Things to Do in and Around Bournemouth

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Start: 2024-06-07T19:00Z
End: 2024-06-07T19:00Z
Location: the Hermitage Hotel

Bournemouth has grown far beyond its Victorian beginnings, evolving into a vibrant coastal town where stunning scenery meets a modern, relaxed way of life. As the heart of the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) area, it is ideally located for award-winning beaches, historic landmarks, and the Dorset coast beyond.

With so much to explore, Bournemouth is best enjoyed without rushing. A stay at The Hermitage Hotel places you right at the heart of it all, giving you the luxury of time. Linger over sunsets across the pier once the crowds have drifted away, explore the coastline at your own pace, and uncover the quieter, lesser-known moments that day-trippers rarely see.

Sunlit sandy beach with colorful beach huts along promenade, pier in distance, cliffside greenery and turquoise sea.

Unique Coastline & Beaches

Bournemouth’s coastline boasts seven miles of some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, enjoying a unique and mild microclimate thanks to the shelter provided by the Isle of Wight and the Purbeck Hills. The bay’s waters are often warmer than elsewhere in the Channel; this, coupled with the fresh air, ensures that walking and swimming remain popular well into the 'golden autumn' of September. It is the perfect setting for an active morning or a rejuvenating break in the sunshine

Guests ziplining above a beachfront pier with outdoor restaurant seating, ocean views and town skyline - thrilling seaside activity

The Heart of the Action - Bournemouth Pier & Central Beach

Just steps from The Hermitage Hotel, Bournemouth Beach is the vibrant heart of the resort. With its Blue Flag sands, iconic Pier, and the nearby Oceanarium, it offers everything you’d expect from a classic seaside escape. Bournemouth Pier itself is home to the PierZip soaring above the waves and the RockReef climbing centre, ideal for active days and a great option when the weather turns. Beyond the beach, the surrounding area offers water sports and boutique shopping along the promenade, theatres and live entertainment at the Bournemouth International Centre and Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, as well as the nearby BH2 Leisure with its cinema, bowling, mini golf, escape rooms and restaurants. Everything you need for a varied and memorable stay is right on your doorstep.

Sunlit red-brick building behind a palm-lined urban park with lawns, a small stream and mature trees

Gardens & Reserves

No trip to Bournemouth is complete without a stroll through its 1.5-mile stretch of Grade II listed gardens, offering a seamless path from the town centre right down to the sea. Experience the tranquillity of the Upper Gardens with its towering giant redwoods, or enjoy the vibrant Lower Gardens, home to the historic Aviary and open-air art at Pine Walk. For a wilder escape, head to Hengistbury Head for breathtaking views of The Needles and a nostalgic ride on the Land Train towards the iconic beach huts of Mudeford. It is a splendid blend of botanical beauty and rugged coastal heritage.

Victorian-style hotel façade with conical turrets, glass-enclosed sunroom terrace, stone balustrade and manicured garden with palm trees.

Culture & Heritage

Looking for cultural highlights? Here are the best cultural things to do in Bournemouth:

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum: An eccentric Grade II listed Victorian villa. It houses a renowned collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and Japanese artefacts, complemented by cliffside views and an orangerie café.
St. Peter’s Church: A key site for literary enthusiasts, containing the tomb of Frankenstein author Mary Shelley and the heart of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Shelley Theatre: Located within the historic Shelley Manor, this venue hosts a year-round programme of independent cinema, theatre, and live performance.

Hilltop medieval castle ruins on a grassy motte with inner courtyards, walking paths, village rooftops and rolling green fields.

Culture Around Bournemouth

History isn’t confined to the town limits; the surrounding region is steeped in heritage and within easy reach of Bournemouth. You’ll find a wealth of fascinating historical sites just a short journey away, including:

Corfe Castle & Swanage Railway: Majestic royal ruins and nostalgic steam train rides.
Salisbury Cathedral & Stonehenge: The UK’s tallest spire and world-famous Neolithic stones.
The New Forest & Beaulieu: Ancient woodlands and the world-renowned National Motor Museum.
Jurassic Coast: The natural wonders of Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
Kingston Lacy: A lavish National Trust mansion with an extraordinary art collection.

Seaside pier at night, Ferris wheel blurred in motion, red fireworks overhead and a bustling boardwalk with restaurants and ocean views.

Join Unique Events

Bournemouth is a town that loves to celebrate, offering a vibrant year-round calendar of cultural and musical events. During the summer months, the night sky comes alive with weekly Summer Fireworks displays at the pier. As autumn approaches, the Arts by the Sea festival transforms the town into a creative hub of performance and diversity. Even in the winter, the magic continues with the Christmas Tree Wonderland, a spectacular festive light trail that has become a true seasonal landmark.

Solo stand-up paddleboarder silhouetted against a golden sunset, gliding across calm, reflective sea — tranquil beachfront activity

Active Adventures

Bournemouth stands as a premier destination for wellness and outdoor adventure by making the most of its unique coastal landscape. The town provides a fantastic range of activities suited to every fitness level, including high-octane thrills and scenic workouts.

Water Sports

Bournemouth Bay serves as the South Coast’s hub for aquatic action. You can visit Boscombe, the local surfing epicentre, for lessons at Sorted Surf School. Alternatively, take advantage of the sheltered waters to try Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), with equipment available at Front Bike Hire.

Cycling & Walking

You can enjoy a breathtaking ride or stroll along the promenade between Hengistbury Head and Sandbanks. This is one of the most picturesque flat routes in the UK. Note that cycling is restricted between 10:00 and 18:00 during July and August. E-bike tours are a popular way to explore the hilly terrain of the wider Dorset area.