What to do in Bournemouth

Activities, attractions and tours

Bournemouth featuring hiking or walking, heritage elements and tranquil scenes
Bournemouth
Weymouth Beach featuring a beach as well as a large group of people
Bournemouth
Bournemouth

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What to do in Bournemouth

Popular places to visit

Bournemouth Beach

Bournemouth Beach

Stroll along miles of England’s southern coast and stop at the fun parks and activity centers along the way.

Bournemouth Beach
Bournemouth International Centre

Bournemouth International Centre

Go to a performance, conference, exhibition or other event at this large venue, which sits on the beautiful coast of Bournemouth.

Bournemouth International Centre
Bournemouth Pier featuring a beach

Bournemouth Pier

Zipline from a tall tower on the pier over the waves of the sea and down to the beach from this pier’s exhilarating activity center.

Bournemouth Pier
Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre

Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre

Treat yourself to a night of early 20th-century-style grandeur at this opulent and historic theater, where you can see everything from dramas to concerts.

Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre
Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University

Best known for its media programs that have trained Oscar winners, one of the U.K.’s “new universities” straddles Bournemouth with two campuses.

Bournemouth University
Southbourne Beach

Southbourne Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Southbourne Beach during your trip to Bournemouth? Wander through the beautiful beaches and picturesque gardens in this family-friendly area.

Southbourne Beach
O2 Academy Bournemouth

O2 Academy Bournemouth

Spend an evening watching a big-name music act or attend a club night or sports event at this live performance venue, housed in a historic building.

O2 Academy Bournemouth
Oceanarium featuring marine life as well as a small group of people

Oceanarium

Face fearsome sharks, feed the giant turtles and explore the tanks full of colorful animals you never knew existed.

Oceanarium
Boscombe Pier

Boscombe Pier

Find out about the history of Boscombe when you spend time at Boscombe Pier. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

Boscombe Pier

Explore areas of Bournemouth

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Bournemouth City Centre

4/5(1,198 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Bournemouth City Centre. Make a stop by Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum or Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre while you're exploring the area.

Bournemouth City Centre
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West Cliff

4/5(6 area reviews)

While visiting West Cliff, you might make a stop by sights like Bournemouth Beach and Alum Chine Beach.

West Cliff

Day trip destinations from Bournemouth

Brownsea Castle featuring heritage architecture

Poole

Boscombe

Boscombe

Hengistbury Head which includes heritage elements, a park and heritage architecture

Hengistbury Head

Photo "Hurn" by Mike Smith (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Mike Smith (CC BY-SA)

Hurn

Photo "Parley" by Mike Faherty (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Mike Faherty (CC BY-SA)

Parley

Photo "West Parley" by Mike Faherty (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Mike Faherty (CC BY-SA)

West Parley

Frequently asked questions

Is Bournemouth worth visiting?
Providing a blend of watersports and walking trails, there's no shortage of things to do in Bournemouth. While you're here, check out Bournemouth Beach, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Bournemouth?
Bournemouth Beach and Southbourne Beach are two excellent places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Bournemouth while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bournemouth?
Bournemouth Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Bournemouth and should be high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Bournemouth?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off many city attractions, such as Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth International Centre and Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre. The average stay in Bournemouth is two days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Southampton isn't far away.
Is Bournemouth a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Bournemouth, such as Bournemouth Beach and Bournemouth International Centre, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometres from the city centre of Bournemouth is Bournemouth City Centre and Boscombe is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Bournemouth with kids?
Planning what to do in Bournemouth with kids has never been easier. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or toddlers, there are lots of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Bournemouth for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Bournemouth, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Museum of Design in Plastics.
Are there free things to do in Bournemouth?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Bournemouth. If you're looking for inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. Bournemouth Beach is a must for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing adventures.