Bournemouth

Travel Guide

Bournemouth featuring tranquil scenes, hiking or walking and building ruins
Durdle Door showing a pebble beach, a sunset and rocky coastline
Weymouth Beach showing a beach as well as a large group of people
Durdle Door which includes a bay or harbor and rocky coastline
Bournemouth Pier showing general coastal views and a sandy beach as well as a small group of people
From a golden beach and Victorian-era architecture to award-winning gardens and a buzzing nightlife, this is one of England’s most-loved beach resorts.

Bournemouth is the epitome of a classic English beach town, offering sweeping coastline, grand Victorian architecture and lively nightlife. Until the early 1800s, Bournemouth was a remote heathland used mainly by fishermen and smugglers. Today, the town attracts a mixture of daytrippers, family vacationers and bachelor parties.

Bournemouth’s focal point is Bournemouth Beach, a 7-mile (11-kilometer) bay of golden sand stretching along England’s southern coast. Stroll along the waterfront promenade to find cafés, bars and barbecue areas. Check out the colorful beach huts, symbols of an English tradition that began in Bournemouth in the early 1900s. Rent sun loungers and watersport equipment, including kayaks, surfboards and Jet Skis.

Walk to Boscombe Pier, a 19th-century structure with excellent coastline views. Visit the Coastal Activity Park, a recreation area offering over 30 beach and water activities. Take a boat trip to Brownsea Island to spot endangered wildlife.

Explore 2,000 acres (809 hectares) of gardens in the town center and surrounding region. Wander through the picturesque Victorian-style Lower Gardens. Watch free concerts at the bandstand or play a round of miniature golf. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the town and beach on the Bournemouth Balloon. Follow trails past colorful roses and rhododendrons in the pristine Central Gardens. Discover Asian, American and European trees in the Upper Gardens.

Bournemouth has abundant indoor attractions, too. See hundreds of aquatic creatures at the Oceanarium. Study 19th-century art at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. Watch concerts, musicals, ballet and opera at the Pavilion Theatre. Go to St. Peter’s Church, which houses the tomb of Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein.

Enjoy Bournemouth’s famous dining and nightlife. Choose from more than 250 restaurants, bars and nightclubs, many inside Victorian-era buildings located in the largely pedestrianized town center.

Bournemouth is just a 2-hour drive from London and easily reached via trains, buses or rental car. Come in summer to enjoy festivals, watersports and sunbathing or visit in winter for long walks on an almost deserted beach.

Where to stay in Bournemouth

Bournemouth City Centre

Bournemouth City Centre

4/5(51 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
Looking out towards Sandbanks from the Beach at Bournmouth

West Cliff

If you're spending some time in West Cliff, Durley Chine Beach and Bournemouth Beach are top sights worth seeing.

West Cliff
Laguna Hotel
Laguna Hotel
3 out of 5
6 Suffolk Road South, Bournemouth, England
The price is ¥8,717 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
¥8,717
¥10,460 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Great place to stay, friendly helpful staff. Don’t forget a kettle if you like a cup of tea 😊"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Laguna Hotel
The Trouville Bournemouth
The Trouville Bournemouth
3 out of 5
5-7 Priory Road, Dorset, Bournemouth, England
The price is ¥11,926 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
¥11,926
¥14,311 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.6/10 (284 reviews)
"Big room, excellent for our stay and very near centre of Bournemouth."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

The Trouville Bournemouth
Village Hotel Bournemouth
Village Hotel Bournemouth
3.5 out of 5
Wessex Fields, Deansleigh Road, Bournemouth, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥14,280 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥14,280
¥17,136 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Very friendly staff"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Village Hotel Bournemouth
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 WiFi, 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 Jun 9, 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 Jun 2, 2025

Entire Spacious Cabin with Private Garden
Stunning Panoramic Sea View Beach Location 2 bed
Stunning Panoramic Sea View Beach Location 2 bed
bournemouth
Stay at this apartment in Bournemouth. Enjoy laundry facilities, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Bournemouth Beach and Bournemouth ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (17 reviews)
Lovely view but no chiars
"Great location, spacious property. Balcony/terrace with bench table. No other chairs, so we couldn't sit out, relax, and enjoy the view of the sea. There is no dishwasher, so a draining rack would have been appreciated. Some information about nearby amenities would be a good idea, e.g., a very well-stocked ..."

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

Stunning Panoramic Sea View Beach Location 2 bed
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

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
16
5 - Excellent 46%
4 - Good
15
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Latinbabe

Very cute city that has beautiful views of the ocean on a sunny day.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wonderful time even with tons of other beach goers on the beach tillplenty of space to spread out. There was always staff on hand keeping not only the beach but also the promenade and facilities clean. Well done all

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Sad to see a great coastal town over developed with no theme, no attention to detail or authenticity. Poole morning ch nicer for summers day out!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Pleasant seaside resort that attracts a younger crowd than it used to. Variety of shopping options, but could use more restaurants. Excellent public transportation.

5/5 - Excellent

rachelkdbrown

Love Bournemouth. Nice seaside town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great restaurants, shopping and all in walking distance.

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