Top-12 Best Things to Do
in Bournemouth

What is it?
Funicular railways connecting the seaside and the promenade with the cliff tops and the town.

Why should you go?
Bournemouth's beaches are backed by cliffs, and you can climb up top using the steps or a zig-zag path, but sometimes one just needs to relax after lounging on the sand. Worry not: three historic funicular railways provide easy access between the coast and the cliff tops — and as a bonus, offer stunning views of the coast. The West Cliff Lift and the East Cliff Lift were built in 1908, and the Fisherman's Walk Cliff Lift dates back to 1935. Basically, these are little tram carriages running up and down the rails, operating between Easter and the end of October.

Make sure to check in advance if these are in working order: as of 2023, the East Cliff Lift is out of use due to a landslide.

Specialization
Funicular railways

Perfect for
Fans of unique transportation and persons with mobility issues

What is it?
One of the best beaches in the UK, located in the posh neighborhood of Poole.

Why should you go?
Obviously, spending quality time at the seaside is among the best things to do in Bournemouth and Poole, but the local coastline is quite long. So we'd like to suggest one particular plan that will keep you physically active and aesthetically pleased.

How about walking from Bournemouth Pier to Sandbanks Beach? It's a nice and easy coastline stroll that takes just over an hour and allows you to enjoy the seaside vistas and check out the numerous wooded chines (ravines in the cliffs, a very typical feature of this part of England). Et voilà: you're at Sandbanks, the affluent peninsula neighborhood of Poole, with its award-winning beach, expensive mansions, and yacht clubs!

Specialization
Seaside stroll

Perfect for
Tourists who don't mind a bit of activity

What is it?
A museum and art gallery in a gorgeous Art Nouveau building.

Why should you go?
Sitting atop the East Cliff and formerly known as East Cliff Hall, this impressive building was completed in 1901. A gift from Merton Russell-Cotes to his wife Annie, it was later donated to the town. The seaside villa was filled with art objects collected by the owners during their travels across the world and in Britain, currently on display in four beautiful galleries.

Check out the ornately decorated rooms and halls, in particular the museum room dedicated to the tragic Victorian actor, Sir Henry Irving, a great friend of the owners. We also love the garden with its surviving Victorian grotto and fountain and the Japanese section with goldfish ponds.

Specialization
Historic site and art museum

Perfect for
Couples and art connoisseurs, especially if it rains

What is it?
A Gothic Revival church with a landmark spire and a churchyard with a famous grave.

Why should you go?
Built between 1844 and 1879, St Peter's is the mother church of Bournemouth. Located in the town center, it is immediately recognizable by its 203-foot spire. The church features some impressive architectural elements and decor, including stained glass windows, frescoes, and paintings.

Yet it's not only its architecture that makes this place of worship one of the most interesting places to visit in Bournemouth. The churchyard is the final resting place of Mary Shelley, the novelist best known as the author of Frankenstein, as well as her other family members, and the heart of her husband, the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Specialization
Church and churchyard with notable burials

Perfect for
Gothic literature fans

What is it?
A historic fishing village to the east of Christchurch.

Why should you go?
The quaint historic town of Christchurch adjoins Bournemouth to the west and is just perfect for a day trip. We would like to recommend, in particular, a visit to the former fishing village of Mudeford. Sitting by the entrance to Christchurch Harbour is Mudeford Quay, a lovely spot for a stroll, with picturesque seaside views and colorful cottages, boating activities, and crabbing opportunities — kids find it a really fun activity!

Most importantly, there are a few seafood joints here and in the vicinity: grab some takeaway from the Noisy Lobster's hatch and proceed to enjoy the views from the beach (or eat in if you wish to get acquainted with the whole menu).

Specialization
Quay and seafood

Perfect for
Lobster lovers

What is it?
Contemporary art gallery in downtown Bournemouth.

Why should you go?
Tourist attractions in Bournemouth are certainly not limited to seaside activities and devouring seafood. How about seeing some exciting and thought-provoking exhibitions for a change?

GIANT is where contemporary art lives in Bournemouth. Founded only recently, in 2021, it is the UK's largest artist-run gallery space outside the capital, and it actively strives to become the hub for cool, cutting-edge art on the South Coast. Exhibitions, events, publications, and educational programs take place in this former department store location, signaling the possible cultural rebirth of the coastal town and departure from its association with retirement and beach holidays.

Specialization
Contemporary art gallery

Perfect for
Art buffs and tourists who feel tired of the beaches

What is it?
A seafront aquarium with thousands of different creatures.

