Looking for things to do in Bournemouth? Allow us to be your local tour guide.
Here at What Next, we see ourselves as the ultimate local ambassadors. We know that there are endless things to do in Bournemouth and we love nothing more than advocating for local, independent businesses offering an amazing array of unique experiences (and we include ourselves in that list too!)
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Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, keen to explore the local attractions or simply looking to meet new people and soak up the coastal charm, Bournemouth has something for everyone. This vibrant seaside town on the south coast of England is packed with personality from famous beaches and buzzing nightlife to quirky cafés, cliff-top walks and hidden gems only the locals know about.
Whether you're a lifelong resident or new in town, our ultimate list of things to do in Bournemouth will help you make the most of everything this beautiful corner of Dorset has to offer.
10 Most Popular Things To Do in Bournemouth
1. Relax at Bournemouth Beach
Iconic golden sands, ice cream vans and the heartbeat of the town’s tourism; undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in Bournemouth. Bournemouth Beach is home to amusements, cafes and bars and plenty of opportunity for a chippy on the sand for dinner.
2. Walk the length of Bournemouth Pier
A classic example of the Great British pier; on Bournemouth Pier, you’ll find plenty to eat and drink, the world’s first pier-to-shore zipline as well as year-round events.
3. Complete the PierZip at RockReef
While we’re on the subject, are you brave enough to complete the 250m zip line from the pier to the Bournemouth beachfront?
4. Take a stroll through Bournemouth Gardens
Not only does Bournemouth boast miles of sandy beaches, but it also has plenty of green space. Bournemouth Gardens contains plenty of nature and grassy space for a summer picnic as well as mini golf, a coy pond and aviary.
5. Take the Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus
A classic way to orient yourself and explore Bournemouth’s main attractions. The City Sightseeing Bournemouth Hop on Hop off Tour starts at Bournemouth Pier and ventures as far out as Poole Old Town before heading back again.
6.Visit the Russell-Cotes Museum and Gallery
A gallery and museum set in a historic villa overlooking the sea. This quirky museum is filled with exotic art and items from around the world collected by the original owner who built the house originally as a gift for this wife. A great way to see step back in time and experience Victorian-era Bournemouth.
7. Take in a show at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC)
Home to everything from touring musicals to stand-up comedy. Bournemouth International Centre is Bournemouth's premier event space - open year-round and offering an array of shows, concerts and exhibitions, it's always worth seeing what's on throughout the year.
8. Visit the Oceanarium
Being so close to the open sea, it’s of course not surprising to find Bournemouth’s principal aquarium on the seafront. Perfect for an educational day out with the kids, the Oceanarium is home to otters, penguins, jellyfish and much more!
9. Rent a beach hut for the day
Experience a true British seaside tradition with your own colourful beach hut meaning you have everything on hand for an uninterrupted day by the sea. These can be rented through the local council website and cover a number of the beaches around Bournemouth.
10. Take in all Bournemouth has to offer on the Big Wheel
Standing at 100ft tall, The Bournemouth Big Wheel offers views of the gardens, coast and town, the perfect photo op for your time in Bournemouth. Tickets can be bought from the booth directly.
1.Pier to Pier walk from Bournemouth to Boscombe
A beautiful, gentle and most of all romantic walk along the coast, passing the plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants and of course the classic, colourful beach huts.
2.Wine tasting at Renoufs
This cosy wine bar in Westbourne (and other locations in the area!) offers a fabulous array of wine which you can enjoy by the bottle, glass or sample a selection of flights. Perfect alongside a beautifully assembled cheeseboard!
3.Book a couples’ spa day at The Connaught Hotel
Located on Bournemouth's West Cliff, just minutes from the beach and the town centre, the Connaught Hotel describes itself as one of the finest boutique hotels in Bournemouth. It's offers indulgent spa days and breaks perfect for a romantic, relaxing getaway.
4. Catch an indie film at the Bournemouth Colosseum Cinema
This tiny, independent, old-school cinema offers a unique and charming film night - they often play indie or classic films. The cinema has a fully stocked bar and is even available for private hire. You can check out their upcoming film listings here.
5. Kayak to Old Harry Rocks from Studland
Bournemouth's coastal location makes it a perfect spot for kayaking and getting out on the water. Many different tour operators offer guided trips to Old Harry Rocks, showcasing Dorset's most iconic stretches of coastline. Perfect for adventurous couples looking for something active.
