If you’re seeking fun things to do in Bournemouth, then welcome to the area I now call home. I first moved to Dorset in 2002 to attend Bournemouth Uni, and have never left! Now, I live in Christchurch, which borders Bournemouth and the New Forest. Poole can also be found to the west of Bournemouth.
You too will find there’s no reason to leave this coastal town once you discover all the Bournemouth attractions on offer here. From paid and free things to do in Bournemouth as a family to activities better suited to couples, solo travellers or groups, there are outdoor and indoor activities in Bournemouth for everyone!
Though it can be hard to tear yourself away from the New Forest – or the many miles of golden beaches Bournemouth proudly calls its own – you’ll soon find there’s far more to Bournemouth than soft sands lapped by clear blue water and one of the UK’s sunniest climates.
Here are 38 of the top things to do and places to visit in Bournemouth. Taking at least a day trip here while you’re in the New Forest area is very highly recommended indeed.
Also check out 25 places to visit in Poole, which borders Bournemouth.
Things to do in Bournemouth contents
- 38 things to do in Bournemouth
- Hop on, hop off bus
- Purbeck Breezer
- Bournemouth Pier
- Oceanarium
- Big Wheel
- Rock Reef
- Boscombe Pier
- Hengistbury Head
- Beach day
- Film at Bh2
- Mini golf
- Skybar
- Spa day
- Shop at Bobby’s
- Christmas market
- Gardens
- Cosmo restaurant
- St Peter’s churchyard
- Dessert cafe
- Cat cafe
- Beach lift
- Russell Cotes Museum
- Natural Science Society
- Science Zone
- Westover Gallery
- Bournemouth Pavilion
- Bournemouth International Centre
- O2 Academy
- Beryl bikes
- Dorset eBike tour
- Dorset day trip
- Westbourne
- Boscombe Chine Gardens
- King’s Park
- Centre VR
- Adventure Wonderland
- Bournemouth Aviation Museum
- Bournemouth Air Festival
- Where to stay in Bournemouth
38 of the best things to do in Bournemouth
Jump on the Jojo Bus
Jojo bus? No, it’s not named for the character in Get Back by The Beatles. This is what we used to call hop-on, hop-off buses when I was a travel agent. Not least because one of my colleagues was called Jojo! And now we have a Jojo – a different one – in the family.
Taking a jump-on, jump-off (jojo) bus tour is one of my favourite ways to get my bearings when visiting a new destination. That way you can see what’s around while deciding what to do during the other days of your stay.
Bournemouth’s is operated by City Sightseeing and takes you way beyond town. Destinations include the Old Town near Poole Quay, the smart suburb of Westbourne, Poole Park and its boating lake, the multi-millionaire’s enclave of Sandbanks and Bournemouth Pier.
Without doubt taking a ride is one of the things to do in Bournemouth and Poole.
Click here to buy tickets for the Bournemouth Sightseeing Bus
Board the Purbeck Breezer
An alternative to the hop on, hop off bus is the Purbeck Breezer. This local bus runs between Bournemouth and Swanage, and tickets are very reasonably priced. You can catch the bus from the train station or Bournemouth Square, and it’s ideal for taking affordable days out from Bournemouth.
The route includes Westbourne, Canford Cliffs, Sandbanks, Shell Bay, Studland and Swanage.
Walk along Bournemouth Pier
Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA
Bournemouth Pier encapsulates what a British seaside resort is all about. There’s no better spot from which to look over the ocean, and shoud you tire of that the pier also offers a restaurant, arcade games, and a gift shop to stock up on holiday essentails and presents for the folks at home.
Somewhat unusually, this pier also boasts a zipline and a Rock and Reef indoor climbing centre. The latter is highly recommended by Missy, who recently went there with the Brownies (and you can find out all about it further down this guide).
The Victorian pier dates back to the late 19th century, yet has a contemporary appearance that brings it bang up to date. This is one of the best Bournemouth places to visit for all ages.
Dive into the Oceanarium
Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA
The local Oceanarium is right by Bournemouth Pier, so you can’t miss it. Missy has not stopped talking about this place since her recent school trip there, so we all returned to celebrate her birthday. It’s a top pick among Bournemouth tourist attractions for all ages.
Highlights include the playful little penguins, lots of sharks, colourful tropical fish, stingrays and a loggerhead turtle. We’d just glimpsed one of the later when visiting Dalyan in Turkey, and they really are bigger than you think!
