With 7 miles of golden sand and sparkling sea, buzzing Bournemouth has a vast variety of shops, restaurants and holiday accommodation. Add pulsing nightlife and endless countryside to award-winning gardens and great water sports and you’ve got one of the south coast’s hottest spots. And if the beach isn’t your thing, head inland to the New Forest, an enchanting expanse of ancient trees, heathland and woodland wildlife.
Memory of Bournemouth“We regularly come to Bournemouth with the children and play in the gardens or visit the Oceanarium – the boys love the sharks!”
The Powell Family, Dorset
Culture and heritage
Historic Victorian Architecture and seaside art deco blend beautifully in Bournemouth and Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, is buried in St Peter’s church. Cultural events take place all year, from classic car rallies to carnivals, and lively theatre, comedy and opera performances.
Attractions
Bournemouth’s most famous asset is its award-winning beach – a 7-mile crescent of glistening sand where you can sunbathe, surf and cycle. Don’t miss the eccentric Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, the striking Victorian gardens and the Oceanarium. You can also stroll on the pier or take a cruise to discover the Dorset coast.
Food and drink
Over 250 restaurants whisk diners around the world with every sort of cuisine including some outstanding seafood. Eat in town, on the pier or at the seafront. If you’re on a budget, hit the beach with a picnic or better still, indulge in some traditional fish ‘n’ chips.
Shopping
Most of Bournemouth’s town centre is pedestrianised with shops, boutiques and restaurants jostling for position along lively streets. Head to the market at Boscombe for fresh local produce and antiques or to Westbourne for designer shops, delis and beauty stores.
Sport
Walking, cycling and horseriding in the Purbeck Hills and New Forest; wakeboarding, fishing and sailing on the sea – Bournemouth covers most sporting bases. And with the opening of Europe’s first artificial surf reef in 2009, Bournemouth’s set to become one of the best surf spots in the UK!
Music and nightlife
There’s always something going on in Bournemouth whether you’re looking for pubs, clubs, comedy or cabaret. In summer, watching the sunset from the beach takes some beating and there are firework displays and evening events in the beautifully lit gardens.
Buy before you fly
There’s a lot to see and do in Bournemouth. So don’t waste time standing in queues, buy your travel passes and attraction tickets online! For more great Bournemouth offers, go to VisitBritain Direct (www.visitbritaindirect.com).
Must see and do
Top daytime must-do's |
Top night time must-do's |
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| - Enjoy the summer Family Fiesta with circus entertainers, a huge firework display and kids’ discos
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| - Sip on a cocktail as the sun sets over the bay
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- Explore the tropical gardens at Alum Chine
| - Take in a play at the Pier Theatre or dance at the Opera House nightclub
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- Hire a beach hut, get comfy and settle in for a day at the beach
| - See a gig at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) which draws big name bands
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