Group Friendly Attractions

Following the latest government advice on social distancing and avoiding public gatherings, BCP Council is taking the sensible precaution to protect the public by reducing some non-essential council services – please see the latest closure details on the BCP website and for more information visit our advice page.

Bournemouth offers a superb range of attractions, activities, festivals and events all year round. Explore new places with your group, visit your favourite attractions or try something new.

Here’s just a few ideas of places to visit in Bournemouth. You can contact the attractions directly to book a visit in advance, find out about group rates and get further information to make the most of your visit. 

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum on the East Cliff is one of the most fascinating historic houses in England with beautiful sea views, a café, shop and changing exhibitions. It was the home of two Victorian collectors and travel enthusiasts, Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes. The Russell-Cotes welcomes group visits, offering a range of talks, tours and workshops. You can contact them in advance on 01202 451858, please visit their website for further details.

Bournemouth’s Famous Land Trains & Cliff Lifts

Explore the seafront in many different ways... jump aboard our famous land trains which run along the promenade eastwards towards Boscombe and westwards towards Alum Chine, or from Boscombe to Bournemouth Pier via the East Overcliff for spectacular views of the bay. 

Hop on a cliff lift (April to October) on the West Cliff or at Fisherman’s Walk in Southbourne, taking you from the prom to the clifftop for a bird’s-eye view.

For more information please call the Tourist Information Centre on 01202 451781. 

Historic Piers 

There’s lots to see and do on our historic seaside piers. You can enjoy a stroll along Bournemouth Pier with information panels taking you through the history of the resort.  Visit RockReef Indoor Activity Attraction on Bournemouth Pier an all weather attraction based on adventure sports and includes 28 Clip 'n' Climb fun, themed indoor climbing walls. Other activities include a Vertical drop slide, a ‘Leap of Faith’ jumping challenge, a HighLine high ropes aerial obstacle course and the Pier Cave. Outside is the PierZip the world's world’s first pier to shore zip wire, boasting a 250 metre dual zip line. 

At the entrance to the pier, you’ll find a family entertainment centre - Pier Amusements with a wide range of machines and activities for all ages.

At Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf discover Bournemouth's past as you smuggle your ball around 18 holes of pure adventure golf.  Play past "treacherous rocks and through church ruins but mind the water!"  Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf is based on the seafront at Pier Approach and welcomes groups & parties. Whether you're planning a children’s party, organising a group golf get-together or looking to hire the entire course for a staff training day, let them know and they will work with you to make it a day that you won’t forget. 

Make time to enjoy a leisurely mile and half walk from Pier Approach along the promenade to Boscombe Pier and enjoy a seaside stroll taking in the beautiful coastal views.

Gardens by the Sea

Explore by foot Bournemouth's beautiful Grade 11 listed Victorian Gardens. The Lower Gardens are renowned for their floral bedding displays and home to a number of attractions: The Pine Walk Art Exhibition, an aviary, the bandstand, mini golf and an ornamental rockery. The gardens also host a variety of great festivals and events. Visit here for further information on Bournemouth's Festivals & Events. The Central Gardens located by the town centre are home to tennis courts, a children's playground and start of the Tree Trail Walk. The Upper Gardens offer a tranquil setting with nature trails and pretty red bridges dotted over the Bourne Stream.