Things to do in Bournemouth

Our most recommended things to do in Bournemouth

From Bournemouth: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Trip

From Bournemouth: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Trip

Explore some of the most scenic areas in southern England on a bus trip from Bournemouth. Travel along the famous Jurassic Coast, via Poole Harbour and Sandbanks, to experience the nation's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. First, visit the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door and receive information booklets so you can explore independently. Throughout the tour, benefit from the knowledge and expertise of your guide. Enjoy a light nature walk from Durdle Door over the hill and experience the magnificent views from Hambury Tout. Head to Lulworth Cove if you prefer to give your legs a rest and enjoy a beautiful view of the arch. Consult the map that highlights the main features, or feel free to follow your own path. Find a nice cafe or restaurant in the village of West Lulworth or avail of the small shop in the holiday park at Durdle Door, before heading back to Bournemouth.

Bournemouth Oceanarium Ticket

Bournemouth Oceanarium Ticket

The ocean has so many different sides to it. From the Humboldt current of Peru where the perky penguins thrive to the balmy waters of Key West teeming with fish of every colour. Then there’s the mysterious Amazon, where the fish have teeth, and the dark depths of the Abyss, a place where humans are the aliens. Discover all our fascinating displays and uncover some of the mysteries of the other half of our planet. Explore a variety of sea life as you venture through Shark Reef Tunnel including nine black tip reef sharks, moray eels, a stunning Loggerhead Turtle and more!

Bournemouth Pier: PierZip Entrance Ticket

Bournemouth Pier: PierZip Entrance Ticket

Feel the thrill of flying through the air and over waves with this entrance ticket to the PierZip ride in Bournemouth. The PierZip is the world’s first pier to shore zip wire, boasting a 250-meter dual zip wire. Challenge your friends and family on the dual zip, riding alongside them to race to shore. Launch from the Zip Tower platform 25 meters above the sea, and race out and “zip surf” 250 meters over the top of the waves to land on the beach. Embark on a truly unique and unforgettable experience, and a wonderful way to experience the amazing, panoramic view of Bournemouth and its stunning coast line.

Bournemouth: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Bournemouth: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Experience the beautiful British coastline with the Bournemouth hop-on hop-off tour. Ride an open-top double-decker tour bus on a 1.5-hour loop through the Dorset coastline to discover the beautiful seaside towns of Bournemouth and Poole. Stop at Poole Quay and explore the variety of shops, parks, restaurants, and theatres, as well as buzzing nightlife. The onboard commentary points out the main sights and attractions of each city, all accessible from the 22 conveniently located stops along the bus route. There are plenty of things to do in Bournemouth and Poole. A double-decker bus is a perfect way to explore the picturesque British seaside and the phenomenal beaches, parks, and shops of Bournemouth and Poole are all easily accessible from the tour route's wandering path down the coastline. Bournemouth Tour Stops: A. Bournemouth Station - Stand K A. East Overcliff Drive 1. Bournemouth Pier - Behind Hot Rocks 2. Bournemouth Square - Gervis Place Stand X 3. West Cliff Savoy Hotel 4. Westbourne - Camden Bar 5. Branksome Chine 6. Canford Cliffs - Loch Fyne 7. Sandbanks Beach: Shore Road 8. Sandbanks Beach: Pavilion 9. Sandbanks Peninsular: Ferry Approach 10. Sandbanks Beach: opposite Pavilion 11. Sandbanks Beach: opposite Shore Road 12. Lilliput Village: Lilliput Square 13. Whitecliff Recreation Ground 14. Poole Park: Park Gates East 15. Poole Quay & Old Town: Thistle Hotel 16. Baiter Park 17. Poole Park 18. Ashley Cross: Parkstone Railway Station 19. Penn Hill 20. Westbourne 21. The Triangle 22. Bournemouth Square (Stand LL)

From Bournemouth: Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour

From Bournemouth: Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour

Catch the early morning ferry across to the Isle of Purbeck. View Old Harry Rocks, the starting point of the Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in breath-taking views across Poole Harbour and towards Brownsea Island. By mid morning you will arrive at Durlston Country Park. Visit the brand new Jurassic Coast visitor center housed in the recently refurbished Durlston Castle. There’s time for a morning coffee stop overlooking the famous Great Globe and a chance to take the cliff top walk along to Tilly Whim Caves and the Anvil Point Lighthouse. For every visitor brought to Durlston Country Park, a contribution towards a bursary that helps to support their volunteer programme is made. Heading west drive through some of the tiny lanes and villages that give Purbeck its unique character. Take lunch in the village of Corfe Castle, dominated by the ruins that give it its name. Entrance to the castle itself not included (Free to NT members). After lunch take a gentle drive along the coast taking in more stunning scenery as you head for an afternoon at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Walk down to Man o’ War Rocks and view the magnificent rock arch of Durdle Door, hewn from the Portland limestone beds. Finally, head down to Lulworth Cove and see the famous Lulworth Crumple rock formation in Stair Hole.

