Sea kayaking in Bournemouth

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Bournemouth Activities

Whether you’re a ball of energy with an insatiable appetite for adventure or looking for some good old-fashioned rest and relaxation, Bournemouth has it all to cater to your perfect day out. We’ve got endless activities to keep you on the move, from kid friendly activities to family days out, wet weather fun, and a plethora of outdoor adventures to enjoy. Whether you want to focus on health and fitness, pamper yourself in luxury, or try something completely new, Bournemouth truly has it all.

We’ve listed some of our favourite Bournemouth activities to inspire you:

Walking & Hiking

Since Victorian times, people have come to Bournemouth for the sea air and pine-scented walks. These days, you can still take a leisurely 19th-century stroll or choose a more energetic adventure. The resort is criss-crossed with routes through our grade II-listed gardens, spacious golf courses, sandy beaches, and sweeping coastline. If you’re an intrepid explorer, you can chart a course out into the surrounding countryside; there are some spectacular, long walks through the New Forest and along the Jurassic coast. Best of all, walking doesn’t cost a penny, so it’s a great, low cost day out for all the family.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Do you love tough uphill climbs or exhilarating downhill rides? Speed racing through the countryside with a group of mates? Or freewheeling along flat routes with the family? We’ve got cycle rides for every age and ability, from the promenade along the water’s edge to more challenging adventures out in the surrounding hills. There are lots of places to hire bikes if you don’t have your own, making Bournemouth the perfect setting for fun on two wheels.

Fishing

With miles of coastline on our doorstep, keen fishers are spoilt for choice in Bournemouth. It’s one of the country’s best spots for sea fishing, whether you’re in the tranquil surroundings of a nature reserve or at the end of one of our historic piers. The beaches themselves offer the perfect spot to catch a variety of fish, and there are tackle and bait shops dotted along the coast.

Wildlife & Bird Watching

Bournemouth is home to a huge variety of natural habitats, from expansive nature reserves and a tropical paradise to miles of rugged coastline and sandy beaches. There are tons of places to pitch up and look down to the ground or up to the skies. If you're lucky, you'll spot some of the rare species that have made their home here. Ornithologists regularly hail Bournemouth and neighbouring Poole as the ideal environment for bird watching, and there are museums and visitor centres where you can find out more.

Health & Spa

As one of the first spa towns in England back in the 1800s, people travelled to Bournemouth for its clean air and health benefits. Today, many of the big hotels run spa packages, and you can find almost every treatment imaginable in the resort. You can also team your spa day with an evening meal, afternoon tea, or a glass of bubbly. With miles of golden sand and our warm micro-climate, Bournemouth makes an impressive backdrop for your wellness break by the sea.

Shopping

From late night shopping in the town centre on a warm summer evening to finding stocking fillers at the Christmas markets during the Christmas Tree Wonderland festivities, Bournemouth is well equipped to satisfy even the most exquisite tastes. With unique pop-ups, independent boutiques, popular high street chains, and some great shopping centres further out from the town centre, Bournemouth has it all to satisfy your shopping needs.

Entertainment

While Bournemouth’s concert venues attract world renown acts year-round, our intimate coastal village venues show equally charming theatre and performing arts, as well as arts and independent films, and several cinemas in the destination screen the latest blockbusters. Our resort town is also famous for its bustling nightlife, which features some fantastic clubs and bars perfect for a night out on the south coast.

Sports

We have an array of fantastic leisure centres to suit your fitness needs, with classes on yoga, Pilates, HIIT, and great gym facilities. Our beloved Cherries (AFC Bournemouth) are playing Premier League football, so expect to see some black and red football shirts out on the weekend. If you’re not already planning a trip to the Vitality stadium, you can enjoy football around the destination. Bournemouth is also home to some truly beautiful golf courses, and with our great sunshine hours, it’s the perfect destination to get out on the green.

Adventure & Outdoor

From archery and high wire climbing to water-based obstacle courses and water sports galore, not to mention seven miles of beautiful beaches, there are loads of outdoor adventures on offer in Bournemouth. Whether you’re organising a children’s party or looking for a fun way to spend a weekend with friends, you’ll find plenty of high-energy experiences to make sure that you have a day full of fun and laughter.

