5 days ago3 min read
Feb 133 min read
Unusual Things to Do in Bournemouth That Most Visitors Don’t Know About
- Feb 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 27
When people think of Bournemouth, they usually picture beaches, bars and seaside strolls. But if you look a little deeper, there are plenty of unusual things to do in Bournemouth that offer something more memorable, creative or unexpected.
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or you’re local and want to try something new, these experiences go beyond the typical tourist checklist.
1. Try a Mystery Experience with What Next
One of the most unusual things to do in Bournemouth is to book an experience where you don’t actually know what you’ll be doing until you arrive.
What Next creates mystery activity experiences where:
The location is revealed in advance
The activity itself stays a surprise
Experiences range from creative and mindful to active and hands-on
They also offer bundles of four curated activities spread across four weeks, designed to give you a mix of different experience styles. It’s ideal for people who enjoy a bit of intrigue and want to break out of their usual routine.
Read about us and how it works and if you're convinced, go ahead a book today!
2. Stay Overnight in a Beach Sleep Pod
Most people visit Bournemouth beach for the day, far fewer stay overnight on the seafront.
With modern beach lodges available through providers like Bournemouth Beach Lodges, you can sleep just metres from the shoreline and wake up to the sound of the waves. These pods offer a unique blend of seaside charm and modern comfort, making them one of the more unusual accommodation experiences in the area.
3. Take a Ghost Tour of Old Poole
Just a short trip from Bournemouth, Poole offers one of the more atmospheric and unusual evenings out.
Granny Cousin’s Ghost Walk explores the darker side of the town’s history, with stories of hauntings, folklore and historic events woven into a guided walk around the old town. These tours only run occasionally, which makes them feel even more special, and a great option if you enjoy history with a twist.
4. Join a Beach Clean-Up Event
If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Bournemouth that are meaningful as well as memorable, volunteering for a beach clean is a great option.
Organisations like the Marine Conservation Society regularly host clean-up events along the coast, helping to protect marine life and keep the beaches beautiful. It’s a different way to experience the seafront and meet like-minded people.
5. Watch Summer Fireworks on the Beach
During the summer season, Bournemouth’s seafront hosts regular fireworks displays that light up the coastline.
Free to attend and typically held on Friday evenings during peak summer, these displays create a lively, festival-style atmosphere along the beach. Sitting on the sand as the sky lights up is a simple but still slightly unusual way to experience the town after dark.
6.Have a Barbecue on the Beach
Bournemouth beach has a number of free, electric barbecues that can be used throughout summer and into October - a beach party in summer is amongst the most fun things to do with friends and family while the sun sets on the horizon.
Pack some food to cook and some drinks (and don't forget a bin bag to take your litter away with you!) and head down to the beachfront.
Why Look for Unusual Things to Do in Bournemouth?
Trying something a little different can completely change how you experience a place. Instead of just passing through the usual attractions, unusual activities often lead to better stories, shared moments and new interests.
This is something that we at What Next are super passionate about - we know there's a huge array of little-known and unusual things to do in Bournemouth, and our mission is to highlight them to as many people as possible!
If you're looking for unusual activities in Bournemouth, join us on a What Next mystery activity where we'll show you all Bournemouth has to offer, amongst a community of like-minded explorers!