Top things to do in Bournemouth
Attractions, tours and activities in Bournemouth
Bournemouth: the city's best neighbourhoods
Find a great area to stay in Bournemouth
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Bournemouth City Centre
In the city centre
Everything happens in the centre. Wedged between Boscombe and Westbourne, the centre brims with hotels, monuments and parks, as well as student life. Shop on Christchurch Road in Pokesdown for a plethora of vintage shops and quirky cafes, or visit the Russell-Cotes Museum for its eclectic collection of Japanese and Russian paintings.
Places to stay from £20 per night
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Boscombe
1.7 miles from city centre
Go East – life is peaceful there. Boscombe is famous for its Victorian architecture, café culture and laid-back vibe. Take to the golden sands of Eastern Cliff Beach, follow the “arts trail” from Sovereign Shopping Centre along the waterfront, or visit the Thursday and Saturday vintage bric-a-brac markets inside Boscombe’s Royal Arcade.
Places to stay from £27 per night
About Bournemouth
Including tips for the best time to visit Bournemouth
Its seafront location coupled with a plethora of outdoor activity opportunities makes Bournemouth a tourism hotspot in southern England.
Bournemouth is home to five Blue Flag beaches, each offering clean sands, clear waters and lots of things to do. Alum Chine Beach is popular with families while Durley Chine Beach is favoured by dog owners. At Hengistbury Head Beach, you can relax on the sandy areas or take leisurely strolls along walking paths that offer fabulous views of the coastline. Further along the shore is Boscombe Beach, where the iconic Bournemouth Pier is located. Other beaches to visit are Southbourne, Manor Steps and Fisherman's Walk.
Add a cultural touch to your Bournemouth holiday by visiting one of the many museums located in and around the city. Spend a few hours admiring Pre-Raphaelite and Victorian art at Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. Bournemouth International Centre nearby is also known to host temporary art exhibitions. You can head to Bournemouth Natural Science Society to explore a wide range of plant, animal and archaeological displays. Bournemouth Aviation Museum and Poole Museum are other noteworthy museums to visit in the area.
When you visit Bournemouth, you’ll find it quite easy to stay fit and active. Easy access to the water means you can enjoy surfing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and jet skiing here. Golf courses, tennis courts and sports centres can also be found aplenty. You can even go hiking and cycling along the city's scenic coastal routes.
Tonight
From £148 per night
This weekend
From £237 per night
Next weekend
From £237 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | GBP |
| Language | English |
| Average weekend price | £88 per night |
| Average weekday price | £81 per night |
| Typical stay | 2 nights |
Bournemouth reviews
What other travellers say about Bournemouth
The problem with Bournemouth is it is rather run down...
17 April 2024
The problem with Bournemouth is it is rather run down there are a lot of homeless people sleeping in doorways i think there were rumours of rats in the park but the bus system is brilliant we did go to swanage and Poole shopping overall I would go to Bournemouth again but would not walk about in the dark
Bournemouth is a a great place for me loads of good long...
16 April 2024
Bournemouth is a a great place for me loads of good long walks very scenic only problem there's a lot of beggars and homeless but they are everywhere but they didn't really bother me they all have there own problems it's a beautiful city with a fabulous garden's running right through the city centre I loved it , looking forward to going to Bournemouth again 👍🇬🇧 .
Bournemouth is beautiful place to visit.
12 April 2024
Bournemouth is beautiful place to visit. From the beautiful golden beaches to the food and places to visit ie Sanbanks, Swanage, Poole etc. I would recommend it has a place to stay. In the summer, it is amazing.
We only stayed one full day, and I will say there is a lot...
8 April 2024
We only stayed one full day, and I will say there is a lot to see and do so a couple days is reccomended. The beach was nice, with some great restaurants and options for bars in town. It is an old town, and there are some areas that could use restoration, but it has a certain charm. Everywhere we went the people were freindly.
Bournemouth is a coastal resort town located in Dorset,...
2 April 2024
Bournemouth is a coastal resort town located in Dorset, England. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches, picturesque coastline, and vibrant pier, Bournemouth attracts visitors with its stunning scenery and lively atmosphere. The town offers a range of recreational activities, including water sports, coastal walks, and beachside cafes and bars. In addition to its natural beauty, Bournemouth boasts a thriving cultural scene, with theatres , galleries, and music venues to explore. With its blend of seaside charm and urban amenities, Bournemouth offers something for everyone, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Fav place: Hotel Celebrity and Citygate Bournemouth which is...
8 March 2024
Fav place: Hotel Celebrity and Citygate Bournemouth which is HIGHLY suggest Food: Franco Manca, Asda Deli Counter, Spoons, 7 Bone Burger, McDonalds, Caffe Neros Places to avoid: Bus stop outside Asda and Citygate, there was a punch-up
Popular places to stay in Bournemouth
Stay in some of the best accommodation Bournemouth has to offer
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Deus Lodge of Heavy Leisure Boscombe, Bournemouth
From £102.35 per night
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Westcliff Penthouse Bournemouth City Centre, Bournemouth
From £320 per night
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Modern Family Apartment FREE Parking and Gym by Beach Boscombe, Bournemouth
From £129 per night
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Burlington Mansions Boscombe, Bournemouth
From £140 per night
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Stay@Coast Bournemouth City Centre, Bournemouth
From £166 per night
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