Bournemouth is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Dorset, known for its long sandy beach, Victorian gardens and wide range of attractions. Located on the south coast of England, it offers a mix of traditional seaside appeal and modern facilities, making it suitable for families, couples and day visitors.
The town is best known for Bournemouth Beach, which stretches for several miles along Poole Bay and is backed by cliffs, promenades and a series of landscaped chines. The town centre is compact and easy to explore, with shops, restaurants and entertainment all within walking distance of the seafront.
Bournemouth also serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby areas including Poole, Sandbanks, Hengistbury Head and the Isle of Purbeck, all of which can be reached within a short drive.
Bournemouth’s official tourism website: www.bournemouth.co.uk
Things to Do in Bournemouth
Bournemouth Beach
Bournemouth Beach is the town’s main attraction, offering several miles of clean sand and safe swimming. The beach is backed by a promenade and traditional beach huts, with easy access from the town centre. It is one of the best beaches in Dorset and is particularly popular during the summer months.
Bournemouth Pier
Bournemouth Pier extends out into Poole Bay and is a focal point of the seafront. It features amusements, cafés and the RockReef activity centre, as well as a Pier Zip Line that runs from the pier to the beach. The pier also offers good views along the coastline.
Lower Gardens
The Lower Gardens run from the town centre down to the seafront and provide a well-maintained green space with paths, lawns and seasonal planting. They are suitable for a short walk and host events throughout the year, including outdoor exhibitions and winter light displays.
Bournemouth Town Centre
Bournemouth town centre is located a short distance from the seafront and includes a pedestrianised shopping area, restaurants and entertainment venues. The Square forms the main hub, linking directly to the Lower Gardens and providing a route down to the beach. The area is compact and can be explored easily on foot.
Nearby Beaches
If you prefer things a bit quieter try a nearby beach such as Durley Chine (11 mins walk west of the pier), Middle Chine (14 mins walk west) or Alum Chine (18 mins walk west). This is where you’ll find the locals. Don’t want to walk? then take the Seafront Land Train.
Observation Wheel
Bournemouth Observation Wheel is a seasonal attraction located near the seafront, close to Bournemouth Pier. The wheel offers enclosed gondola rides providing elevated views across Bournemouth Beach, the town centre and Poole Bay. It typically operates during the summer months and selected holiday periods. The slow rotation allows time to take in the surrounding coastline, making it a straightforward addition to a visit to the seafront.
Bournemouth Oceanarium
Bournemouth Oceanarium is located next to Bournemouth Pier and features a range of marine and freshwater exhibits. Visitors can see sharks, turtles, penguins and tropical fish, with displays designed to represent different aquatic environments. The attraction includes indoor and outdoor areas, making it suitable in most weather conditions. It is a family-oriented venue and is easily combined with a visit to the beach or seafront.
Russell-Cotes Museum & Art Gallery
Russell-Cotes Museum & Art Gallery is set in a historic clifftop house overlooking the sea, just east of Bournemouth Pier. The museum displays a varied collection of art, artefacts and objects gathered by its original owners. The building itself is a notable feature, with richly decorated interiors and coastal views. It provides a quieter, more cultural contrast to Bournemouth’s beach and seafront attractions.
Purbeck Breezer 50 (open deck bus ride to Sandbanks & Swanage)
The Purbeck Breezer 50 is an open-top bus service running from Bournemouth to Swanage via Sandbanks and the chain ferry. The route follows the coastline, offering views across Poole Bay and Poole Harbour. It provides a convenient way to reach Studland and other parts of the Isle of Purbeck without a car. Services operate more frequently in the summer and are popular with day visitors.
Coastal Walks from Bournemouth
Go for a coastal walk along the seafront promenade. Bournemouth Pier to Sandbanks Shore Road Beach is 3 miles and takes 1 hour. Its 4 miles in total if you walk to Sandbanks Ferry (1 hr 20 mins from Bournemouth Pier). It only costs £1 for a return trip on the Sandbanks Ferry across to Shell Bay. If you don’t fancy the walk back then you can catch a bus (open topped Purbeck Breezer 50 see above).
City Sightseeing Bus
The City Sightseeing Bus in Bournemouth is an open-top, hop-on hop-off service covering Bournemouth Pier, the town centre, Westbourne, Sandbanks, Poole Park, Poole Quay and the Old Town. Audio commentary is provided, outlining key landmarks and local history. The route links Bournemouth with Poole, making it a practical option for visitors without a car and a straightforward way to gain an overview of the area.
Bournemouth Car Parking
For parking locations, charges and tips on where to park, see our dedicated Bournemouth Car Parks guide.
Nearby Places to Visit
Poole Quay (5 miles west)
Poole is a historic harbour town located 5 miles west of Bournemouth. It is centred around Poole Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. The quay area includes restaurants, boat trips and views towards Brownsea Island.
Westbourne (1 mile west)
Westbourne is a small suburb of Bournemouth located inland from Alum Chine. It has a compact centre with independent shops, cafés and restaurants. It offers a quieter alternative to Bournemouth town centre.
Sandbanks (4 miles west)
Sandbanks is a well-known coastal area between Bournemouth and Poole, recognised for its sandy beach and views across Poole Bay. It is popular for swimming and water sports and provides access to the Sandbanks ferry to Studland.
Boscombe Beach (1.5 miles east)
Boscombe Beach is located to the east of Bournemouth and offers a wide stretch of sand backed by a promenade and pier. The area is generally quieter than the central Bournemouth beach. Facilities include cafés, surf schools and beach huts, with good access from Boscombe and nearby residential areas.
Hengistbury Head (3 miles east)
Hengistbury Head is a coastal headland to the east of Bournemouth, with walking trails, heathland and views across Christchurch Harbour. It is a protected nature reserve and a quieter alternative to the main beaches.
Christchurch (5.5 miles east)
Christchurch is a historic town located east of Bournemouth, known for its harbour, priory and riverside setting. The town centre is compact, with a mix of historic buildings, shops and access to nearby beaches.
Studland Bay (via Sandbanks Ferry)
Studland Bay lies across the entrance to Poole Harbour and is accessible via the Sandbanks ferry. It includes a series of sandy beaches backed by dunes and heathland, offering a quieter coastal setting.