Welcome to Bournemouth

The ultimate guide to Bournemouth

The ultimate guide to Bournemouth​

Boasting an award-winning golden beach, vibrant shops and historic features, a trip to Bournemouth is a recipe for an exciting day out. And it’s only a short 15 minute car ride away from Summerbreeze Orchard. To help you plan your day, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite Bournemouth sites and attractions.

stunning sandy beach

Bournemouth Beach

Voted one of the best beaches in the UK, Bournemouth is home to 7 miles of soft, golden sand, nestled below magnificent cliff lines. Being so shallow, the waters are reasonably safe to swim in and some of the warmest in the UK. Lifeguards are also regularly based here.

an array of amusements

Bournemouth Pier

Bournemouth Pier is a must-visit attraction. Originally built in 1880, it now has a 60ft high zip wire, indoor rock climbing gym and a bustling arcade. But if that’s not your cup of tea, it’s still worth wandering your way up the pier simply to admire the stunning views. 

for rainy days

Bournemouth Oceanarium

Bournemouth Oceanarium is surprisingly big inside and home to a number of aquatic creatures. You can watch the baby otters playing, step through the underwater tunnel, come face to face with sharks and sting rays, or watch the penguins enjoy feeding time.

stunning views

Bournemouth Big Wheel

Bournemouth Big Wheel sits at a whopping 100 feet tall beside the beach. Hop on and see how far the view stretches. The wheel offers panoramic views across the city’s beach, pier, gardens and town centre. This is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy, even on a rainy day. 

a spot of culture

Russell Cotes Museum

Located on top of the East Cliff in Bournemouth, the Russell Cotes Museum is an impressive art gallery and museum. You can easily spend hours admiring the gorgeous art here, and the historical Victorian house offers stunning views across Bournemouth Pier. 

 

gREEN SPACES

Bournemouth Gardens

The city has 1.5 miles of beautifully maintained Victorian gardens. The lower gardens are a popular picnic spot and are dotted with stunning floral bedding displays. There is also a mini golf course, an aviary, a Victorian bandstand and many exciting, free events held throughout the year.

local events

Bournemouth Pavilion

Bournemouth Pavilion is a grand grade II building which hosts numerous exciting events throughout the year, ranging from musicals, opera, ballet, comedy, banquets, and much more. If you’re exploring Bournemouth on a wet day, it might be worth checking out what’s on here.

a bite to eat

Places to eat in Bournemouth

One thing is certain: you won’t struggle to find great places to eat and drink in Bournemouth. Whether you fancy some classic fish and chips on the seafront, or would prefer to wine and dine somewhere on the city’s high street, you’ll have plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants to choose from.

stunning sandy beach

Bournemouth Beach

Voted one of the best beaches in the UK, Bournemouth is home to 7 miles of soft, golden sand, nestled below magnificent cliff lines. Being so shallow, the waters are reasonably safe to swim in and some of the warmest in the UK. Lifeguards are also regularly based here.

an array of amusements

Bournemouth Pier

Bournemouth Pier is a must-visit attraction. Originally built in 1880, it now has a 60ft high zip wire, indoor rock climbing gym and a bustling arcade. But if that’s not your cup of tea, it’s still worth wandering your way up the pier simply to admire the stunning views. 

for rainy days

Bournemouth Oceanarium

Bournemouth Oceanarium is surprisingly big inside and home to a number of aquatic creatures. You can watch the baby otters playing, step through the underwater tunnel, come face to face with sharks and sting rays, or watch the penguins enjoy feeding time.

stunning views

Bournemouth Big Wheel

Bournemouth Big Wheel sits at a whopping 100 feet tall beside the beach. Hop on and see how far the view stretches. The wheel offers panoramic views across the city’s beach, pier, gardens and town centre. This is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy, even on a rainy day. 

a spot of culture

Russell Cotes Museum ​

Located on top of the East Cliff in Bournemouth, the Russell Cotes Museum is an impressive art gallery and museum. You can easily spend hours admiring the gorgeous art here, and the historical Victorian house offers stunning views across Bournemouth Pier. 

green spaces

Bournemouth Gardens ​

The city has 1.5 miles of beautifully maintained Victorian gardens. The lower gardens are a popular picnic spot and are dotted with stunning floral bedding displays. There is also a mini golf course, an aviary, a Victorian bandstand and many exciting, free events held throughout the year.

local events

Bournemouth Pavilion

Bournemouth Pavilion is a grand grade II building which hosts numerous exciting events throughout the year, ranging from musicals, opera, ballet, comedy, banquets, and much more. If you’re exploring Bournemouth on a wet day, it might be worth checking out what’s on here.

a bite to eat

Places to eat in Bournemouth

One thing is certain: you won’t struggle to find great places to eat and drink in Bournemouth. Whether you fancy some classic fish and chips on the seafront, or would prefer to wine and dine somewhere on the city’s high street, you’ll have plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants to choose from.

Your questions

Frequently Asked Questions

It's 15 minutes in the car to Bournemouth.

Yes, I say it would take an hour to cycle and can be hilly depending on the route you take.

In central Bournemouth it's quite hard, there are car parks but you will unlikely park for free. Southbourne beach is the easiest to park and then walk down the zig zag cliffs. If I had children I would definitely head into central Bournemouth because there is so much to do and see but if it's just a lazy day on the beach, then Southbourne.