Indoor

On those rare days that the sun hides away, we have some great options to enjoy your time in Bournemouth indoors. Our stunning museums and galleries will quench the thirst of any culture vulture. On a cold and blustery day, tuck away with a delicious hot chocolate or coffee from one of our talented baristas in the town centre. You can find more great indoor activities in our rainy-day itinerary.

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Centre VR

Bournemouth

Centre VR brings the wonder of virtual reality to life, with some of the most amazing and fun immersive experiences around!
Queen's Park Golf Course

Bournemouth

A warm welcome awaits you at Queen’s Park Golf Course, which was established in 1905. As ex-Championship course, it is Bournemouth’s golfing crowning glory set in undulating mature parkland with tree-lined fairways.
It’s not for the…
City Cruises Poole

Poole

A wide range of cruises departing from Poole Quay and Swanage Pier.
RockReef Activity Centre & Pier Zip

Bournemouth

If you’re looking for a fun, adrenaline fueled day out for all the family, visit RockReef, the all-year all-weather exciting attraction located on the iconic Bournemouth Pier!
New Forest Activities

Award-winning outdoor activities provider in The New Forest, Hampshire. Offering a great range of fun things to do for all ages and abilities including canoeing, kayaking, archery and more! Established in 2003.
Brownsea Island Ferries

Poole

Poole's oldest boat company leaving from the Yellow Kiosks on Poole Quay. Harbour cruises, Jurassic cruises, bird boats and much more!
Dorset Day Trips

Poole

Dorset Day Trips offer an exciting range of award-winning & unique guided sightseeing day tours around Dorset and the New Forest, all from the comfort of our fantastic new ‘70’s-style Volkswagen camper van. You’ll be given a warm welcome on board…
Poole Harbour Boat Tours

Poole

This very spacious, fun pontoon boat offers every thing you need for your friends and family, bring your drinks and snacks its your day on your boat.
Who Dares Gyms

Who Dares Gyms is open for 6 months of the year, providing a unique training experience and community to help you achieve all of your mental and physical fitness goals.
Pier Fishing

Bournemouth

Fish off the end of both Bournemouth and Boscombe pier. Buy your permit, get some bait and get out for a days adventure.
Greenslade Pleasure Boats

Poole

Board a Greenslade boat & see the wonderful Poole Harbour or take a trip up the Wareham river.
Volleyball at Boscombe Beach

Boscombe

Enjoy a game of Volleyball on the award winning Boscombe Beach and enjoy one of the best views in the South Coast. A unique setting for a fun, sporting activity. Whether a family game or something more serious, the courts are available to hire. No…
City Sightseeing Bournemouth

Bournemouth

City Sightseeing Bournemouth is part of the City Sightseeing Worldwide family which operates in scores of cities throughout the world. Hop on and Hop off the bus as much as you like at any of the bus stops on the route and see all the best sights…
Brewhouse & Kitchen Experiences

Bournemouth

Open your mind to a new experience!
Book the following experiences at our Poole, Bournemouth, and Southbourne locations!
Woodland Archery, Axe Throwing & Crossbow Shooting

Tolpuddle

If you’re looking for fun activities in Bournemouth, look no further than Insight Activities. We can teach you the ancient skills of Archery, Crossbows, and Axe Throwing, all against the backdrop of one of our beautiful woodland locations.
…
Maize Maze & Sunflower Picking Fields

Fordingbridge

Picking Patch hosts seasonal fun for everyone!
Karzoom

516 Wallisdown Road, BOURNEMOUTH

Karzoom is now offering a monthly car subscription service across the whole south coast of England. A flexible, all-inclusive car subscription, direct from our dealer partner. So, for a simple monthly fee your package includes Insurance, Road Tax,…
Shaka Surf

Poole

Shaka Surf isn’t just a any old surf school, we offer a variety of water sports, and we are set up on the golden sands of Poole & Bournemouth Bay; on a seven mile stretch of sand, and water, that can offer great waves, or great flat water fun.

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