Things to do in Bournemouth

Activities, attractions and tours

Bournemouth featuring tranquil scenes, a ruin and heritage elements
Bournemouth
Weymouth Beach which includes a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Bournemouth
Bournemouth
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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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Bournemouth International Centre

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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Pavilion Theatre and gardens, Bournemouth, Dorset; Shutterstock ID 290396516; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

5. 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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O2 Academy Bournemouth

6. 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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Bournemouth University

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 showing marine life as well as a couple

What to do in Bournemouth

Popular places to visit

Bournemouth Beach

Bournemouth Beach

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

Bournemouth Beach
Bournemouth International Centre

Bournemouth International Centre

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

Bournemouth International Centre
Bournemouth Pier featuring a beach

Bournemouth Pier

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
Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre

Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre

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
O2 Academy Bournemouth

O2 Academy Bournemouth

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
Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University

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
Southbourne Beach

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
Oceanarium which includes marine life as well as a small group of people

Oceanarium

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

Oceanarium
Boscombe Pier

Boscombe Pier

Find out about the history of Boscombe when you spend time at Boscombe Pier. Stroll along the seaside or visit the shops in this romantic 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 Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum 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 Alum Chine Beach.

West Cliff

 

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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

Frequently asked questions

Is Bournemouth worth visiting?
Providing a blend of watersports and walking trails, there's no shortage of things to do in Bournemouth. While you're here, check out Bournemouth Beach, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Bournemouth?
Bournemouth Beach and Southbourne Beach are two excellent places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Bournemouth while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bournemouth?
Bournemouth Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Bournemouth and should be high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Bournemouth?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off many city attractions, such as Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth International Centre and Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre. The average stay in Bournemouth is two days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Southampton isn't far away.
Is Bournemouth a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Bournemouth, such as Bournemouth Beach and Bournemouth International Centre, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometres from the city centre of Bournemouth is Bournemouth City Centre and Boscombe is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Bournemouth with kids?
Planning what to do in Bournemouth with kids has never been easier. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or toddlers, there are lots of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Bournemouth for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Bournemouth, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Museum of Design in Plastics.
Are there free things to do in Bournemouth?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Bournemouth. If you're looking for inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. Bournemouth Beach is a must for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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