Go on Bournemouth Big Wheel
Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA
Also by the pier is Bournemouth Big Wheel. It’s over 100 feet high, so you can get great views over the town from your seat. Sunset is a nice time to try it, especially if you want romantic Bournemouth things to do for couples.
Kids love it too. We took two on when they were aged seven and six, and they coped with the height no problem at all. As did we, in case you’re wondering!
Get a thrill at Rock Reef
Bournemouth Pier, Bournemouth BH2 5AA
Missy went to Rock Reef on Bournemouth Pier with the Brownies recently. And loved it. She’s begging to go back, though I’m not sure if at nine she’s quite ready for the zip line…
If you need Bournemouth beach things to do due to rain, then you’ll be glad to hear the climbing centre is under cover. There are tunnels, ropes and climbing walls to tackle inside, though you can zip along outdoors over Bournemouth Pier if you’re feeling brave!
Wander over to Boscombe Pier
2494 Undercliff Drive, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH5 1BL
Yep, another pier. Bournemouth boasts two piers, and visiting Boscombe’s is one of the best things to do around Bournemouth. In fact you can take a pier to pier walk between the two – this takes around half an hour. There’s also a car park on the hill, behind the restaurants, shops and beach huts to the left of the pier entrance.
However you get there, Boscombe is a slick coastal neighbourhood with smart beach huts designed by Wayne Hemingway (Red or Dead). There’s also some fine eateries here, including Urban Reef which is one of the top restaurants in Bournemouth with ocean views. Plus plenty of golden sands to settle down on for a beach picnic.
The pier itself is very modern-looking, as it’s been fully restored. It’s the one place I had my photo taken during late pregnancy, with my bump on show! We love visiting Boscombe Pier, and there are plenty of places to eat and shop nearby. Plus the glorious beaches that lie to both sides of the pier, of course. When surf’s up, you’ll spot keen wave riders in action here too.
Head to Hengistbury (Head)
Hengistbury Head car park, 200 Broadway, Southbourne, Bournemouth BH6 4EL
Mudeford Quay car park, Christchurch BH23 4AB
Keep heading east from Boscombe Pier and eventually you’ll come to a totally unique place. Of all the places to go in Bournemouth, this one really is different.
Hengistbury Head – aka Mudeford Sandbank or Sandspit – is like a finger of land jutting out from the eastern edge of Bournemouth. During summer, hordes of well-heeled visitors flock here to hole up in the off-grid beach huts for the weekend or school holidays.
These are some of the only overnight huts in Britain and buying one would set you back a considerable sum. They’re so photogenic, so don’t miss the lines of colourful cabins if you like to take a snap or two. Incredibly Instagrammable, and a sweeping panorama makes a great reel too.
There’s only one eatery near the beach huts at Hengistbury Head – the Beach House – or you can grab food and drinks at the Hiker cafe near the visitor centre. Between those two areas you’ll pass beneath the trees and skirt the edge of the water, making way for cyclists as you go.
It’s a very popular area with birdspotters, and there’s even a Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group that keeps locals informed about the whereabouts of their feathered friends.
There’s not a lot to do at Hengistbury Head bar admiring the huts or enjoying the beach. But the feeling of being somwhere far removed from the rat race is really the key to its appeal.
You can’t drive to Hengistbury Head. There’s parking by the Hiker cafe, after which you can walk or cycle along to the sandspit. Or take a ride on the popular land train during early April and the end of October. This departs from the Hiker cafe every half an hour. Providing you, again, with a great photo opportunity!
Alternatively, drive from Bournemouth to Mudeford Quay and park there, then you can catch the little Mudeford ferry across to Hengistbury Head. This also operates between April and October and departs every 15 minutes or so. If the flag’s flying, the ferry is running! It also operates at weekends during the colder months – weather permitting, of course.
Have a beach day
Southbourne Beach car park, Southbourne Coast Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth BH6 4EN
There’s no better place in the UK for a beach day than Bournemouth! Mile upon mile of golden sand and generally calm water makes this the one of the top Bournemouth things to do as a family. The beaches here are clean, spacious and often on TV (like whenever there’s a heatwave).
The area around Bournemouth Pier can, understandably, get very busy during hot weather or summer weekends, so if you fancy a more peaceful vibe we recommend heading out of town a little to Southbourne. This is our favourite place to go with the kids in summer, as it’s a little off the beaten track.
If you want access to more amenities, try anywhere between here and central Bournemouth. In some parts you can park for free along the clifftop too!
