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 55 to 72.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

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.
Turbary Common

Bournemouth

Turbary common is the largest area of heathland in north Bournemouth and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
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.
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.
Boscombe Pier

Bournemouth

Boscombe Pier is the perfect vantage point to watch volleyball, table tennis and swingball on the beach. If you are feeling adventurous, try scaling the nearby, purpose built boulders next to the pier or have a go at slacklining!
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…
Branksome Dene Room

Poole

Nestled on Poole’s picturesque, gloriously photogenic coastline, sits one of the most unique function spaces in the United Kingdom.
Middle Chine Beach

Bournemouth

Middle Chine is a dog friendly family beach located between Durley Chine and Alum Chine beaches.
Hengistbury Head

Bournemouth

Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt and south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs.
Bournemouth Beach

Bournemouth

Buckets and spades at the ready... welcome to seven miles of award-winning beaches
Bournemouth Lower Gardens

Bournemouth

The Lower Gardens in Bournemouth are only a five minute walk from the main shopping centre, the beach and the pier.
Uber Scuba

Poole

UberScuba offers Fishing Charters, Fishing Trips and Diving Charters from Poole Quay.
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…
Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe, Christchurch

Highcliffe Castle is a Grade 1 listed building situated on the cliff top overlooking Christchurch Bay.
Beach Huts

Bournemouth

Beach huts are great for relaxing with friends and family and offer inspirational coastal views.
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…
Bournemouth Central Gardens

Bournemouth

The Central Gardens extend from the town centre to Coy Pond. They are now the home of the tennis courts, a children’s playground and a war memorial with beautiful rose borders, a Rhododendron Walk and heather beds.
Bh2 Leisure Complex

Bournemouth

Restaurants, Cinema and entertainment for everyone to enjoy in the heart of Bournemouth's buzzing Town Centre.

Ratings & Reviews

Things to Do Attractions, Activities, Beaches, Entertainment, Sports & Leisure, Tours & Sightseeing , Venue Hire in Resort, Beach Hut Hire,	What's On 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, 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 DMB Tourism Awards, 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