Bournemouth: RockReef Indoor Clip ‘n Climb Entry Ticket

Bournemouth: RockReef Indoor Clip ‘n Climb Entry Ticket

Challenge yourself to 25 unique Clip ‘n Climb walls at the RockReef Activity Center in Bournemouth with your Clip n' Climb tickets. Take the Stairway to Heaven climbing challenge that provides varying degrees of exciting challenges to suit every age and ability from 4 to 94. Upon arrival at the center, receive safety training with an induction of up to 30 minutes. Enjoy copious amounts of fun whilst pushing and testing your agility, confidence, climbing, and problem-solving skills. Choose from a range of indoor climbing walls, with each wall creating a different challenge  – whether it be testing your speed, deciding on the quickest or hardest route to navigate, or deciding how to grip the hold and distribute your body weight. If you’re feeling competitive, race your friends on the "Speed Climb" with nothing but 2 identical walls, a clock, and your climbing skills between you. Try to get on the leaderboard by being the fastest climber of the day.

From London: Cotswolds Private One-Day Tour by Car

From London: Cotswolds Private One-Day Tour by Car

This private day trip includes pickup and dropoff from your hotel, cruiseliner or airport from any of the major cities in the description. The mximum number on the trip is up to 4 people. Experience the beauty of English countryside discovering the most picturesque villages of Burford, Bibury, Chippenhem and Castle Combe in officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The day trip to the Cotswolds will take you through the entire region from south to north. Find yourself in a fairy tale atmosphere with traditional honey-coloured stone houses, brooks and a sea of flowers. Dont miss a chance to explore original local shops and have a pint in an ancient pub or cream tea in traditional tea rooms.

Individual trip to Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral

Individual trip to Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral

This private day trip includes pickup and dropoff from your hotel, cruise liner or airport from any of the major cities in the description and is for up to 4 people with full luggage. We will visit the unique UNESCO world heritage site of Stonehenge, where you will have a chance to explore these ancient stones and the information centre as well as a museum. After that, we will set off to Salisbury where you can purchase lunch in any of the fine cafes and restaurants. You will then have a further two hours to visit a beautiful cathedral, museum and shop in its historical centre.

Individual trip to Stonehenge including pickup and drop off

Individual trip to Stonehenge including pickup and drop off

This private day trip includes pickup and dropoff from your hotel, cruise liner or airport from any of the major cities in the description and is for up to 4 people with full luggage. We will visit the unique UNESCO world heritage site of Stonehenge, where you will have a chance to explore these ancient stones and the information centre as well as a museum. Learn about the origin theories of the magnificent megaliths and decide which one appeals to you. Drive around Sailsbury plain to enjoy rolling hills and a nice view.

Poole: Old Harry Rocks and Corfé Castle Guided E-bike Tour

Poole: Old Harry Rocks and Corfé Castle Guided E-bike Tour

Your Dorset holiday has just become a lot more fun with our Guided Electric Bicycle tours. As easy to ride as a conventional bike, your electric bike will take you to some of the best sites and around the Jurassic Coast, sweat-free, relaxed and at an easy pace. For a fun day out, a guided electric bike tour is one of the most fun things you can do. Grab a helmet and head off with our experienced guide to explore. Our hire bikes are so much fun you won’t be able to stop smiling. As soon as you feel the bike doing the hard work you’ll realise this has to be the best way to see the area. Most people comment they had as much fun riding the electric bike as they did seeing the sites! We have a number of suggested day trips for you and because our bikes require so little effort, you’ll be able to see much more of the area than you would with conventional bike hire. Itinerary Start At:Poole Harbour, Poole England Stop At: Sandbanks, Poole, UK We will have a quick stop to take in the lovely views of the beach with its golden sand, stretching for over 10km to Christchurch. Stop At: Studland beach and Nature Reserve, Ferry Road National Trust Area, Studland We will see the beach and the nature reserve while cycling past it and stoping for some photos. Stop At: Old Harry Rocks We will make our way to Harry's Rock from the Obelisk while looking all over Swanage and Poole Harbour, one of the highest points with magical views. Stop At: Corfe Castle, Corfe Castle, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, England Corfe Castle - We will make our way from Harry's Rock back to Studland and all the way through the Forrest to Corfe Castle. Stop At: Poole Harbour, Poole England We will travel back passing Poole Harbour and Park stopping for some photos. Pass By: Bournemouth, Bournemouth, Dorset, England Season depending we will cycle on Bournemouth Promenade too Sandbanks.

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Frequently asked questions about Bournemouth

What top attractions are a must-see in Bournemouth?

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Bournemouth?

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What people are saying about Bournemouth

Overall rating

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.7 out of 5 stars
(812 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

I had an amazing experience on the Bournemouth Tour, and I highly recommend it! Even though I was the only passenger, the tour was not canceled, which I truly appreciate. A huge thank you to Paul, my tour guide, who made the trip even more enjoyable. He is incredibly friendly, caring, and knowledgeable. Throughout the journey, he provided detailed insights about each tourist attraction and ensured I had a smooth and enjoyable experience. His dedication and helpful nature made the tour truly special. If you're looking for a well-organized tour with a fantastic guide, this is definitely the one to choose!

5 out of 5 stars

it was really really fun, had it as a date for Valentines and we had so much fun, she had been there before but this time she enjoyed it more with me!! amazing place and really disable friendly

5 out of 5 stars

Great day out. Our guide, Paul, was very helpful, knowledgeable and looked after us really well. Good advice given on what to see and where to eat/drink etc. Would highly recommend!

5 out of 5 stars

Stunning weather and our very kind and experienced guide Paul made this daytrip a delightful experience! Don’t hesitate to book - absolutely worthwhile! Dogs are welcome, too🥰

5 out of 5 stars

The guide Paul was very friendly and knew interesting things to tell. Lulworth Cove was very very nice indeed. I had a fantastic day out,! Thank you Paul