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Explore Bournemouth
Sun, Sand, and Sea
Bournemouth is the kind of place where you can breathe in the salty air, dig your toes into golden sand, and step into a town packed with nightlife, food, and culture, all within easy reach.
With seven miles of award-winning beaches, beautiful gardens, and plenty of things to do year-round. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic retreat, or a spontaneous weekend escape, Bournemouth has you covered.
Explore the Best of Bournemouth’s Coast
There’s no missing the main attraction: the beach. Bournemouth’s sandy Blue Flag beaches. They’re some of the UK’s cleanest, safest, and most beautiful stretches of sand.
Head to Bournemouth Pier to enjoy the amusements, grab an ice cream, soak in the scenery, or fly over the surf on the RockReef Zip Line.
Just a little east, Boscombe Pier offers a more laid-back vibe and is great for surfers. You can also take in nature at Hengistbury Head. It’s peaceful, with sweeping harbour views and even glimpses of the Isle of Wight.
Coastal Walks and Garden Strolls
Bournemouth’s mix of sea and green space is part of what makes it special. You can follow a coastal path with gorgeous sea views, wander through the beautifully kept Lower Gardens, or, for something a little more unique, hop on the Fisherman’s Walk Cliff Lift, the world’s shortest funicular railway — just 128 feet long! It’s a fun 60-second ride down to the beach.
Things to Do and See
If you like art and culture, you’ll enjoy visiting the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, perched on a clifftop overlooking the coastline and with a fascinating collection of art and treasures. Got kids in tow? The Oceanarium lets them get face-to-fin with sharks, turtles, and stingrays.
If you’re visiting in the summer, time your trip with the Bournemouth Air Festival, which fills the skies with jets and aerobatics. In winter, you won’t want to miss the Christmas Tree Wonderland, a festive trail that brings a touch of magic to the heart of Bournemouth.
Enjoy a Local Dish
Food in Bournemouth is as varied as the views. For seafood lovers, WestBeach serves fresh fish with unbeatable sea views. Prefer plants over prawns? Head to Twelve Eatery, one of the UK’s highest rated vegan restaurants. Like Asian food? Head to Nusara for delicious Thai cuisine.
The town also has plenty of traditional tea rooms with scones, beach cafés with sea views, and pubs like the Goat & Tricycle pouring local ales.
Whether you’re after a lazy brunch or a sunset dinner, there’s something to suit every taste.
Stay a while
Whether it’s a luxury hotel, a quirky beach lodge, or a cosy B&B, Bournemouth has just the place. For something memorable, book one of the Bournemouth Beach Lodges—stylish, self-contained cabins right on the sand, where the sound of waves and the sight of open water greet you each morning.
Prefer something homey or centrally located? The town centre and West Cliff are packed with cosy B&Bs and hotels, ideal for nightlife and beach days.
A Town with Stories to Tell
Bournemouth isn’t just about beaches. Did you know Mary Shelley is buried here at St. Peter’s Church? Or that Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde while living in town? Keep an eye out for blue plaques as you explore—there’s plenty of history to be revealed.
Planning your escape? Find more ideas on what to do, where to eat, and where to stay—Bournemouth’s ready when you are.