Watch a film at Bh2
Bh2 Leisure, Exeter Crescent, Bournemouth BH2 5DD
The Bh2 Leisure complex is slap-bang in the centre of Bournemouth and opened several years ago. There’s a large Odeon cinema here, so you can catch all the latest films while munching on some freshly-prepared popcorn.
Mister goes so often – usually with his ‘cinema wife’ (aka my bestie) that he has a membership pass. Our top tip is to pay extra for the bigger, more plush seating – it’s well worth the extra few quid. In fact a snooze is one of these oh-so-comfy seats could well be one of the top things to do in Bournemouth if you’re feeling sleepy!
Eat, drink & play golf at Mr Mulligan’s
Bh2 Leisure, Exeter Crescent, Bournemouth BH2 5DD
Also found in the Bh2 leisure complex is Mr Mulligan’s. This restaurant and bar has much more than food and drink – including two golf courses to try your hand at. There’s also pool, electro darts, ping pong and laser shot activities.
Another of the best things to do in Bournemouth in the rain, for sure. This is also an activity that will be enjoyed by people of all ages.
See the view from the Skybar
Terrace Road, Bournemouth BH2 5EL
Right by the Bh2 leisure complex is the Hilton Bournemouth, that was built at the same time. The Level8ight Skybar here is southwest England’s highest, so as you can imagine the ocean and town panoramas from the eighth floor are incredible. Pretty much all the things to see in Bournemouth can be viewed from here. Don’t forget to create a reel while you’re here.
Cocktails aren’t cheap, but you’re paying for a memorable experience. My favourite is the Old Man and the Sea – a sweet and heady concoction containing flavours of cherry, lime, coconut, pineapple and rum. Picking from the appealing list is among the top things to do in Bournemouth at night!
Alternatively, enjoy afternoon tea here. Whichever you choose, you’ll need to book a table. This place is very popular, not least for hen parties. I first visited myself with one of those, in fact.
Soak up a spa day
Also at the Hilton in Bournemouth is a lovely spa with a steam room, sauna, bubble pool and relaxtion zone. You can also book a range of treatments here, such as facials and massages. If you’re staying here, you can use the facilities for free!
Other spas I rate in the area include the one at The Connaught. This has a gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi tub, sauna and steam room. Oceana Hotels also have a spa based at their Ocean Beach hotel, which is next to the Suncliff and The Cumberland that they also own.
Shop till you drop at Bobby’s
The Square, Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth BH2 5LY
Bobby’s department store in Bournemouth was until recently a branch of Debenham’s. The Bobby’s heritage dates back to 1915, until it became Debenham’s during the 1970s. Now, it’s Bobby’s again, and offers much more than simply shopping.
Bobby’s houses an ice cream parlour, a beauty hall, an art gallery, a beauty salon, a pizzeria and more. Taking a wander around here is one of the best things to do in Bournemouth. Especially if it’s raining, you’re craving a sundae or are in the mood for some retail therapy.
Stock up at Bournemouth Christmas Market
The Square, Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth BH2 5LY
Right in front of Bobby’s you’ll find Bournemouth Christmas Market – though only in season, obviously. It’s ideal when you’re seeking stuff to do in Bournemouth and need to stock up for Christmas!
Twinkling fairy lights, roasting chestnuts, goods from all over Europe, mulled wine… it’s a pleasure to simply spend time here during December, even when you’re not really planning to buy much.
Meander through the gardens
Westover Road, Bournemouth BH2 5AH
Bournemouth’s central lung comes in the form of the Upper, Central and Lower Gardens. In fact the latter were once known as the Lower Pleasure Gardens, but presumably some wise soul wasn’t keen on the connotations of that name!
You can wander from Bh2 or Bobby’s towards the beach, or head inland for a more peaceful wander alongside local residents walking their dogs. All three gardens have been Green Flag winners since before the millenium.
If you’re seeking outdoor activities in Bournemouth that aren’t too taxing, why not try exploring these attractive gardens and see where the day takes you? There’s mini golf at the Lower Gardens too, and following the path towards the sea will also take you to the Pavilion.
Taste the world at Cosmo
3 St Peters Quarter, St Peter’s Rd, Bournemouth BH1 2AD
Cosmo is a brand-new buffet restaurant offering foods from all over the world. It was previously known as Day’s, and we went there quite a lot. Sadly it shut around the time of the Covid pandemic, but has now been fully revamped and has re-emerged. As Cosmo, complete with robots! Their presence places this eatery among the best things to do with your family in Bournemouth.
