Whether you’re planning on spending your summer holidays in Bournemouth or booking a last-minute short break, families and couples alike will love exploring this popular coastal resort town. While the weather in Bournemouth might be unpredictable, you’ll find plenty of fun activities in Bournemouth come rain or shine, from indoor rock climbing on Bournemouth Pier to sailing around Poole Harbour. Plus, with free Wi-Fi and great-value Meal Deals, our family-friendly hotels in Bournemouth are ideal for getting the most out of your seaside break.
Hotels in Bournemouth
Bournemouth East Cliff
Bournemouth East (Boscombe)
Bournemouth Central
Bournemouth West Cliff
Bournemouth Westbourne
Christchurch West
Poole North
Poole Centre (Holes Bay)
Seaside towns near Bournemouth
If you love seaside towns, why not extend your stay and explore other places like Bournemouth nearby such as Poole or Lyme Regis? Our Lyme Regis hotels are only an hour’s drive away from Bournemouth and a popular choice for family holidays, and you’ll love our family friendly Poole hotels, located near three-miles worth of sandy beaches.
Things to do in Bournemouth
Visit Bournemouth Pier
If there’s one attraction Bournemouth is best known for, it has to be the town’s famous Pier. And with so many family activities on it and nearby, it’s easy to see why visiting the pier is a top priority on summer holidays in Bournemouth. Climb the RockReef walls on Bournemouth Pier, ride the famous PierZip zipline to Bournemouth Beach, and visit the nearby Oceanarium.
Sit back and relax on a beach
With so many sandy beaches in Bournemouth, sunbathers will be spoilt for choice during Bournemouth holidays. Take your pick from popular spots like Boscombe Beach and Alum Chine Beach. If you fancy a drive out, then pebbly Hengistbury Head Beach is well worth a visit for some incredible views, and if you’re stuck for things to do on half terms breaks in Bournemouth, why not try crabbing at Mudeford Quay?
Enjoy Bournemouth events
From boat shows on Poole Harbour to summer music festivals by the beach, you can enjoy all kinds of events in Bournemouth all year round. Don’t miss out on popular events like Bournemouth Air Festival and the town’s Bourne Free Pride Festival, and look out for festive events in Bournemouth at Christmas.
Sightseeing in Bournemouth
Bournemouth is home to historic sites like Upton Country Park and Highcliffe Castle, as well as attractions like the Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, so history-lovers will have plenty to explore near our hotels in Bournemouth. And, as this popular seaside town is located on the Jurassic Coast, Bournemouth breaks wouldn’t be complete without trying to spot a fossil or two along this natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bournemouth University
Ranked as one of the top 70 young universities in the world, Bournemouth University has two compact campuses that are conveniently located near the town centre, with plenty of onsite facilities, such as a library, bars, and a nightclub. Explore our range of hotels near Bournemouth University.
FAQs
What are the nearest train stations to Bournemouth?
Bournemouth train station is the city’s main railway station, and it’s located just a five-minute drive from Bournemouth town centre. Plus, with other train stations near Bournemouth including Branksome train station, Christchurch train station and Parkstone train station, getting around Bournemouth during your family break couldn’t be easier.
What are the nearest beaches to explore in Bournemouth?
You’ll have seven miles worth of beaches in Bournemouth to explore throughout your summer holiday. The most popular Bournemouth beaches are Bournemouth Beach, Alum Chine Beach, Durley Chine Beach, Boscombe Beach and Southbourne Beach. Most of our family-friendly hotels in Bournemouth are just a short drive away from the beach, too.
What type of beaches does Bournemouth have?
As this popular resort town is home to seven miles of soft shoreline, beaches in Bournemouth are sandy. Bournemouth is well-known for its family-friendly beaches, and most have been named Blue Flag beaches, so it’s easy to see why going to the beach is one of the most popular activities in Bournemouth during the summer.
How many beaches are there in Bournemouth?
Bournemouth has seven miles worth of sandy beaches. The five most popular beaches are Bournemouth, Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Boscombe and Southbourne, all well worth visiting on your next summer holiday in Bournemouth.
What are the best places to eat at in Bournemouth?
Whether you fancy seafood or cream tea, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating in Bournemouth. Stop for a Dorset apple cake at one of many great cafes in Bournemouth or get a taste of local seafood at Poole Harbour, before enjoying great-value meals back at one of our restaurants in Bournemouth such as the Somerford Beefeater, which is around 20-minute drive from our Premier Inn Bournemouth hotels. You can also enjoy tasty meals at our Lynton Court Table Table restaurant just a 10-minute walk away from our Bournemouth East Premier Inn hotel.
What are the best things to do in Bournemouth at night?
There’s plenty of fun things to do in Bournemouth in the evenings. From local pubs and bars to live music at venues like Bournemouth International Centre, nightlife in Bournemouth has plenty to please.
What family friendly activities can you do in Bournemouth?
You’ll find all kinds of family friendly things to do in Bournemouth. Explore family activities on Bournemouth seafront, enjoy the rides and amusements on Bournemouth Pier, and explore the Oceanarium with the kids. Plus, from exploring Boscombe Chine Gardens to sightseeing along the Jurassic Coast, there’s plenty of free family activities in Bournemouth, too.
What outdoor activities can you do in Bournemouth?
Whether you fancy visiting an exciting Dorset music festival or riding the world’s first pier to shore zip wire PierZip, you’ll find all kinds of fun outdoor activities in Bournemouth. Sunbathe on Alum Chine Beach, ride one of the many cycling routes in Bournemouth or go shopping in Bournemouth town centre. We might not be able to guarantee the weather in Bournemouth, but there’s plenty of things to do come rain or shine.
What indoor activities can you do in Bournemouth?
From amusements and soft play areas to indoor rock climbing, you’ll find plenty of indoor activities in Bournemouth. Visit Bournemouth Pier with the kids – thrill-seekers will love the RockReef activity centre – before exploring Bournemouth museums and galleries and enjoying live entertainment at the Pavilion Theatre. Plus, if you’re planning on a spa weekend in Bournemouth, this resort town has some relaxing spas and pools to choose from.