distilleries bringing the…
The Etches Collection - Museum of Jurassic Marine Life

Wareham

A brand new immersive museum housing the finest single collection of Kimmeridgian fossils all found by one man.
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…
Mudeford Spit Beach

Christchurch, Bournemouth

Enjoy sandy, quiet beaches, tranquil views and famous beach huts at Mudeford Spit beach.
Boscombe Beach

Bournemouth

Boscombe's gently shelving Blue Flag beach provides a perfect family playground.
West Cliff Lift

Bournemouth

The West Cliff Lift was built in 1908
Middle Chine Beach

Bournemouth

Middle Chine is a dog friendly family beach located between Durley Chine and Alum Chine beaches.
Go Ape Moors Valley

Ashley Heath

Located 10 miles north of Bournemouth and 5 miles west of Ringwood, you can find us in Moors Valley Country Park. We're just off Horton Road - near to Ashley Heath and the New Forest. Go Ape Moors Valley hosts five action-packed adventures. Explore…

Ratings & Reviews

Things to Do PierView Room , Attractions, Activities, Beaches, Beach Hut Hire, Sports & Leisure, Entertainment, Tours & Sightseeing ,	What's On April, August, December, February, January, July, June , March, May , November , October, September, Events, Festivals, Exhibitions,	Accommodation Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Self Catering, Touring Caravan & Holiday Parks, Camping & Glamping, Dog Friendly, Group Friendly,
Food & Drink Restaurants, Pubs & Bars, Cafes & Delis, Afternoon Tea, Food & Drink Experiences, Vegetarian & Vegan, Search By Cuisine ,	Inspire Me Escape the Everyday , Itineraries, School Holidays in Bournemouth, Short Breaks, Weddings, LGBT, International Education, Bournemouth Blog, News,	Shopping Markets, High Street, Shopping Centres,
Explore Towns & cities, Villages, Beyond the Beach , The South Coast , Countryside, History of Bournemouth, Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter ,	Your Visit Accessibility Guide, Awards, Living in Bournemouth, Tourist Information Centre, Bournemouth Loves Groups, Travel Information, Weather, Newsletter Sign-Up, Contact Us,	Work With Us Destination Awards, About Us, Advertise on our websites, Jobs & Vacancies , Destination Management Board , Tourism Partner HUB, Business Events Bournemouth, Events & Filming,
Media Media Hub ,

Attractions in and around Bournemouth

All-Year-Round

Aquariums

Religious Landmarks

Featured

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:

Follow Us...

Don't Miss