A Quick Guide to Bournemouth’s Top Tourist Attractions

“Located in the idyllic county of Dorset, the seaside town of Bournemouth is a coastal gem and epicentre of entertainment and culture. Whether you want to spend your time on the beach or exploring unique shops and cultural sites, here are the top tourist attractions in Bournemouth.

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### Bournemouth beaches

Bournemouth boasts 7 miles of sandy beaches on its coast, backed by dramatic cliffs. The picturesque coastline is perfect for a quiet beach retreat, and the calm waters are ideal for families with children. You can also try out sports like sailing, boating, kayaking and surfing off the coast.

### Lower Gardens

Lower Gardens is a spectacular garden space with peaceful walkways lined with trees, recreation areas and vibrant wildflowers. You’ll also find an aviary, which features colourful bird species to enjoy, and a giant tether balloon. Depending on the time of year, you can experience an array of exciting events in the park.

### Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery is a unique gallery and museum in an eclectic art nouveau historic home. It houses Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes’ massive collection of Victorian artwork and artefacts, as well as the Henry Irving Museum, a museum dedicated to the famous Victorian tragic actor.

### Pier Approach

The Pier Approach in Bournemouth is a seaside amusement park with an array of exciting rides and games. It boasts a Big Wheel, interactive water rides, cafes, a zip line, concert spaces and seating to take in views of the coast and sky.

### Mighty Claws Adventure Golf

Mighty Claws Adventure Golf is a fun-filled mini-golf course with life-sized dinosaur replicas and old-fashioned golf holes. The dinosaurs are nestled among tropical settings and challenging holes for a day of seaside fun.

### Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island is a large island in Poole Harbour with acres of woodland and heath teeming with wildlife, including sika deer, red squirrels, peacocks, heron and avocets. You can explore the natural wonders of the island with hiking trails, picnic areas and grassy spaces.

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### Oceanarium

The Oceanarium is a prime spot for animal lovers. Located on the seafront, it offers 10 recreated natural habitats, including Key West, the Mediterranean, the Amazon, the Abyss and the Great Barrier Reef, complete with native marine life species. You’ll find clownfish, piranha, bass, pufferfish, southern stingrays, zebra sharks and other unique animals across the exhibits. You can even try out the Interactive Dive Cage, an interactive experience that submerges you into the deep for a virtual view of the ocean and computer-generated sea creatures.

### Moors Valley Country Park & Forest

The Moors Valley Country Park & Forest is a vast green space with numerous activities for all ages. You can take in the views from the treetop walkway and high ropes, ride a narrow-gauge steam railway, cycle on wilderness paths, fish in the waterways or learn more about orienteering at this expansive natural space.

### Highcliffe Castle

The Highcliffe Castle is a Gothic revival mansion that dates back to the early 19th century. You can tour the historic mansion and its period furnishings and tea room, or head out into the gardens to take in clifftop views and vibrant plant life in a picturesque outdoor space.

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### Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

The Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre is a spectacular art deco performance venue with touring operas, comedy shows, musical performances and ballets on a 1920s stage. You can experience the wide array of prominent acts that are appropriate for all audiences in the historic theatre.

### Christchurch Priory

The Christchurch Priory is a spectacular white-stone Anglican church that dates back to the 11th century. It hosts regular concerts, historic tours and a museum with artefacts and exhibits on local history in Bournemouth.

### Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum

One of the most unique speciality museums in Bournemouth is the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum. The museum holds the former champion’s collection of exotic motorcycles throughout his racing history, as well as a cafe, craft shops and a petting zoo for kids.

### Poole Museum

The Poole Museum is a delightful quayside museum in a converted Victorian warehouse. It outlines 2,000 years of local history with artefacts and exhibits, such as historic paintings, a Roman glass head and a binnacle from a 17th-century ship.

You’ll find no shortage of fun and exciting attractions to explore on your holiday to Bournemouth. Expedia can help you plan your next trip with accommodation options to suit the whole family.”