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

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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 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.

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Boscombe Beach

Bournemouth

Boscombe's gently shelving Blue Flag beach provides a perfect family playground.
Accessible Beach Huts

Boscombe

Introducing the UK’s first purpose designed fully disabled accessible beach huts – available for hire at Bournemouth’s multi-award winning Boscombe seafront. The huts incorporate high quality design, visual flair and unique function. The inside of…
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.
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.
Westover Gardens Art and Makers Market

Westover Road, Bournemouth

This year’s Art & Makers’ Market runs from Friday 17 May to Sunday 1 September - 11am till 5pm weekends and bank holidays.
Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre

Bournemouth

Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre is the gateway to the Stour Valley Nature Reserve. It is run in partnership between BCP Council and the Bournemouth Parks Foundation.
We recommend stopping in before you head out down to the river. This true…
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.
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…
Dog Friendly Zones

Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

Here in Bournemouth, we love to see dogs enjoying our spectacular stretch of coastline, whether getting plenty of fresh air on a clifftop walk or playing at the water’s edge in our designated dog zones. Here’s some information about where your…
Rubyz Cabaret

47 Gervis Road , Bournemouth

Rubyz is Bournemouth’s fabulous little secret. Drag queen comedy at its very best!
Middle Chine Beach

Bournemouth

Middle Chine is a dog friendly family beach located between Durley Chine and Alum Chine beaches.
Upton Country Park

Poole

Whatever the season, there's something for everyone - enjoy the wildlife along the shoreline, try the Woodland Play Trail, visit an exhibition at The Gallery, try one of the many events – or simply find a quiet spot to admire the grounds and…
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.
Bottle Knot Sculpture

Poole

Positioned next to the Hunger Hill Junction, the sculpture will become a new landmark for people travelling into and away from Poole’s port and town centre.
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!
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…
Beach Huts

Bournemouth

Beach huts are great for relaxing with friends and family and offer inspirational coastal views.
West Cliff Lift

Bournemouth

The West Cliff Lift was built in 1908

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