We took Missy and a friend here for her birthday and they couldn’t stop giggling after a robot sang Happy Birthday to her. As for us, we couldn’t get enough of the Asian style dishes, while the kids preferred the Yorkshire puddings from the carvery. Plus the puds, of course.
Connect with Frankenstein at St Peter’s churchyard
Hinton Road, Bournemouth BH1 2EE
Very close to Cosmo is St Peter’s Church. Here you can track down the grave of Mary Shelley, the creator of Frankenstein. There’s a Wetherspoon’s pub named after her on the corner opposite, so it’s not hard to find.
A blue plaque marks the spot. The grave apparently contains the heart of her husband, prominent romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. A definite to do in Bournemouth for literary types.
Tuck in at a dessert cafe
Creams cafe, 2 Albert Road, Bournemouth BH1 1BY
Sprinkles Gelato, 18-22 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth BH8 8AD
There’s a couple of really good dessert cafes in Bournemouth. Creams is on Albert Road, close to the pedestrianised are in the centre of town. Or head uphill to Holdenhurst Road – aka student central – to visit Sprinkles Gelato. If you have a sweet tooth, add one of these to your Bournemouth to do list!
This is another one we’ve done with Missy and her bestie for a birthday. To see their faces when their pretty creations arrived was delightful. Pudding for lunch, anyone? Well you are on holiday. Maybe 😉
Pause at the cat cafe
Pause cat cafe, 119 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH1 1EP
If desserts aren’t quite doing it for you, how about a cat cafe? In Japan these places are huge – we watched a documentary on this recently and they are a tad obsessed!
I’ve walked past Pause many times and always spot a few felines, and there more inside to make a fuss of! If the kids are missing your family pet while you’re away, a pitstop at Pause should give them a fix. While you get to have a caffeine hit, perhaps.
The menu here features plenty of vegan food, such as the dairy-free mac ‘n’ cheese we recently devoured. We can also recommend the shakes. Petrus is our favourite cat, who will be yours?
Ride the funicular railway
Bournemouth Seafront, Bournemouth BH2 5AA
Hop onto the funicular railway in Bournemouth for the ride of your life! The West Cliff lifts run on tracks, so they’re classed as light railways. You get great views of the coastline from inside the glass-walled lift, and as they’re council-run tickets are cheap.
This is a fun and easy way to access the beach, and one of the things to do at Bournemouth beach when you want even better views.
Visit Russell-Cotes Museum & Gallery
East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, BH1 3AA
The Russell-Cotes Museum is perfectly poised on a hill overlooking Bournemouth beach. Here you can explore the museum, discover the house and garden or enjoy refreshments at the cafe. Can you imagine living here, right by one of the UK’s most-visited beaches?
Well the Russell-Cotes family did, and now you can view their stunning array of art, collectible items and furniture. You can also discover the house and garden, or take one of the highly-rated tours. It’s one of those places to see in Bournemouth you might never forget – not least due to dreaming about living here.
Uncover Bournemouth Natural Science Society & Museum
Bournemouth Natural Science Society, 39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH1 3NS
Bournemouth Natural Science Society and Museum is a little-known secret, even among locals. While it’s not topping any list of Bournemouth attractions for families, it really should be. This registered charity has been operating since 1903, and is a must for lovers of the natural world.
The list of topics to explore here includes animals, birds, Egyptology, astronomy, geography, insects, archaeology, science, plants and geology. Discover the unusual plants in the garden is a highlight for grown-ups, while kids will love looking out for species such as clams, frogs, water boatmen and even freshwater shrimps in the pond.
Discover Science Zone UK
21/22 The Royal Arcade, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH1 4BT
A Geography and Geology graduate of King’s College London unleashed Science Zone in Boscombe in 2016. The idea is to introduce science to the public via STEM (Science, Tech, Maths and Coding) principles.
Now Science Zone offers kids’ birthday parties and adult workshops and even works with schools. A bonus is the location, inside a beautiful and well-preserved Victorian arcade with an arched glass ceiling. There are of course fun things to do in Bournemouth for adults and kids here too.
Browse the artworks at Westover Gallery
4 Westover Road, Bournemouth BH1 2BY
On Westover Road opposite the Pavilion Theatre you’ll find Westover Gallery. This little independent place displays pictures and sculptures from all sorts of artists, and is a great place to pick up a totally original souvenir.
This may be one of the more unusual things to do in Bournemouth, but for art buffs or those in search of home accessories it’s a must.
