Whether you’re lucky enough to be living in this popular seaside resort, or you’re just visiting, here are some of the best ways to discover Bournemouth, with its beautiful beaches, buzzing atmosphere and eclectic food scene.
 


 
 

Nature Activities

Britain’s Best Beach

Bournemouth Beach has been voted the top beach in the UK and one of the best in Europe!  (TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Beach awards 2019).
 
Explore the 7 mile stretch of sand and unspoilt coastline, and enjoy the wide array of activities on offer: From borrowing a paddleboard/bodyboard and tackling the waves, to hiring a bike for a leisurely cycle along the seafront. Hire a beach hut or chill in a deck chair to take in views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks, or a stunning sunset. If you are craving something adventure-filled, then check out the activities on the pier, including the first pier to shore zip wire in the world, and an amazing indoor climbing wall.
 
The beach is also a great place for a run as you can go for as long or as little as you wish. If you are feeling super brave and energetic, then add in the zigzags on the east path to your workout by running to the top and back down again – trust me when I say you will not be able to feel your legs by the end!

Lower Gardens

The Lower Gardens are a short five minute walk from Bournemouth’s main shopping centre, beach and pier. Amongst the garden’s beautiful floral displays, there are plenty of activities all year round. During the summer months this includes a ferris wheel, art exhibition and music at the Pine Walk bandstand; and in winter, you’ll find a buzzing Christmas market and an ice-skating rink.
 

Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash

 
Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks. It is located in the Lulworth Estate along the Jurassic Coast. The huge natural limestone arch was formed when the power of the waves eroded the rock, which stands almost vertically out of the sea, and forged a hole through the middle.
It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic with family and friends. Afterwards, be sure to take the cliff top walk to beautiful Lulworth Cove, and amble through the quaint village of West Lulworth.

Aquarium

The Bournemouth Aquarium offers visitors a journey around 10 recreated environments including the Amazon, Key West and the Abyss, with its mysterious deep sea creatures that have adapted to life without light. The aquarium also has an interactive educational feature, showing the damaging effects of global warming; the Global Meltdown transports visitors to an imagined time in the future when sea levels have risen to such an extent that tropical fish and sharks swim through the streets of London!
 
 
 

Fun Bars & Restaurants

Sixty Million Postcards

Eat, drink and hang out with the finest new live music in the sunny beer gardens. Home to the hottest DJs, craft beers, ales and cocktails, as well as quiz nights that really test your general knowledge, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Ojo Rojo

This Mexican Street Food and Mezcal bar serves tapas and specialises in tequila. A fun place to go with friends and loved ones, the bar has a great atmosphere and often features live music and quiz nights.  The menu is very diverse, with lots of delicious veggie and vegan options, as well as more traditional Mexican fare – ideal for tasting and sharing.

NEO

If you are looking to celebrate a special occasion, then NEO is the place for you! Although it is slightly on the expensive side, it is an elegant space to suit any occasion and often has some great deals on!

Aruba

Undoubtedly the heart of student life, this beach club is on the seafront and offers a wide variety of Caribbean inspired food and amazing cocktails. It has student-friendly prices and offers 2 for 1 on all cocktails, pizzas and burgers!
 
 
 

Coffee Shops

South Coast Roast

This independent coffee shop has been around since way back when, and they roast their own coffee beans locally. Their philosophy is to create amazing coffee and delicious home-made food in a unique space that encourages you to switch off and get lost in conversation. It is definitely one to try if you are in the Bournemouth area, you won’t be disappointed.

Espresso Kitchen

If you are wanting to escape the chaos of the Triangle, and slip away to a hidden gem, Espresso Kitchen is the perfect place. They offer an extensive variety of artisan coffee, and a delicious selection of sweet treats (including plenty of vegan options).

Café Boscanova

Located in the heart of Boscombe, this buzzing venue is ideal for coffee lovers. From stacks of pancakes, to creative veggie and vegan dishes, there is something to suit everyone’s taste. Boscanova has been serving up speciality coffee brewed with their own beans since 2007, and is popular with locals due to the mantra of the barista team, ‘making coffee approachable’. Chilled vibe, good music and a great choice of artisan coffees from USA to Scandinavia, all under this colourful roof, so it’s no wonder their customers come back again and again.

Find out more:

Bournemouth Beach Clean Club
Join in environmental volunteering while you’re in Bournemouth! A university student explains how she set up a beach clean club to transform the seafront as well as her social life!