What to do in Bournemouth

Activities, attractions and tours

Bournemouth showing tranquil scenes, a ruin and hiking or walking
Bournemouth showing tranquil scenes, a ruin and hiking or walking
Durdle Door showing a pebble beach, a sunset and rocky coastline
Weymouth Beach showing a beach as well as a large group of people
Durdle Door which includes a bay or harbor and rocky coastline

Bournemouth Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Bournemouth has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Bournemouth is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Bournemouth to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Bournemouth Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Bournemouth.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Bournemouth attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Recommended things to do in Bournemouth

Number of things to do
19
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Bournemouth Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: CA $18
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Bournemouth

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bournemouth

Bournemouth Beach

Bournemouth Beach

4.5/5(21 reviews)

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

4/5(4 reviews)

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 showing a sandy beach

Bournemouth Pier

4/5(3 reviews)

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

Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre

4/5(1 review)

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
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
O2 Academy Bournemouth

O2 Academy Bournemouth

4/5(1 review)

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
Southbourne and its beach as viewed from Hengistbury Head, Dorset, England, UK.

Southbourne Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Southbourne Beach during your trip to Bournemouth? Wander the beautiful beaches and picturesque gardens in this family-friendly area.

Southbourne Beach
Oceanarium showing 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
Sunset at Boscombe Pier, long exposure using Lee Big Stopper filter

Boscombe Pier

Boscombe Pier is just one of the places to see in Boscombe, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or experience its entertainment choices.

Boscombe Pier

Explore areas of Bournemouth

Bournemouth City Centre

Bournemouth City Centre

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Bournemouth City Centre. Make a stop by Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre or The Square while you're exploring the area.

Bournemouth City Centre
Looking out towards Sandbanks from the Beach at Bournmouth

West Cliff

If you're spending some time in West Cliff, Bournemouth Beach and Alum Chine Beach are top sights worth seeing.

West Cliff

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

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 vacationing 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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