Bournemouth Car Hire

Things to do in Bournemouth

This 7-mile long sandy beach town is perfect for anyone, no matter the weather. Although some people avoid the seaside towns during the colder months, Bournemouth isn’t one to be missed no matter the time of year. When the sun is shining, the town itself seems to glow and there is so much going on outside in terms of water sports and activities on the beach. But, as the seasons change and England gets colder, you can wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate and potter down the beach. Alternatively, you can soak up some of the local history, or try out some of the famous restaurants that call Bournemouth home.

Check out Bournemouth Pier

Nothing is quite as iconic as a pier, and when visiting any of the English seaside towns you cannot miss the local one. The retro Bournemouth Pier is lined with arcades and attractions, all giving off a nostalgic feel about them. The Victorian Pier is the perfect ‘Instagrammable’ spot for you to show off your holiday destination, and you will find so many iconic shots once on the pier itself. On Bournemouth Pier, there is an arcade, a theatre, café and gift shop – along with the RockReef Climbing Centre which is the perfect way to enjoy the pier, as well as getting a thrill as you climb some of the 28 Clip ’n Climb fun and themed, indoor climbing walls.

Walk down the beach

It goes without saying that Bournemouth Beach is the biggest draw for tourists, and has been for years. The long, sandy beach is perfect for all sorts of activities, from bodyboarding to beach volleyball – the beach is perfect. If you’re interested in a longer walk, it takes 10 miles to get from Hengistbury Head to Poole Harbour – so this is a great way to see the whole stretch of beach and get some exercise in too. Alternatively, Bournemouth Beach is a great way to sit and relax when the sun is shining, so make the most of it during the summer months – it’s a great place to dive into that holiday read.

Visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum

The Russell-Cotes Museum is an extravagant seaside villa in the heart of Bournemouth. The villa was originally given as a gift from Merton Russell-Cotes to his wife Annie way back in the early 1900s – how romantic? The couple travelled a lot, so they would use the villa to collect art, furniture and other curiosities from all over the world – which is why today the property, which has since become a Grade-II listed property, has been opened to the public as a quirky museum.

Ride the famous cliff lift

The east and west of Bournemouth Beach have some very steep cliff edges. Although they are steep, they aren’t too high, which means they can be walked – but fear not, you can enjoy them without the hassle of walking thanks to the famous Bournemouth Cliff Lift. Both built in 1908, the West Cliff Lift and the East Cliff Lift are still very much in function today. The lifts run between Easter and October and only cost £1.85 per adult ticket – but you can check out the latest information on the lifts here.

Zoom across the Bournemouth Zip Wire

If you’re looking for something unique and quirky to do during your trip to Bournemouth and fancy taking things to the next level – why not try out the Bournemouth Zip Wire? The PierZip can be found at RockReef on the pier and is the first pier-to-shote zip wire in the whole world. The 250m zip wire allows for two people to ride next to one another, so you can race your friends or family members to the finish line! See who can get there first on this adrenaline-filled activity day out.

Eating Out in Bournemouth

Bournemouth lives up to its reputation of being a cosmopolitan destination – and it really won’t let you down when it comes to food options. Whether you’re after some pub grub, a quick snack or a 3 course meal – you will find it in Bournemouth. As well as international chains, there are so many independent restaurants serving specialist foods, no matter what you’re in the mood for.

Although lots of restaurants are situated more in-land, there are also some that are situated along the incredible coastline, offering breath-taking views as you eat. The best way to find your perfect restaurant is to check out the official Bournemouth Restaurant Guide. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the eateries and restaurants in and around Bournemouth.

Transport in Bournemouth

The transportation system in Bournemouth is perfect for both tourists and locals to have easy access around town, as well as for going further afield to places such as Poole and Christchurch. The South Western Railway operates through Bournemouth with stations at Lansdowne (which is the name of Bournemouth Station), Pokesdown for Boscombe, Christchurch and Poole. As well as trains, buses and taxis are also easily accessible – and there are plenty of cycle paths for those who fancy taking their bikes with them. The roads are also easy to navigate in Bournemouth, so bringing your own car, or even hiring a car is a good option if you would also like the freedom to explore other areas near the town.