Bournemouth Dorset
Bournemouth is one of the most popular coastal towns in the South of England, here’s a guide to all the best things to do in Bournemouth
When visiting Bournemouth it’s pretty impossible to miss the promenade!
This huge stretch of tarmac runs from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head and is approximately 10 miles long. It’s all completely flat, which makes it perfect for strolling or cycling.
In summer an early morning ride is advised, or you can catch a glorious sunset whilst out on an evening pedal!
Bournemouth’s Pier, as with any British seaside town, is the heart and soul of its location.
As with a lot of the South Coast of England, Bournemouth is quite a popular spot for surfing.
Standing at over 100 feet tall, The Big Wheel rightfully earns its place on the best things to do in Bournemouth list.This observation ride on the seafront allows visitors and residents to enjoy stunning, panoramic views of Bournemouth beach, pier and town from above.
Take in the sensational scenes in the daytime, or take a ride as the sun is about to set, to see this award-winning resort in all its glory.
The ride goes round twice and lasts 8-10 mins. Each pod can fit 6 people in, although if you’re lucky you’ll get one to yourself
f art and history is your thing, then this could well be one of the best things to do in Bournemouth!
Just half a mile (a 10 minute walk) from Bournemouth Pier, the Russell-Cotes Museum is a Grade II listed building originally known as East Cliff Hall.
If you’re visiting the South Coast of England then no doubt you’ll have seen some of the many other attractions in the area.
Christchurch and Poole are top of that list, and with both just a 20 minute drive in each direction there’s no reason not to visit if you have time!
One of the most popular places on the map of Dorset is Hengistbury Head. A relatively unspoilt and south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs.
o learn more about the area, the 70 minute Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise costs just £13 per person.
Another spot we have to mention is Splashdown. A water park located at the Tower Park complex near to Poole and rated as the number 1 water park in the UK!So with plenty to explore, especially in the summer months, getting out and about just a little outside of Bournemouth is highly recommended!
With a reputation as an eventful destination, we’re very proud of what we’ve got going on in and around Bournemouth.
It’s our festivals that set us apart from other British seaside towns and it’s what keeps families and enthusiasts coming back to the destination year after year.
Our major festivals take place throughout the year, kicking off with the Bournemouth Bay Run in the spring. Offering a variety of distances, whether you’re a competitive athlete or a fun runner, there’s no better place to work up a sweat than beside the seaside along the Bournemouth coastline.
The summer sun brings with it a host of the world’s most impressive planes as the Bournemouth Air Festival swoops into town. With four days of fun on land, at sea and in the skies, it’s the perfect family festival. The well-loved selection of Britain’s Armed Forces dazzle crowds along our award-winning seafront and best of all, it’s free! Although there are usually pop concerts and rides which are ticketed, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy the festival without paying a penny.
Relax with a drink in the garden themed bar, enjoy the music and entertainment or watch the world go by. Suitable for all the family to enjoy, the summer live entertainment programme of art, shopping, music and children’s free activities takes place in Bournemouth Square and is sure to entertain residents and visitors alike.
In the autumn, we turn our minds and eyes to culture with Bournemouth’s Arts by the Sea Festival. This multi disciplinary event showcases a packed programme of art, dance, music and theatre, stretching across a number of days and into venues at the heart of Bournemouth as well as further out into our coastal villages.
With acts that appeal to all ages, it’s a great way to learn and discover more about art and culture against a breath-taking coastal backdrop.
We will also have great Halloween events in October until the beginning of November!
In November and into the New Year, celebrate Christmas in Bournemouth.
We also host a variety of smaller and specialist festivals throughout the year. From food and drink to jazz, as well as introductions to other countries and cultures, there’s always a reason to celebrate in Bournemouth.