Things To Do In Bournemouth
Here at CrossCountry we are delighted that spring has finally sprung! The days are getting longer, the sun is making a more frequent appearance, and temperatures are gradually rising. We can finally come out of hibernation and enjoy the great outdoors. And what better way to do so than exploring somewhere new? Somewhere with sea, sand and fun-filled attractions... there’s so much to do in Bournemouth!
Jump on a train to Bournemouth and explore all that this vibrant British seaside town has to offer. A centre of culture and entertainment, this coastal gem attracts holiday-makers and tourists every year who flock to the town for stunning beaches, quirky shops, artisan cafés and the elusive British sunshine.
Keep on reading for our top recommendations for things to do in Bournemouth. make sure you buy Advance tickets with CrossCountry for great prices.
Bournemouth Beach
A trip to Bournemouth would be incomplete without visiting its award-winning beaches. Enjoy seven miles of golden sands bordered by magnificent cliffs and some of the prettiest natural coastline in the UK. Bournemouth bay enjoys warm sea temperatures and spectacular views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks. If the weather’s good enough, rent a deck chair or relax in a hired beach hut. For those looking for a bit more excitement, try out one of the many fun water sports on offer or make sandcastles and paddle in the sea.
Bournemouth Pier
The iconic Bournemouth Pier dates back to the mid-19th century and is still bursting with character. Over 300m in length, the pier is packed with all-weather entertainment from amusement arcades to adrenaline pumping activities. RockReef adventure centre offers pulse-racing activities for thrill-seekers of all ages and PierZip whizzes people on a zip wire 40ft above sea level, from pier to beach! After all that action, you’re sure to be hungry – luckily whatever you fancy, the pier will provide. Grab a coffee and sandwich, enjoy a traditional fish and chips or treat yourself to a cocktail at Aruba Restaurant and Bar where you can enjoy 180-degree views of the town’s beautiful coastline.
Take a Coastal Walk
Warmer weather and lighter evenings make spring the perfect time to enjoy a coastal walk. Bournemouth is surrounded by amazing countryside so it’s the perfect place to head if you want to get some fresh sea air and feel the sun on your face. Take a leisurely stroll from Bournemouth Pier to Sandbanks beach and enjoy beautiful seaside views along the way. There are no hills to tackle on this walk and plenty of cafés and restaurants along the way. If you’re a regular hiker, you will appreciate the walk from Bournemouth Pier to Swanage, which takes in stunning views of Old Harry Rocks, The Pinnacles, Studland and Bournemouth beaches.
Explore the Parks and Gardens
Bournemouth is home to over 2,000 acres of green parks and gardens which provide a peaceful escape from the bustling town. The Upper, Lower and Central Gardens are the most popular and retain much of their Victorian character. From the sea front you can take a beautiful 1.5 mile walk through these gardens, admiring colourful flowers, unusual wildlife and lush lawns. Alum Chine is best known for its award winning tropical garden, which in the 1920s was laid with paths, borders and stonewalls to create a terrace garden overlooking the bay (so don’t skip the view point!).
Oceanarium
Take an underwater adventure and learn all about the fascinating creatures from above and below the waves at Bournemouth’s very own aquarium. Come face to face with sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, dwarf crocodiles, clownfish and even a cute colony of penguins. At Oceanarium, you will travel through the amazon, Great Barrier Reef and even the Ganges to see over 150 species of fish. Watch the water come alive while penguins, otters, and sea turtles get their grub during daily feed talks and if you’re feeling brave, why not join the sharks in the virtual interactive dive cage? Make sure you stop off for a refreshment at Bay View Terrace for panoramic views of Bournemouth bay.
Don’t forget CrossCountry can take you to Bournemouth from all over the UK, so remember to buy an Advance ticket via our Train Tickets app.
Check out our handy Bournemouth destination guide for more information on how to explore this exciting town
Written by Julia