Searching for free things to do in Dorset? Look no further than the Bournemouth Air Festival! Every summer, incredible aircrafts belonging to the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy and more take to the skies between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers to put on an unforgettable show. It’s an iconic event, and with Bournemouth hotels just a short walk from the festival, you won’t have to miss a thing. Relax and enjoy the displays and fireworks knowing there’s a super-comfy bed and free Wi-Fi waiting back in your room. The fun doesn’t stop there either – check out our list of the best things to do in Bournemouth for a little inn-spiration.
Bournemouth Air Festival 2025
Great value rooms, comfy beds and flexible rates all within easy reach of Bournemouth Pier – our hotels in Bournemouth tick all the boxes. Our Bournemouth Central hotel, our Bournemouth West Cliff hotel, our Bournemouth East Cliff hotel and our Bournemouth Westbourne hotel are all great choices if you’re searching for great places to stay in Dorset this summer.
Our family friendly Dorset restaurants have got you covered at mealtimes – we’ve got mouth-watering meals to get excited about at great value prices! When you’re hunting for popular places to eat in Bournemouth, visit our Lynton Court Table Table, our Bailey Bridge Table Table, The Somerford Beefeater or our Smugglers Haunt Beefeater as well as our on-site Thyme restaurants. Plus, what better way to fuel up before days out in Bournemouth than with our unlimited Premier Inn Breakfast?
History of Bournemouth Air Festival
Since 2008, this iconic festival has been one of the biggest and best events in Dorset, entertaining families and aircraft enthusiasts alike. From the Red Arrows and RAF Typhoons to historic wartime crafts and Night Air displays, visitors have seen all kinds of incredible aircrafts fly near Bournemouth Beach over the years. Besides the air show, there’s more for families to do in Dorset throughout the festival too – visit the Royal Air Force and Armed Forces Villages, enjoy going on funfair rides with the kids, enjoy the fireworks displays and more!
Four things to know about Bournemouth Air Festival
Bournemouth Air Festival Dates & duration
Dates: This popular UK airshow usually takes place in August or September. The exact dates for 2025 are yet to be released.
Duration: The Bournemouth Air Show takes place over three days, so you can look forward to three days’ worth of festivities this summer. The event even hosts Night Air shows with aircraft displays and fireworks that go on into the night!
Getting to Bournemouth Air Festival
If you’re thinking of getting to the Bournemouth air show using public transport, Bournemouth train station is just a 25-minute walk away from Bournemouth Pier, and you’ll find plenty of bus stops by the beach too. Coaches are another popular way of visiting Bournemouth for the festival, and don’t forget our great value hotels are bike friendly too – cycle to or from the air show and store your bike safely in your room!
What’s on at the Bournemouth Air Festival
The full Bournemouth Air Show timetable hasn’t been released yet, but you can still expect unforgettable aircraft displays this August. And there’s plenty of other activities to enjoy at the event – think funfair rides, food stalls and plenty of chances to talk to members of the Armed Forces and Royal Navy. Plus, the festival takes place along Bournemouth Beach if you just fancy a bit of sunbathing.
Bournemouth Air Festival tips
As this popular air show in Bournemouth is held in the summer, make sure you come prepared – pack light clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen and plenty of water. You can also take your own food and drink to the event, which is ideal if you’re visiting Bournemouth with the kids!
Bournemouth Air Festival FAQs
How much will it cost to go to Bournemouth Air Festival 2025?
Great news for families and air show enthusiasts – the Air Festival Bournemouth is free to attend! So, if you’re looking for free days out with the kids this summer, don’t miss out on visiting Bournemouth for three days’ worth of aircraft displays, funfair rides and other fun beside the seaside. Plus, with sandy Bournemouth beaches to enjoy and top attractions to discover at this seaside resort, why not turn this summer event into a family break?
Where is the best place to watch the Bournemouth Air Show?
Due to the size of the festival, you’ll find plenty of spots to be able to sit back and enjoy the air show from, including Bournemouth Pier. East Overcliff Drive is a popular spot for people wanting a higher vantage point to see the aircraft displays, but one of the best places to watch the Bournemouth Air Festival is between Bournemouth Pier and Boscombe Pier, so bring your deck chairs, plot up on the beach and enjoy the show!
Best places to stay for Bournemouth Air Festival?
Whether you’re visiting the Bournemouth Airfest for one day with the kids or you’re planning weekend breaks in Bournemouth, our great value hotels in Bournemouth have everything you need to get the most out of your stay. Book family rooms at our Bournemouth Central hotel, our Bournemouth West Cliff hotel, our Bournemouth East Cliff hotel and our Bournemouth Westbourne hotel, or check out other great places to stay in Dorset this summer.
How busy is Bournemouth Air Festival?
Hundreds of thousands of visitors attend the Bournemouth Airshow each year – it’s one of the most popular air festivals in the UK! – so make sure you plan your travel and accommodation in advance of this busy summer event to get a good spot on the beach.