Why should you go?
If you're looking for family-friendly attractions in Bournemouth, the Oceanarium is just the place where you and your little ones should be headed. This waterside aquarium is home to an impressive range of fascinating creatures inhabiting a number of environments from all parts of the world, from the Arctic to the Amazon.

Inside, the visitors will get to meet otters and penguins, turtles and stingrays, piranhas and crocodiles, mysterious life forms from the deepest part of the ocean, and colorful fishes from Florida's Key West. We love the shipwreck-themed underwater tunnel with sharks and other marine creatures sneaking around as you walk through.

Specialization
Aquarium

Perfect for
Adults and kids who love the sea and its inhabitants

What is it?
A Victorian pier with shops, arcades, eateries, and various attractions.

Why should you go?
One of the best places to visit in Bournemouth, like in any English seaside town, is the local pier. Indeed, there is something about these places — a bit of history, a bit of entertainment, silly souvenirs, fish and chips, and seagulls — that creates a quintessentially British resort atmosphere.

The Bournemouth pier dates back to the late 19th century. In addition to a traditional amusement arcade, a couple of eateries, and gift shops, it has a number of other entertainment options, including a zipline, a climbing center, play areas, and rides for children of all age groups. Parents, in turn, are welcome to treat themselves to some cocktails.

A small fee is charged for entry in the summer months, and from October to March, you can visit for free. We, for one, think that strolling along the pier is one of the best things to do in Bournemouth, even out of season.

Specialization
Seaside pier

Perfect for
Fans of sweet old-fashioned fun by the sea

What is it?
A stunning Art Deco venue with a variety of shows all year round.

Why should you go?
Fancy seeing a show tonight? A musical, a stand-up show by an acclaimed comedian, or perhaps you're more into ballroom dancing with a live band and afternoon tea? Alternatively, maybe you'd be interested in a wrestling show?

Whatever floats your boat, the Pavilion has a lot to offer. Built in 1929, it is a cozy 1,500-seat Art Deco venue located right by the seafront, and it still retains its vintage charm. There's a nice little cafe at the back that offers great views of the Lower Gardens and has a well-stocked bar — just what you need before the show!

Specialization
Old-school theater

Perfect for
Art Deco enthusiasts and avid theater-goers

What is it?
An upscale neighborhood and shopping district to the west of Bournemouth.

Why should you go?
Known as a shopping destination and a fashion district, Westbourne is a thriving part of town with numerous independent shops, boutiques, cafes, and bars. Most of these are located in or around the covered Victorian Westbourne arcade that spans Poole Road and Seamoor Road, with its beautiful glazed roof and Gothic windows.

Among the possible things to do in Bournemouth on a gray and rainy day, we find coming here quite uplifting. Check out the local bars, too — Ginjams serves great gin cocktails, and Renoufs specializes in wine and cheese. Also, how about catching a flick later at the UK's smallest cinema, Bournemouth Colosseum?

Specialization
Shopping district

Perfect for
Retail therapy in a nice setting

What is it?
A linear park stretching from Bournemouth Pier to the boundary with Poole.

Why should you go?
This 2-mile park includes Lower, Central, and Upper Gardens that were planted in the mid-19th century and run along the Bourne River. The green space looks lovely any time of the year, both with its vibrant flowerbeds and Christmas decorations. In addition to landscape features, the gardens include a WWI memorial, the Pavilion Theatre, a mini golf course, an aviary, a bandstand, an open-air art exhibition, playgrounds, kiosks with ice cream and refreshments, and tennis courts.

The Lower Gardens are more popular with visitors, while the Upper Gardens feel more tranquil and natural. A stroll along the stream all the way up to Coy Pond is one of the most relaxing activities in Bournemouth.

Specialization
Urban gardens

Perfect for
Nature lovers

What is it?
A ruin of a 12th-century castle and a Norman domestic dwelling.

Why should you go?
Planning a day trip to Christchurch? Check out this picturesque ruin of a 12th-century motte-and-bailey castle that once dominated this little town. The castle used to be a strategically positioned fortress, controlling the harbor and inland access via the river.

Today, a couple of the mound-top keep walls remain, as well as what is left of the so-called Constable House, one of the few surviving examples of domestic Norman architecture in England, with its rare circular chimney. In addition, it's a perfect place for a stroll and a picnic by the stream, and quite accessible.

Specialization
Historic site

Perfect for
Ruin enthusiasts