Discover Activities and Experiences in Bournemouth
Find details of Tourist Attractions in Dorset including Theme Parks, Water Parks and popular places to visit.
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Relax and rejuvenate with the Tranquillity Spa Day at Hotel Collingwood in Bournemouth. Enjoy full access to the spa, complete with robes and slippers, and unwind with a soothing 25 minute treatment. Your experience is finished with a delicious afternoon tea served with unlimited tea and coffee, plus a complimentary glass of bubbly to make the day feel extra special.
Looking for things to do in Bournemouth? Start with the beach, pier and gardens, then discover pottery painting, indoor adventures, dance classes, outdoor art and neighbourhood walks. This guide combines Bournemouth’s essential attractions with experiences beyond the usual sightseeing list, helping you choose by weather, budget and who you are visiting with. Find suggested day plans, practical booking advice and links to our local guides across Bournemouth, Southbourne, Westbourne, Christchurch and Poole.
Enjoy classic afternoon tea at Hotel Collingwood in Bournemouth. Delight in freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches, seasonal pastries and fine teas in a relaxed seaside setting. Perfect for celebrations or a relaxing treat.
Make the most of the school holidays with five brilliant Bournemouth family days out, from sharks and penguins at the Oceanarium to climbing challenges and the PierZip at RockReef. Discover mini golf in the Lower Gardens, ride the land train across Hengistbury Head or turn Boscombe Beach into an action-packed family sports day. With ideas for toddlers, teenagers, sunny days and rainy weather, Bournemouth offers summer holiday activities for every kind of family.
Dorset Parky Striders is a friendly walking football club in Bournemouth for people living with Parkinson’s. Based at BH Live Pelhams, the group brings together gentle exercise, teamwork and social connection, welcoming beginners and experienced players alike. Discover how the weekly Wednesday sessions work, what to expect on the pitch and how to get involved with this supportive local community.
Discover five brilliant ideas for a girls’ day out in Bournemouth, from pottery painting and a luxurious coastal spa day to beautiful museum interiors, the PierZip and cocktails beside the sea.
MAHI Studio & Hillary’s Art Classes is a creative space offering a varied programme of art workshops & classes in Westbourne. These include Tea and Paint sessions during the day plus Wine and Paint sessions in the evening. You can also enjoy seasonal activities such as Halloween, Christmas and Valentine wreath making alongside greeting card design, acrylic painting, papier mache and recycled craft sessions. Every workshop is designed to be fun and accessible for complete beginners as well as those with creative experience.
Discover the story behind Proms in the Park, Bournemouth's much-loved outdoor concert hosted by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. We explore how the event began, the community spirit behind it and what makes a summer evening in Meyrick Park so special. From picnic blankets and blockbuster film scores to classical favourites and a spectacular fireworks finale, here's why Proms in the Park has become one of Dorset's favourite annual traditions.
Planning an autumn weekend in Bournemouth? Discover stylish hotels, spa experiences, independent shopping, coastal restaurants, gardens, culture and live entertainment. From THE NICI and The Green House to Westbourne, Russell-Cotes, Hengistbury Head and seafront dining, this guide brings together ideas for a relaxed two-night break by the coast.
Bournemouth Pier has been named among Britain’s best, celebrating its unique mix of seaside heritage, adventure and entertainment while highlighting its continued importance to Bournemouth’s thriving visitor economy.
Discover the best beach walks and coffee spots in and around Bournemouth. From Bournemouth Beach to Hengistbury Head, explore coastal walks paired with cosy cafés for the perfect seaside reset.
Discover seven brilliant things to do in Bournemouth this September, from Arts by the Sea and live music to coastal walks, outdoor yoga and evenings by the beach.
Discover tennis clubs and courts in Bournemouth, from Southbourne and Boscombe to Winton and Westbourne. Whether you're a beginner looking for coaching, a family seeking affordable courts or an experienced player interested in competitive tennis, explore welcoming local clubs and flexible pay-and-play facilities. Our guide covers Southbourne Tennis Club, The West Hants Club, Bournemouth Gardens and more, with information on facilities, membership, coaching and court bookings to help you find somewhere to play.