Old Harry Rocks, Dorset
6. Romantic dinner at The Crab at Bournemouth
Where better to eat seafood than by the sea? The Crab is a highly-rated, award-winning seafood restaurant located just moments from Bournemouth beachfront. It uses only fresh, locally sourced ingredients across their menu which offers both lunch and dinner - all with a view of Bournemouth's iconic Pier.
7. Tandem bike ride along the seafront
It's a classic movie image right? The totally in love couple, tandem biking through beautiful settings. But, have you ever actually done it? Why not give it a try by exploring the many miles of beach and gardens that Bournemouth has to offer. Front Bike Hire are located right on the coast and offer competitive prices for 1 hour, 3 hours or all day bike rentals.
Canvas is an award-winning cocktail bar and live lounge and loft bar. They showcase handpicked talent and DJs as well as award winning bartenders, offering beautifully created cocktails. Open Fridays & Saturdays and staying open till late, this is perfect for music loving couples looking to sample some of Bournemouth's nightlife.
9. And of course, watch the sunset on Bournemouth Beach
Need we say more? What could be more romantic than taking in the sunset with a good old British chippy?
Things To Do in Bournemouth in the Rain
1. Escape the rain at Marvo Mysteries Escape Rooms
Touted as Bournemouth's number one Escape Room, Marvo Mysteries is set up as an old-timey fantasy caper where you search for hidden artefacts to travel between worlds. Up for the challenge?
An independent coffee shop in Bournemouth town centre, All Fired Up offers a creative yet relaxing environment as well as delicious hot drinks to keep you warm as you shelter from the weather. You choose a ceramic, paints and tools and then get started on your masterpiece. This place gets super busy so it is recommended to book ahead to guarantee a table.
3. Explore the antiques and vintage shops in Pokesdown
Pokesdown is known for its mix of late Victorian architecture which houses a thriving scene of antiques and vintage shops as well as plenty of independent cafés - nostalgic charm in "The Vintage Quarter"
18 holes of space themed crazy golf, electro-darts and ping pong? That's more than enough to keep you entertained until the clouds have cleared.
The Green House Hotel is an eco-friendly, boutique hotel that has been recently refurbished to a beautiful standard. The hotel's restaurant 'Arbor' offers a delicious, reasonably priced Afternoon Tea made with fresh local ingredients - perfect for chasing away the winter blues.
6. Get down to the seafront to the Pier Amusements
6. Get down to the seafront to the Pier Amusements
Rain or shine, you can't spend the day in Bournemouth and not wile away some time on the amusements. Pier Amusements has a head-spinning array of classic slots and grabbers as well as up-to-date video games.
Things To Do in Bournemouth in Nature
1. Take a walk through Stour Valley Nature Reserve
This gorgeous nature reserve is made up of a 3-mile stretch of riverside footpaths, meadows and woodland. The visitor's centre tells you all you need to know about the flora and fauna of the reserve. The visitor's centre also hosts regular events such as wild art clubs and group walks.
2. Cycle the Castleman Trailway
The Castleman Trailway is a shared use 16 mile path that follows much of the old railway line to Southampton. There's plenty of history to be learned and wildlife and habitats to be seen so take a packed lunch and take in this gentle trail. You can find information and the Castleman Trailway maps here.
3. Take a ferry out to Brownsea Island
Located off the coast of Poole, Brownsea Island is one of the few remaining places in the UK where you can spot a red squirrel. It is also home to a host of birds and other wildlife. It's full of footpaths and trails as well as stunning views across Poole Harbour. Ferries run from Poole Quay which is a separate cost from access to the island.
Red squirrels on Brownsea Island in Dorset
4. Volunteer for a beach clean-up
Beaches are incredibly popular, particularly Bournemouth beach. This means that they often get a little messy so volunteers are always needed to help keep the beaches clean and prevent harmful litter from reaching the ocean. Marine Conservation Society hosts a regular clean up meeting at the Oceanarium on the first Sunday of every month.
5. Explore the gardens at Compton Acres
Compton Acres is one the most recognised and beautiful ornamental gardens in England. A circular route of themed gardens, showcasing an array of flowers and plants in a very tranquil and pituresque setting.
6. Coastal foraging and feasting
The Jurassic coast of Dorset, as well as being one of the most beautiful places in England, is also a bounty of wild food. Fore Adventure offer 'Forage and Feasting' adventures where you, with the support of their experts, forage ingredients before cooking them up al fresco and enjoying a delicious meal (even with a cocktail on the side!)
