Bournemouth Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bournemouth featuring hiking or walking, heritage elements and tranquil scenes
Bournemouth
Weymouth Beach featuring a beach as well as a large group of people
Bournemouth
Bournemouth

Embrace the mix of cultures and influences in this timeless coastal city, where Victorian architecture meets modernist masterpieces.

Visit Bournemouth and it’s easy to be drawn in by the coastal beauty, Edwardian and Victorian architecture and international arts and culture scene. Feel past and present mingle about you as you wander between opulent museums and the iconic pier, imagining life in the 19th century.

Things to do in Bournemouth

Bournemouth life revolves around the water, and nowhere is this more evident than at the iconic Bournemouth Pier, built in the mid-19th century and restored in the Edwardian era. Today’s pier offers arcade games, snacks and souvenir shops in a bustling British seaside atmosphere.

Continue to Bournemouth Beach, where golden sands and gentle waves are perfect for sunbathing, long walks along the shore and playing in the water. For another vantage point on the scenic coastline, visit Boscombe Pier, a modernist architectural gem.

Step away from the seashore to admire the beautifully landscaped Bournemouth Gardens, dating back to the Victorian era and rejuvenated during the Edwardian and Modernist periods.

Back in the city, shop for local treasures, home goods and beachwear at The Triangle, Commercial Road, The Square and Old Christchurch Road.

Bournemouth’s history and culture

Immerse yourself in all things Victorian at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, built in 1901 and showcasing the exquisite taste of Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes. The mansion houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world, which the couple gathered during their extensive travels. As impressive outside as the treasures that lie within, the museum is a testament to Victorian splendour.

Learn about millions of years of history of the nearby Jurassic coast at the Bournemouth Natural Science Society & Museum, where you can explore exhibits about the area’s archaeology, geology and wildlife.

For a taste of Bournemouth’s arts culture, head for some of the city’s many galleries and markets. Shop for art, pottery, jewellery and glassware created by an international population of talented artisans.

Dining and nightlife in Bournemouth

The same multicultural influences that define Bournemouth’s art scene also appear on the menus at the city’s many beachside cafes and restaurants. Find international flavours, as well as fresh seafood, traditional cream tea with scones, clotted cream and jam, and Dorset delicacies like the Dorset apple cake and the distinctive Dorset Blue Vinny cheese.

After a day at the beach, experience Bournemouth’s vibrant nightlife in The Triangle neighbourhood, where bars and clubs invite revellers to dance the night away. Take in a performance at the historic Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre or Shelley Theatre, hosting everything from theatrical productions to live music concerts.

Consider a day trip from Bournemouth to explore the surrounding natural wonders. The New Forest National Park and Hengistbury Head both offer the opportunity for hiking and birdwatching.

Getting around Bournemouth

Fly into Bournemouth Airport or Southampton Airport, which are 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometres) and 27.8 miles (44.7 kilometres) away from Bournemouth, respectively. The city is served by public bus and train services, with taxi and bike-sharing programmes readily available.

Where to stay in Bournemouth

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Bournemouth City Centre

4/5(1,198 area reviews)

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

Bournemouth City Centre
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West Cliff

4/5(6 area reviews)

While visiting West Cliff, you might make a stop by sights like Bournemouth Beach and Durley Chine Beach.

West Cliff
Laguna Hotel
Laguna Hotel
3 out of 5
6 Suffolk Road South, Bournemouth, England
The price is £47 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£47
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"It was a very nice stay and the staff were very friendly. The breakfast was lovely"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Laguna Hotel
The Trouville Bournemouth
The Trouville Bournemouth
3 out of 5
5-7 Priory Road, Dorset, Bournemouth, England
The price is £56 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£56
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
6.6/10 (277 reviews)
"Close to many shops and easily walkable to the beach"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

The Trouville Bournemouth
Carrington House Hotel
Carrington House Hotel
3 out of 5
Knyveton Road, Bournemouth, England
The price is £47 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£47
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
6.4/10 (1,000 reviews)
"The hotel was clean but room could do of a bit of refurbishment. The bathroom had no safety rails to get in and out of the shower. Has this hotel caters for a lot of coaches which in most cases are pensioners like me this is an accident waiting to happen. The staff were friendly and welcoming on ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Carrington House Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Chelsea Hotel
Chelsea Hotel
3 out of 5
32 St. Swithun's Road, Bournemouth, England
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (80 reviews)
"The Chelsea hotel is extremely close to the train station, taxi rank and Asda supermarket so it's in a very convenient location. The hotel room was very clean and had plenty of tea, coffee, milk and sugar. There was a microwave, cutlery, plates, dishes, a TV, and a hairdryer. I found the entry instructions ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025

Chelsea Hotel
Entire Spacious Cabin with Private Garden
Entire Spacious Cabin with Private Garden
Bournemouth
Stay at this cabin in Bournemouth. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
Lovely stay, kind host, and great location.
"Me and my friends enjoyed our stay at Isaac’s. Great host and typical amenities were included. Room was clean and easy parking outside the property. Would definitely stay here again during a future visit and I can highly recommend."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2025

Entire Spacious Cabin with Private Garden
Flat 2 - Studland
Flat 2 - Studland
3 out of 5
1 Upper Terrace Road, Bournemouth, England
Stay at this 3-star golf cottage in Bournemouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are located ...
Flat 2 - Studland
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Bournemouth

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
454
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
531
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
126
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
18
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Didn’t spend much time outside hotel due to weather. Will probably come back in a better weather.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Bournemouth a very nice seaside location for all ages.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It was a pleasant short stay and will like to go again

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

went to the BIC for a concert the town centre is quite nice with many shops and restaurants can recommend for a few days

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great town good shopping nice place

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Typical seaside town

Cities near Bournemouth