Things to do in Bournemouth

Activities, attractions and tours
Durdle Door featuring a pebble beach, rugged coastline and a sunset

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Top places to visit

1. Bournemouth Beach

Bournemouth Beach is one of England’s most popular and attractive sandy areas. For decades, locals and travelers have been relaxing under umbrellas against the roar of the English Channel’s waves. Discover the varying parts of the beach during your vacation, from the more active central bays to the spacious havens a little farther out from the city.
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Bournemouth Beach

2. Bournemouth International Centre

The Bournemouth International Centre, or the BIC, is a large events space and conference center that hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. Come here to take in everything from wrestling to stand-up comedy shows, from food and drinks festivals to musicals. And of course, if you are visiting Bournemouth for a conference or business event, there is a good chance it will be held here in the BIC.
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Go to a performance, conference, exhibition or other event at this large venue, which sits on the beautiful coast of Bournemouth.

3. Bournemouth Pier

Bournemouth Pier is a hub of adventure activities on a scenic wharf overlooking the sea. It has numerous cafés, restaurants and an activity center with thrilling rides.
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Bournemouth Pier featuring a beach

4. Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre

The Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre has all the features you would expect from a traditional performance venue that dates back to the early 20th century. Expect red velvet chairs, splendid high ceilings and lots of gold detailing when you come to see a show here.
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Treat yourself to a night of early 20th-century-style grandeur at this opulent and historic theater, where you can see everything from dramas to concerts.

5. Bournemouth University

Though founded only recently in 1992, Bournemouth University is quickly becoming one of the U.K.’s liveliest universities, drawing students to the seashore and the classroom. It is an outgrowth of the Bournemouth Municipal College, which was founded in the early 20th century to prepare students for degrees from the University of London. The university received its charter in the early 1990s along with a flurry of institutions nicknamed the “new universities.” Feel like a student amid its modern buildings and welcoming community.
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Best known for its media programs that have trained Oscar winners, one of the U.K.’s “new universities” straddles Bournemouth with two campuses.

6. O2 Academy Bournemouth

The O2 Academy Bournemouth is one of the leading performance venues in the city. It has a focus on live music but also hosts other kinds of events. Come here in the evening to take in a show in beautiful surroundings, in the grand main space of a historic Grade II-listed building.
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Spend an evening watching a big-name music act or attend a club night or sports event at this live performance venue, housed in a historic building.

7. Oceanarium

The Oceanarium is a chance to see and interact with remarkable marine life in large tanks. It stands out from most typical aquariums with its interactive elements, allowing you to meet and play with the animals. Try to identify the more than 150 species of fish, from sharks and stingrays to clownfish and pufferfish.
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Oceanarium which includes marine life as well as a small group of people

Popular places to visit

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Bournemouth Beach

4.5/5(705 reviews)

Stroll along miles of England’s southern coast and stop at the fun parks and activity centers along the way.

Bournemouth Beach
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Bournemouth International Centre

4/5(193 reviews)

Go to a performance, conference, exhibition or other event at this large venue, which sits on the beautiful coast of Bournemouth.

Bournemouth International Centre
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Bournemouth Pier

4/5(35 reviews)

Zipline from a tall tower on the pier over the waves of the sea and down to the beach from this pier’s exhilarating activity center.

Bournemouth Pier
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Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre

4/5(70 reviews)

Treat yourself to a night of early 20th-century-style grandeur at this opulent and historic theater, where you can see everything from dramas to concerts.

Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre
Image for Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University

4/5(23 reviews)

Best known for its media programs that have trained Oscar winners, one of the U.K.’s “new universities” straddles Bournemouth with two campuses.

Bournemouth University
Image for O2 Academy Bournemouth

O2 Academy Bournemouth

4/5(9 reviews)

Spend an evening watching a big-name music act or attend a club night or sports event at this live performance venue, housed in a historic building.

O2 Academy Bournemouth
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Southbourne Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Southbourne Beach during your trip to Bournemouth? Wander through the beautiful beaches and picturesque gardens in this family-friendly area.

Southbourne Beach
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Oceanarium

4/5(16 reviews)

Face fearsome sharks, feed the giant turtles and explore the tanks full of colorful animals you never knew existed.

Oceanarium
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Boscombe Pier

Find out about the history of Boscombe when you spend time at Boscombe Pier. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

Boscombe Pier

Areas of Bournemouth

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Bournemouth City Centre

4/5(1,198 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Bournemouth City Centre. Make a stop by Bournemouth Lower Gardens or Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre while you're exploring the area.

Bournemouth City Centre
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West Cliff

4/5(6 area reviews)

While visiting West Cliff, you might make a stop by sights like Bournemouth Beach and Durley Chine Beach.

West Cliff
Brownsea Castle which includes heritage architecture

Poole

Boscombe

Boscombe

Photo "Hurn" by Mike Smith (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Mike Smith (CC BY-SA)

Hurn

Photo "Longham" by Mike Faherty (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Mike Faherty (CC BY-SA)

Longham

Compton Acres showing heritage architecture and a park

Canford Cliffs