I'm very well qualified to bring you this post today, as I spent a whopping SIX years living in the English seaside town of Bournemouth. While my time in Bournemouth came to an abrupt but needed end in 2009, my memories of the town and its suburbs will linger forever. Rather than bore anyone out there with personal stuff in Bournemouth, this is MY top 5 things to do in Bournemouth - I hope it provides some decent tips for all visitors to Bournemouth, a town which is embedded into my heart...this post has been coming for about 10 years now so it finally sees the light of day.
1. Bournemouth Beach
The main attraction of Bournemouth is the epic coastline and of course Bournemouth is graced with splendid beaches. There are so many different beaches too so it suits all types of travellers. There are beaches to relax, beaches to party, beaches to watch sunset and just beaches! Check out Boscombe beach, Southbourne beach and even Alum Chine. The coastline is wide and varied. The beaches have won awards for their cleanliness too.
2. Bar crawl in Bournemouth
I love pub crawls and I love my quirky bars, promotions and everything that goes with the madness of nights out drinking. In Bournemouth you will find an endless amount of bars, clubs, pubs and restaurants all meeting your required taste. The names of bars and pubs may change a lot and have done since I left there, but my favourites were the Dolphin (Springbourne), The Moon in the Square, The Goat and Tricycle and in the past Jumpin Jaks. These days Bournemouth attracts a lot of stag and hen nights and weekends especially in the summer and the party atmosphere and vibe at night is unrivalled in England.
3. Wave Balloon
Everybody in Bournemouth knows what the "Wave Balloon" is and you should head there in the summer for epic views of the south coast of England. Situated in Bournemouth's summer gardens, this is unmissable in summer months as it rears itself into the sky. It's a hot air balloon near the seafront. It's attached by a huge cord and is as safe as it is popular. Expect queues, but expect good views!
4. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
This is actually quite untouristy and unknown even by Bournemouth standards but it is unique and totally worth a visit. Mixing Italian, Scottish and Japanese influences this serves as your art experience in the popular seaside town. Best of all it won't be too busy and has a view over the beach!
5. A Trip to the Football Stadium to watch AFC Bournemouth
Head to the football stadium called Dean Court (and latterly known as the Goldsands Stadium) to watch AFC Bournemouth. Nicknamed the Cherries, Bournemouth are in the third tier of the English League with ambitions to move up the league ladders.
Watching AFC Bournemouth is also a lot more affordable and authentic than watching the Premier League teams.
Getting to Bournemouth
Trains and buses run from London and the trip will only take 2 - 3 hours, so it's easily reachable if you're based in the capital for your travels. Take a Megabus if you want to save cash!
Bournemouth also has its own international airport which is worth checking out for flight schedules.
That completes my top 5 list and rundown on what to see and do in Bournemouth in Dorset on the south coast of England.
1. Bournemouth Beach
The main attraction of Bournemouth is the epic coastline and of course Bournemouth is graced with splendid beaches. There are so many different beaches too so it suits all types of travellers. There are beaches to relax, beaches to party, beaches to watch sunset and just beaches! Check out Boscombe beach, Southbourne beach and even Alum Chine. The coastline is wide and varied. The beaches have won awards for their cleanliness too.
2. Bar crawl in Bournemouth
I love pub crawls and I love my quirky bars, promotions and everything that goes with the madness of nights out drinking. In Bournemouth you will find an endless amount of bars, clubs, pubs and restaurants all meeting your required taste. The names of bars and pubs may change a lot and have done since I left there, but my favourites were the Dolphin (Springbourne), The Moon in the Square, The Goat and Tricycle and in the past Jumpin Jaks. These days Bournemouth attracts a lot of stag and hen nights and weekends especially in the summer and the party atmosphere and vibe at night is unrivalled in England.
3. Wave Balloon
Everybody in Bournemouth knows what the "Wave Balloon" is and you should head there in the summer for epic views of the south coast of England. Situated in Bournemouth's summer gardens, this is unmissable in summer months as it rears itself into the sky. It's a hot air balloon near the seafront. It's attached by a huge cord and is as safe as it is popular. Expect queues, but expect good views!
4. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
This is actually quite untouristy and unknown even by Bournemouth standards but it is unique and totally worth a visit. Mixing Italian, Scottish and Japanese influences this serves as your art experience in the popular seaside town. Best of all it won't be too busy and has a view over the beach!
5. A Trip to the Football Stadium to watch AFC Bournemouth
Head to the football stadium called Dean Court (and latterly known as the Goldsands Stadium) to watch AFC Bournemouth. Nicknamed the Cherries, Bournemouth are in the third tier of the English League with ambitions to move up the league ladders.
Watching AFC Bournemouth is also a lot more affordable and authentic than watching the Premier League teams.
Getting to Bournemouth
Trains and buses run from London and the trip will only take 2 - 3 hours, so it's easily reachable if you're based in the capital for your travels. Take a Megabus if you want to save cash!
Bournemouth also has its own international airport which is worth checking out for flight schedules.
That completes my top 5 list and rundown on what to see and do in Bournemouth in Dorset on the south coast of England.
About the Author:
For further articles like Things to do in Bournemouth head across to the travel nomad site by Jonny Blair for ongoing travel tips and articles!
