Nestled in a sheltered bay on England’s south coast, Bournemouth’s 7 miles of sandy beaches are the main attraction. The award-winning beaches are safe, clean and perfect for building castles. Or catching waves. Plus there’s a huge number of activities to keep all ages happy, from museums and gardens to amusement arcades and zip-lines. Bournemouth is a delightful mix of seaside charm, Victorian Heritage and buzzing nightlife. All year round. As for food, well there's everything from award-winning restaurants and inventive bistros to cheerful cafes doing tasty cream teas.

What to do in Bournemouth with the kids

Kids will love the Upside Down House. It's a curious but stylish museum of illusions. They can climb the walls and leave footprints on the ceiling. The inverted open-plan interior enables visitors, big and small, to explore easily. It’s great fun for all family members, especially those who are a little more creative. It's got Instagram and TikTok written all over it.

Do wild creatures fascinate your little ones? Then let them dive into a magical world of penguins, otters, turtles and crocodiles. The Bournemouth Oceanarium is home to 1000s of interesting creatures. And the Shark Wreck Reef tunnel provides a face-to-face encounter with over 75 of them. They'll see sharks, stingrays, moray eels and more. What’s more, there are daily talks and feeds, a quiz trail, and holiday activities.

If sharks and crocodiles don’t excite the kids then Laser Quest should fix that. This futuristic combat game uses infrared ‘laser weapons’ in a blend of tag and computer game. Each 15-min session is a fully-immersive experience with audio and visual effects. It’s suitable for ages 5 and up and, of course, mum and dad are also welcome to join in.

What to do in Bournemouth as a couple

If you want glorious sea views, a good cafe and a fascinating museum to explore, then look no further than the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. It was the home of two Victorian travel enthusiasts and provides the backdrop for a delightful love story. Their house is full of a changing exhibition of collector's items and memorabilia from a lifetime of globetrotting. Sitting atop the East Cliff this historic manor house was one of the last built in the Victorian era.

If it’s fresh air you need then take a stroll along the beach past Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers. The impressive Hengistbury Head at the far end, offers stunning views of the Needles on the Isle of Wight. You’ll also find a visitor centre with wooded walking trails, plenty of wildlife and refreshments. Plus you can get the Hengistbury Land Train back to town.

What to do after the sun goes down? If you love wine and cheese, then the award-winning Renouf’s is a must for date night. Or, there's the sophisticated Ginjams, where gin, wine and cocktails are served up with a distinct worldly feel.

There’s also the quirky Bournemouth Colosseum and Bar for that cosy cinema experience. It's the smallest cinema in the UK and they screen an eclectic mix of classics and contemporary films.

What to do in Bournemouth with friends

Don’t just dip your toes in the water here, immerse yourself! There are several excellent schools and hire shops that will provide surfing lessons, with paddleboards and kayaks to rent. Shaka Surf is Surf England accredited and offer lessons to adults, as well as kids as young as 6. There’s also Surf Steps.

For something a little alternative, but a lot of fun, grab your mates and enter the award-winning Marvo Mysteries Escape Room. It’s your team against the clock as you search for clues, solve a mystery, and try to escape.

Are your friends competitive? Then Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf might be worth dropping into. The 18 holes deliver challenges, hazards with different themes. Groups and parties (adults and kids) are very welcome for an enjoyable day out.

For live music, there’s the Bournemouth International Centre and the Pavilion Theatre. Both provide a stacked programme of big-name pop and rock acts. They also stage star-studded West End hits. But if you prefer a quiet drink with mates, then try out the Goat and Tricycle Pub which serves up tasty ales and a good atmosphere. But if cocktails and dressing up are more your thing, then head to 1812, one of Bournemouth's favourite cocktail bars.

What we like to do in Bournemouth

An easy way to enjoy the stunning views is to take the colourful Bournemouth Land Train. One train runs along the promenade eastwards towards Boscombe and another runs westwards towards Alum Chine. Why not combine a stroll along the beach and then get the train back? At either end of the main beach are some steep cliffs. Not ideal after a long day or with little ones. Thankfully, there are three historic funicular railways to the rescue! The West Cliff Lift and East Cliff Lift were both built in 1908 while the Fisherman’s Walk Cliff Lift dates to 1935.

The Upper, Central and Lower Gardens are all part of a 3 km greenway. Great for a leisurely walk or hop on your bike to discover the Bourne Valley. The gardens are Grade II Heritage Listed and have been winning awards for over 20 years. The Lower Gardens provide ample year-round attractions. There are colourful flower beds, an aviary, an art exhibition and mini golf. There are also refreshment kiosks and street food if you need sustenance. The Central Gardens have tennis courts, a Tree Trail Walk and a children's playground. Finally, the Upper Gardens are more relaxed with nature trails, exotic plants and trees, and picturesque bridges dotting the Bourne Stream.

It’s not only the beaches that win awards here. Bournemouth’s food and drink scene is making waves. There are spacious pubs, trendy cocktail bars and clifftop restaurants that are perfect for a sundowner. West Beach delivers both award-winning meals and views. There’s also Urban Reef, a popular beachside cafe/bistro. Cuisines across town range from Thai, to Indian, Korean, and Spanish. Traditional fish and chips can always be found, often with interesting twists. And if meat isn’t your thing, relax. Over 30 restaurants and cafés around town serve up delicious vegetarian and vegan meals.

What not to miss in Bournemouth

The beaches. That’s why you’re coming right? Soft golden sand, gentle surf, seagulls, fish and chips. You’ll also find thousands of deck chairs, and hundreds of beach huts, all for hire. Yes, it can be busy, but you can always escape the crowds. For example, Durley Chine Beach is a pleasant amble west of the town centre.

Further west again is Alum Chine Beach, which is considered extremely safe, especially with lifeguards on duty May to September. It’s also won a spadeful of Blue Flag awards. The Chine, a steep coastal gulley, is home to beautiful tropical gardens with intriguing plants from around the world. Traverse the gardens as you climb to a viewpoint with amazing views out across the bay. It’s a lovely spot to relax for all ages. And for families, there's also a pirate-themed children's playground and paddling pool. What's more, it’s an easy ride from town on the Land Train.

No self-respecting seaside resort is without a pier. And Bournemouth boasts two of them, both built in the 1880s. Take a saunter along Bournemouth Pier, soak up the views or enjoy a relaxed meal. Better yet, grab a fistful of thrills at RockReef. They provide all-weather adventure with themed indoor climbing walls, an aerial ropes course, and a vertical drop slide. While outside they also offer PierZip, a 250-metre pier-to-shore zip wire. Boscombe Pier is Grade II listed, ideal for a walk and coastal views, or a spot of fishing.

Where to stay in Bournemouth

With excellent train, bus and road connections, Bournemouth is easy to access. Accommodation is also very easy to sort all year round thanks to a wide variety of options. Pass the Keys can offer you character cottages and 4-storey townhouses, perfect for a family or group holiday. There are also spacious studios and stylish apartments ideal for couples, whether you’re looking for romantic getaway, or a relaxed weekend break.