Catch a show at the Pavilion
Westover Road, Bournemouth BH1 2BU
Opposite the Westover Gallery and behind the car park is Bournemouth Pavilion. If you like all things musical, comedic or theatrical, then you must try to see a show of some sort. In the past we’ve seen Harry Hill and Derren Brown here.
At the time of writing, upcoming acts included The Bon Jovi Experience, Kim Wilde, Essential 80s, Russell Kane, Dawn French, the LOL Comedy Club and many more. Attending a show is one of the top things to do in Bournemouth for couples on date night.
By the Pavilion is the upside-down house. It’s fun to see. If you find the £6.50 entry fee per person a little steep, just think of the pictures you can take. My daughter loved our recent visit, though the uneven floors did make me feel a little disoriented!
Be entertained at the BIC
Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH
The BIC – as it’s affectionately known locally – is the Bournemouth International Centre for events, exhibitions and entertainment. Like the Pavilion, you can get tickets to all kinds of shows here. It’s one of the best places to visit in Bournemouth when you want to see big name acts.
Coming up on the bill at the time of writing, for example, are the Kaiser Chiefs, Professor Brian Cox, Jimmy Carr, Biffy Clyro, Jason Manford, Billy Ocean and many, many more.
Go live at the O2 Academy
570 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH1 4BH
The O2 is home to all things musical – and a few other events as well. If you want to find things to do in Bournemouth this weekend and are into sound, why not see what’s on?
The venue was first the Grand Pavilion Theatre, which opened in 1895. It’s grade II listed and located in Boscombe. Original and cover artists and bands often play here, plus at the Old Fire Station which is under the same ownership.
Explore by Beryl bike
Pick up a Beryl bike (or scooter) from one of the stands around town for a fun way to see the area. In fact the bikes can be collected from as far east as Highcliffe (where I live), in various parts of Poole or as far inland as Wimborne. If you want fun, affordable activities in the Bournemouth area, why not take to two wheels?
In total there are about 500 scooters and around 670 bikes at the time of writing, and the number is constantly growing. You simply download the Beryl app to unlock a bike or scooter before riding. You can leave it anywhere you like, too, but parking outside a Beryl bay does incur an extra charge.
Hop on an e-bike to Old Harry Rocks
If you fancy exploring a little further afield – or you’ve never tried an e-bike for size – now’s your chance. Jump on an electric bike in Bournemouth and you can cycle off to Sandbanks beach, Studland nature reserve, Old Harry Rocks, Corfe Castle and Poole Harbour. All are fabulous places to visit near Bournemouth.
You’ll ride a Cube hybrid bike, and I can highly recommend this as I have one at home myself! While you still need to pedal, it takes the hard work out of hills and is such a great way to explore my adopted home county of Dorset.
Click here to book an e-bike tour of Dorset
Visit Durdle Door on a day trip
See iconic sights of the Jurassic coast on a day trip from Bournemouth. Key places to see include Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. This is the only natural UNESCO World Heritage site in the UK and you’ll also see Poole Quay and Sandbanks en route.
Once you arrive by coach you can hike between Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove if you like. Do note that the route is steep and not suited to buggies, so it’s not one of the best things to do in Bournemouth for families with young kids. When I visited Lulworth with a friend she was heavily pregnant, so we enjoyed a stroll across the beautiful cove instead.
The day trips depart from Bournemouth Coach Station, which can be found right by the train station and the large Asda supermarket. There are a couple of options, one lasting six hours and a full day, eight hour one. The latter also visits Durlston Country Park and Corfe Castle.
Click here to book your 6 hour Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door day trip
Click here to book the 10 hour Isle of Purbeck & Jurassic Coast day trip
Delve into Westbourne
Westbourne lies to the west of central Bournemouth, and is packed with lovely cafes, shops, restaurants and more. If you want to find a one-off fashion boutique or a cute little local cafe, this is the place to come to. Ditto if you fancy a change from the usual Bournemouth beach activities.
Wander towards the coast and you can also see the chines that Bournemouth is famous for – ravines hewn from rock that run towards to the coast. Alum Chine and Durley Chine beaches are the closest to Westbourne.
Picnic at Boscombe Chine Gardens
Sea Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH5 1AX
While we’re on the topic of chines, Boscombe also boasts a very fine one. It can be found at Boscombe Chine Gardens, and is one of the cheapest things to do in and around Bournemouth to boot.
