Bournemouth Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Nestled on the south coast of England, Bournemouth is a vibrant and picturesque town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a lively atmosphere. With its stunning coastline, award-winning beaches, and charming Victorian architecture, Bournemouth has become a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation and excitement.
The star attraction of Bournemouth is undoubtedly its seven miles of golden sandy beaches, which have consistently been awarded Blue Flag status for their cleanliness and beauty. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, or indulge in a variety of water sports, the beaches of Bournemouth cater to all tastes and preferences.
Beyond the beaches, Bournemouth offers a wealth of cultural experiences. The town is home to a number of art galleries, showcasing works by local and international artists. For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is a must. Housed in a stunning Victorian mansion, this museum offers a fascinating insight into the life and collections of its former owners, Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes.
Nature lovers will also find plenty to explore in Bournemouth. Just a short distance from the town center lies the beautiful Lower Gardens, a tranquil oasis filled with exotic flora and fauna. A stroll through these gardens will take you to the Central Gardens, where you can enjoy a game of mini-golf or simply relax on one of the many benches.
For those seeking a dose of adrenaline, Bournemouth offers a range of outdoor activities. You can try your hand at surfing or paddleboarding, go for a bike ride along the scenic coastal paths, or even take a thrilling zip-line ride from the pier to the beach.
When it comes to dining, Bournemouth boasts a diverse culinary scene, with a wide range of international cuisines on offer. From traditional British fish and chips to gourmet fine dining experiences, there is something to suit every palate and budget.
Bournemouth Attractions - What to See and Explore
Bournemouth offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, St. Andrew's Church, Oceanarium, Hengistbury Head. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Things to See and Do in Bournemouth by Category
Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Bournemouth.
Culture
Little Theatre Club
BournemouthConcerts and shows Theater 
Pavilion Theatre
BournemouthTheater Concerts and shows Dance studio Central 
Bournemouth International Centre
BournemouthConcerts and shows Convention center Theater West Cliff 
Brownsea Open Air Theatre
BournemouthConcerts and shows Theater Alderney
Shopping
Castlepoint Shopping Park
BournemouthShopping Shopping centre Strouden Park 
Sovereign Shopping Centre
BournemouthShopping Shopping centre Boscombe West 
Bournemouth Town Centre
BournemouthShopping Shopping centre Central 
The Royal Arcade
BournemouthShopping Shopping centre Boscombe West
Active
Dean Court
BournemouthFootball Sport venue Sport Littledown and Iford 
Dean Park Cricket Ground
BournemouthSport venue Sport Central 
Playgolf Bournemouth
BournemouthGolf Outdoor activities St. Catherine's 
Parley Golf Centre
BournemouthGolf Hurn 
Bournemouth Coast Path
BournemouthHiking trail Hiking Canford Cliffs
Church
St. Andrew's Church
BournemouthChurch Sacred and religious sites Kinson North 
St Peter's Church
BournemouthGothic Revival architecture Church Central 
St Stephen's Church
BournemouthGothic Revival architecture Church Central 
Corpus Christi Church
BournemouthGothic Revival architecture Church Boscombe East 
Sacred Heart Church
BournemouthGothic Revival architecture Church Central
Concerts and shows
Little Theatre Club
BournemouthConcerts and shows Theater Pavilion Theatre
BournemouthTheater Concerts and shows Dance studio Central Bournemouth International Centre
BournemouthConcerts and shows Convention center Theater West Cliff 
Bournemouth Winter Gardens
BournemouthConcerts and shows Theater Westbourne Brownsea Open Air Theatre
BournemouthConcerts and shows Theater Alderney
Park
Oceanarium
BournemouthAquarium Park Zoo West Cliff 
Stour Valley Local Nature Reserve and Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre
BournemouthPark Muscliff 
Littledown
BournemouthGym Park Spa Littledown and Iford 
The Coastal Activity Park
BournemouthPark Boscombe West 
Friends of Boscombe Chine Gardens
BournemouthGarden Park East Cliff
Other categories
TheaterBournemouth – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Bournemouth, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Salisbury Cathedral (Salisbury), Paultons Park (New Forest), The Tank Museum (Bovington Camp).
Best Time To Visit Bournemouth
Learn when is the best time to travel to Bournemouth weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the City
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Ale
Ale is a type of beer distinguished by its sweet, full-bodied, and fruity flavor, resulting from a warm fermentation process. Originally, ale was brewed without hops, using a blend of herbs or spices known as gruit for bitterness.
Type of beer
Stew
A stew is a robust dish crafted by simmering solid food ingredients in a liquid to create a rich, flavorful gravy. These ingredients often include a diverse array of vegetables and proteins such as beef, poultry, sausages, and even seafood.
Fishcake
Fishcakes are a delectable dish crafted from minced or ground fish or seafood, combined with a starchy ingredient, and then fried to perfection. The ingredients and preparation methods can vary widely depending on the region.
Food
Parkin
Parkin is a classic gingerbread cake originating from northern England, particularly cherished in Yorkshire and Lancashire. This delightful treat is made with oatmeal and black treacle, which impart a distinctive flavor and texture.
Sticky toffee pudding
Sticky toffee pudding is a cherished English dessert celebrated for its moist sponge cake enveloped in a rich toffee sauce, typically accompanied by vanilla custard or ice cream. In Australia and New Zealand, a similar delicacy known as sticky date pudding enjoys...
Art works & crafts
ArtFamous works of special cultural and artistic value related to this location.
Golden sands and azure waters may not be associated with the UK beach landscape, but there are plenty of beaches hidden in the caves that dot the British coast, set against dramatic backdrops of wild cliffs and mountains. To discover new landscapes, do water sports, explore trails and nature reserves, check out our list, and get inspired.
See article
England