Bournemouth is renowned for offering some of the best things to do at a modern British seaside resort. Many similar cities have sadly fallen into decline by desperately clinging to past glories, but Bournemouth has managed to move with the times without demolishing its history. 

Its iconic pier, jutting from a beautiful sandy beach, hosts innovative entertainment options, while old churches are home to high-class nightclubs. Even the traditional seaside fish and chips have been revamped by ingenious chefs. The result is a fun and attractive resort town with quite a lively pulse. It attracts people by the thousands every year, not least for its array of fantastic festivals. 

What are the best things to do in Bournemouth?

  • 1

    Bournemouth Pier

    A modernised historical attraction

    Bournemouth Pier
    • Families
    • History
    • Photo

    While British seaside piers were all the rage in the Victorian era, many have fallen into disuse as trends have changed, but Bournemouth Pier isn’t one of them. Bournemouth Pier has adapted and remains one of the best bits of this lively seaside town.

    The old theatre has been converted into an indoor climbing centre and the world’s first pier-to-shore zipline can carry you back to the beach when you’re done. There’s plenty of reason to stay on the pier, though, with its charming array of shops, delightful restaurants and a quaint funfair at the very end.

    Location: Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA, UK

    Map
  • 2

    Bournemouth Beach

    It's one of Britain's best

    Bournemouth Beach
    • Budget
    • Photo

    Bournemouth Beach is one of the finest beaches in England, with wide and soft golden sands stretching for 7 award-winning miles (11 km). The English Channel isn’t known for its warmth, but Bournemouth is fortunate enough to have a microclimate creating some of the warmest waters around the UK.

    There’s lots to do nearby, including water sports like surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Check out the seaside parks and gardens, work out in the Coastal Activity Park or just relax and enjoy the sun, sea and sand.

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  • 3

    St Peter's Church

    One of England's best Gothic revival churches

    St Peter's Church
    • History
    • Unusual

    St Peter’s Church is noteworthy for being a very beautiful Gothic revival building. Its 200-ft (61-metre) spire is among the tallest structures of the Bournemouth skyline, making it a prominent landmark in the city. The interior is just as striking, earning the church a place among England’s finest ecclesiastical buildings.

    In the graveyard outside, you will find the final resting place of the author of the Gothic horror novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, along with her husband, the famed lyrical poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and her parents.

    Location: 4 Hinton Rd, Bournemouth BH1 2EE, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1202 290986

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    photo by Jim Linwood (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 4

    Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

    A unique collection in a unique house

    Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
    • History
    • Photo

    The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum was created when Sir Merton Russell-Cotes, a philanthropic Mayor of Bournemouth in the late 1800s, built a dream house for his wife in 1901. A mere 6 years later, they gifted the building and its contents to the people of Bournemouth, establishing this remarkable art gallery and museum.

    It’s quite a grand and eclectic place, combining all sorts of architectural styles in its construction and artistic styles in its collection. Every room has something to see and enjoy, making it undoubtedly one of Bournemouth’s star cultural attractions.

    Location: East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth BH1 3AA, UK

    Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +44 (0)1202 128000

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    photo by Graham C99 (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 5

    Christchurch Road

    Bournemouth's vintage quarter

    Christchurch Road
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Shoppers

    Christchurch Road runs through a largely residential part of Bournemouth, yet is lined with some of the most interesting shops, especially near the Pokesdown train station.

    If you’re looking for something different and unique, you’ll probably find it among the vintage clothes shops, antique stores and little independent boutiques that populate this stretch. For those seeking a more contemporary selection, the modern Sovereign Shopping Centre awaits at the opposite end of the same road. This blend of old and new makes Christchurch Road a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike.

    Map

    photo by Along time ago... (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 6

    The Square

    The heart of Bournemouth

    The Square
    • Budget
    • Shoppers

    The Square is pretty much the hub of central Bournemouth, and an excellent place to start your day. Not exactly square-shaped, it has pedestrianised shopping precincts to the east and west, and parks over the roads to the north and south.

    Head to the nearby South Coast Roast for your morning brew, then maybe check out the nearby shops, which include a Bobby's Bournemouth department store in quite a grand old building that adds a touch of elegance to your shopping experience.

    Location: Bournemouth BH1 1DR, UK

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    photo by Robert Linsdell (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 7

    Bournemouth Gardens

    A serene riverside escape

    Bournemouth Gardens
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families

    Bournemouth Gardens, the main parks in Bournemouth, are a little unusual in shape. They follow the course of the Bourne, the river the city takes its name from, and are therefore about 2 miles (3.2 km) long but only a couple of hundred feet (about 60 metres) wide. Split by minor roads, they are unimaginatively named Upper Gardens, Central Gardens and Lower Gardens.

    To be fair, the tree-shaded banks of the Borne are genuinely peaceful, and 8 tennis courts, mini golf and an aviary have somehow been squeezed into the restrictive space as well.

    Location: Westover Road, Bournemouth BH2 5AH, UK

    Map
  • 8

    O2 Academy

    There's a big show almost every weekend

    O2 Academy
    • Couples
    • History
    • Nightlife

    Bournemouth has a thriving music culture, and its venues, such as the O2 Academy, are one of the best places outside of London to see major gigs and concerts. Bournemouth has 3 big venues to choose from: Bournemouth International Centre, the Pavilion Theatre and O2 Academy. The last 2 of these are beautiful historical buildings.

    O2 Academy, on Christchurch Road, has seen many stars take to its stage through its long history, and still has big events virtually every weekend.

    Location: 570 Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth BH1 4BH, UK

    Phone: +44 (0)1202 399922

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  • 9

    Bournemouth pubs and clubs

    There's always a right party for you

    Bournemouth pubs and clubs
    • Couples
    • Nightlife

    With a young and lively population, Bournemouth pubs and clubs contribute to a vibrant nightlife scene, including a range of first-class clubs. Most can be found along Old Christchurch Road, near the city centre. Don’t worry if high-energy discos aren’t your thing; the scene is very varied, with traditional English pubs and sophisticated cocktail lounges also available.

    Among the top venues is the refined Smokin’ Aces on Commercial Road, with its extensive selection of spirits. There’s also The Old Fire Station on Holdenhurst Road, which is particularly popular with the local university students and attracts big-name DJs. Halo is somewhat iconic in the UK nightlife scene and is housed in a former church on Exeter Road, definitely worth checking out.

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Ben Reeves | Compulsive Traveller