Pack a picnic and you’re just about guaranteed to get a spot all to yourself. The flower-filled gardens have an abundance of benches to sit on. There’s a kids’ play park here, plus mini golf. The gardens also lead you to Boscombe beach, near the pier.
Ramble through King’s Park
King’s Park car park, Bournemouth BH7 7AF
Bournemouth has both a King’s Park and a Queen’s Park. Both are vast, and lovely, but King’s Park stands out because it’s home to the stadium of the Bournemouth football team. Aka the Cherries. The venue is known as Dean Court.
If you have a little (or large) football fan in the family, they’d be delighted to spot a Premier League player in training, which they may do outside the Vitality stadium. Whatever happens, the large park is a lovely spot for a stroll or picnic.
For lesser known or free activities to do in Bournemouth – or a breath of fresh air – head for King’s Park.
Play at Centre VR
Richmond Gardens Shopping Centre, Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH1 1EN
Centre VR is fairly new to Bournemouth, and a must for anyone who want to try virtual reality. There are more than 100 games and experiences, plus the centre also offers an arcade, crazy golf, laser tag an even an escape room.
Do book your session if you want to guarantee one or more of the VR headsets, take part in escape room challenge or try out any of the oher activities.
Enter Adventure Wonderland
Merritown Lane, Hurn, Christchurch BH23 6BA
If your kids are still in single figures, then they’ll love Adventure Wonderland. In fact kids who are a little older and adults may well love it too. I really enjoyed a day out there during summer with another family. Though my insider tip is to stay off the pirate ship if you’re not keen on heights or lurching movements!
There was enough to keep us busy there all day long and the food outlets aren’t badly priced. The maze was great fun and the lookout in the middle lets you see over the whole park. Missy’s favourite attractions included the log flume, the safari jeeps and the large trampolines. One of the places to visit around Bournemouth when the weather’s good.
Pilot a plane at Bournemouth Aviation Museum
Merritown Lane, Hurn, Christchurch BH23 6BA
Right by Adventure Wonderland is the Bournemouth Aviation Museum – an appropriate site as the airport is just over the road. For those who are into all things plane, this is the place. Kids and adults can clamber aboard many of the aircraft, and can even sit in the cockpit while imagining that they’re piloting the plane!
There’s vehicles like helicopters, trucks, a fire engine and a bus among the exhibits. It’s a great one to combine with the air festival, as well as being one of the most suitable attractions near Bournemouth for fans of all things moving.
Witness the Bournemouth Air Festival
Bournemouth’s air show began in 2008. When I first moved here, a few years earlier, I once walked down to the seafront during my lunch break to watch the Red Arrows’ annual performance. Now, the festival has grown into something far bigger and attracts visitors from all over the UK.
Bournemouth beach attractions take on a whole new meaning during the air festival. Forget a quiet afternoon on the sand, as it will be packed with people watching Typhoons, Chinooks, Wildcats, Thunderbolts and of course aerobatic display teams. Not least the mighty Red Arrows.
If you plan to be in Bournemouth during late August to early September when the show is on, make sure you book your accommodation early! For a few days, this is top of the list of Bournemouth attractions for adults and kids. It’s now the UK’s biggest air show.
Where to stay in Bournemouth
These are some of my favourite hotels in Bournemouth, many of which I’ve stayed at, toured, dined or drank at or visited during a spa day!
- Hilton Bournemouth – 4 star hotel right in the centre with a Skybar and spa
- The Cumberland – 4 star art deco hotel opposite the beach with outdoor pool
- The Connaught – 4 star hotel in a peaceful yet convenient spot with spa
- The Hermitage – 4 star hotel with great views over the town and coastline
- Hotel Collingwood – 3 star hotel with pool, sauna, steam room & kids’ club
- The Nici – 4 star upgraded hotel on West Hill with outdoor pool and sea views
- Derby Manor – 4 star small boutique hotel in Boscombe
Which things will you do in Bournemouth?
As you can see, there are so many things to do in Bournemouth today, next week, in a few months, or next year! Whether you wanted to find cool things to do in Bournemouth to keep teens happy, rainy day activities in Bournemouth or compile your own list of the top 10 things to do in Bournemouth during your visit.
Whichever Bournemouth visitor attractions you choose, I know you’ll adore the area I’m lucky enough to live in. Fingers crossed you get good weather for your time in this lovely seaside town.
Find out about the best Bournemouth hotels, where to eat in Bournemouth – including Kala Thai – what to do in Christchurch, the 41 places to go in the New Forest or all about the villages and towns of the New Forest.
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