Things to Do in Bournemouth
for Kids
1. Hit the slopes at Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre
Snowtrax is a family-friendly adventure centre in Dorset full of activities for kids - from skiing, snowboarding and tubing to an Adventure Park with a zip line and life-sized pirate ship. There is plenty of stuff to keep little ones entertained here either for a day or for ongoing ski or snowboarding lessons.
2. Visit Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
An award-winning, family-run farm park, Farmer Palmer's is suitable for all weathers. With plenty of activities and animals, this is a perfect day for all kids up to age 8. You'll find alpacas, donkeys, goats, birds, guinea pigs and much more making this a really interactive activity for your little ones.
3. Take the land train along the promenade
Taking one of Bournemouth's famous land trains allows you to gently see and enjoy the beach and seafront without too much walking. You can find the train on Pier Approach and there are a couple of routes to choose from - one going to Boscombe Pier and one to Alum Chine.
4. Take on the inflatables at Littledown Centre
Littledown Sports Centre's very own Crusher inflatable has slides, climbing walls and obstacles, making it a rip-roaring adventure for little swimmers and their friends. Costing only £5.50 per session for juniors, this is a great way to get kids active while having a blast!
5. Soft play at Lemur Landings
Lemur Landings is one of Dorset's largest indoor children's entertainment centres and boy, does it have a lot to offer. Soft play, climbing zones and even a pretend village for role-playing. There's something at Lemur Landings for kids of all ages, and a nice little bonus, the parking is free! Make sure you book online before you visit, as they don't offer walk-ins.
6. Clip'n Climb at RockReef
Located at the end of Bournemouth Pier, RockReef is an indoor climbing centre with climbing walls suitable for kids aged 4 and up. For older, more adventurous kids (should we include you in that!?) there are challenges like the Vertical Slide Drop and Leap of Faith - not for the faint hearted!
Taking on a pirate and smuggling theme, this 18-hole crazy golf course is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. It's located near to the seafront so its super easy to find and even shares a little bit about Bournemouth's past.
Unusual Things to Do in Bournemouth
1. Sign up for a mystery experience with What Next
What Next (that's us btw!) offer mystery experiences and activities, where what you'll be doing is only revealed when you arrive at the location you've been given. It could be something arts and crafts, or meditational or perhaps something more active. What Next offer bundles of four activities spread over 4 weeks which are curated to offer a variety of different activity types.
2. Stay in a Bournemouth Beach Sleep Pod
Book a modern, overnight beach hut and wake up with the waves as your alarm clock. There are a few different suppliers but Bournemouth Beach Lodges offer particularly modern and well-equipped lodges for a comfortable stay on the seafront.
3. Take a ghost tour of Poole Old Town
Granny Cousin's Ghost Walk of Old Poole town tells the story of the ghostly goings on of the ancient town of Poole's heritage. This highly acclaimed ghost tour only runs a couple of times a year so keep an eye on their Facebook page for dates and times of upcoming events.
4. Volunteer for a beach clean-up
Beaches are incredibly popular, particularly Bournemouth beach. This means that they often get a little messy so volunteers are always needed to help keep the beaches clean and prevent harmful litter from reaching the ocean. Marine Conservation Society hosts a regular clean up meeting at the Oceanarium on the first Sunday of every month.
5. Head to the beach for a summer fireworks display
Free and regular during the peak summer season in Bournemouth, the seafront fireworks displays are a vibrant way to end a beach day. Normally taking place on a Friday night across the summer, these are a great way to support local businesses whilst enjoying the spark that Bournemouth has to offer.
Our Favourite Local Businesses in Bournemouth
Located on the Lower Gardens floor of Bobby’s & Co, The Square, this marketplace showcases local, independent businesses and artists. From second-hand vinyl to art and jewellery, the market is open every day until 5:30pm.
2. Twelve
A classic example of the Great British pier; on Bournemouth Pier, you’ll find plenty to eat and drink, the world’s first pier-to-shore zipline as well as year-round events.
A colourful café known for its inclusivity, community feel and quirky décor. It offers delicious coffees by day and tasty cocktails and quiz nights of an evening.​​
A French-inspired patisserie selling in-house baked cakes, bread and pastries. They also have a delicious lunch and dinner menu, each highlighting and made with their delicious home-produced products.
It’s no secret that we love a bit of mystery, so we love this little bookshop. Offering a “Blind Date with a Book” as well as stocking other indie writers in a beautiful classic bookshop setting, this Bournemouth-based business adds a bit of comfort and mystery to your bookshelf.​​