Bournemouth in Dorset is a great spot, one of England's often unknown tourist resorts. Just because it's touristy doesn't mean it's overpacked by holiday makers, in fact this town has a great mix to suit all types of travellers. Having spent 6 years living there it's time to reflect on that all with a personal top 5 things to do in Bournemouth, Dorset, England.
1. Bournemouth Beach
Stating the obvious here, but Bournemouth's award winning beach is probably the town's most attractive tourist pull. I've worked on it, drank on it, played football on it and done a few other things on it...the beach stretches far and is split into many different "beaches" (West Beach, Southbourne Beach, Boscombe Beach, East Cliff etc.). The busiest part is the bit by Bournemouth Pier. On hot summer days this beach is honestly as good as England gets beachwise. You'd be a fool to spend any time in Bournemouth without even visiting the beach, even if it's just to curb your curiosity and prove the fact that it's a fantastic beach. It's also very well kept.
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
This massive balloon known as the Wave Balloon appears only in the Spring and Summer months. It is a large hot air balloon attached by rope and hoisted up from Bournemouth's seafront gardens. It's hard to miss as you walk down by the seafront and a trip up in it offers immense views.
4. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
A bit of a hidden gem here to be honest, this museum is unique in world terms, something a lot of the locals forget. For its quirkiness, history and "off the beaten track charm" it just had to make my list of top 5 things to do in Bournemouth. Featuring Japanese art and mixing Italian with Scottish architecture in design, this is a top spot. It's down by the beach too.
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.
How to get 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!
But a better fact is that Bournemouth has its own international airport!! Not a lot of people know that, they even had flights to New York at one point, and used to fly to Belfast so check what airports fly into it when you're about to head and you might get a lucky cheap deal.
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
Stating the obvious here, but Bournemouth's award winning beach is probably the town's most attractive tourist pull. I've worked on it, drank on it, played football on it and done a few other things on it...the beach stretches far and is split into many different "beaches" (West Beach, Southbourne Beach, Boscombe Beach, East Cliff etc.). The busiest part is the bit by Bournemouth Pier. On hot summer days this beach is honestly as good as England gets beachwise. You'd be a fool to spend any time in Bournemouth without even visiting the beach, even if it's just to curb your curiosity and prove the fact that it's a fantastic beach. It's also very well kept.
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
This massive balloon known as the Wave Balloon appears only in the Spring and Summer months. It is a large hot air balloon attached by rope and hoisted up from Bournemouth's seafront gardens. It's hard to miss as you walk down by the seafront and a trip up in it offers immense views.
4. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
A bit of a hidden gem here to be honest, this museum is unique in world terms, something a lot of the locals forget. For its quirkiness, history and "off the beaten track charm" it just had to make my list of top 5 things to do in Bournemouth. Featuring Japanese art and mixing Italian with Scottish architecture in design, this is a top spot. It's down by the beach too.
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.
How to get 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!
But a better fact is that Bournemouth has its own international airport!! Not a lot of people know that, they even had flights to New York at one point, and used to fly to Belfast so check what airports fly into it when you're about to head and you might get a lucky cheap deal.
That completes my top 5 list and rundown on what to see and do in Bournemouth in Dorset on the south coast of England.
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