The Bournemouth Writing Festival 2027 is set to return to Bournemouth from 23-25 April 2027, bringing together writers, authors and publishing professionals for a weekend of talks, workshops and networking events. While the full programme is still to be announced, visitors can expect over 100 free and ticketed activities across Bournemouth town centre. This page will be updated as soon as organisers release further details.
Experience the Bournemouth Reggae Weekender 2027 at King's Park. One of Dorset's biggest summer music festivals, the event features live reggae, ska and dancehall performances, Caribbean food, family entertainment and a vibrant festival atmosphere. Find event dates, ticket information, opening times, venue details and everything you need to plan your visit to this popular Bournemouth festival.
Celebrate Bourne Free Pride Festival 2027 in Bournemouth, with three days of live entertainment, community celebrations and family-friendly activities at Meyrick Park. Featuring the annual Pride Parade, live music, market stalls and a free Family Fun Day, it's one of Dorset's biggest and most colourful summer festivals.
Bournemouth Athletic Club is a friendly athletics club based at Kings Park Athletic Centre in Bournemouth. It offers coached track and field, road running, cross-country and junior development sessions for athletes aged eight and above. The club welcomes different abilities while encouraging members to develop through structured training and competition. Prospective members can visit before joining, although the popular Wednesday Junior Development group currently has a waiting list.
Rain does not have to put your Bournemouth plans on hold. Explore the rooms at Russell-Cotes, discover marine life at the Oceanarium, try indoor climbing on the pier or challenge friends to bowling, adventure golf and escape rooms. Our guide to things to do in Bournemouth when it rains compares options for families, couples and groups, with booking advice and ideas for putting together a day without spending it outside.
Bournemouth Run Club is a friendly community running group organising relaxed 5K runs from Southbourne Beach. The club combines an easy-paced coastal route with an opportunity to meet other local runners and socialise over coffee afterwards. Its usual Saturday morning format makes it suitable for people looking for a less competitive alternative to a traditional athletics club. Follow the club’s official Instagram page for current meeting details before attending.
Dancing Terraces returns to Pavilion Dance South West for summer, bringing free outdoor dance sessions to the Garden Terrace beside Bournemouth’s seafront. Every Friday and Saturday evening in August, visitors can join professional dancers, musicians and DJs for styles ranging from Commercial and African dance to Bollywood, Vintage Jazz, Hip Hop, Ceilidh and Salsa. No booking or previous dance experience is required, making this a relaxed, family-friendly way to enjoy a summer evening in Bournemouth.
Bournemouth u3a brings together people who have stepped away from full-time work to learn, stay active and build new friendships. Its member-led interest groups cover a broad mixture of educational, creative, cultural, social and physical activities across Bournemouth. There is no fixed minimum joining age, and members can explore different interests in a friendly environment without exams, qualifications or formal classroom teaching.
Looking for running clubs in Bournemouth? Whether you want structured athletics coaching, a relaxed seafront 5K, a women-only community or support completing your first Couch to 5K, Bournemouth has plenty of options. Our guide compares established clubs and newer social running groups across Kings Park, Littledown, Boscombe, Southbourne and Westbourne, helping you find the right atmosphere, distance and level of commitment for your goals.
Pinners Award Club is a friendly Bournemouth community offering weight-management support, craft sessions and a relaxed monthly book club. Based at its dedicated hub on Wimborne Road, it helps adults work towards personal goals, rediscover hobbies and form genuine friendships. Members can attend Weight Wise, Craft Wise or Book Wise, with achievements celebrated through the club’s distinctive collection of certificates, stickers and award pins.
Celebrate the beginning of 2027 with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s New Year’s Day Viennese Gala at Lighthouse, Poole. Taking place on Friday 1 January, this uplifting afternoon concert features sweeping Strauss waltzes, lively polkas, orchestral favourites and vocal performances from soprano Claudia Boyle. Expect famous pieces including The Blue Danube, Emperor Waltz and Offenbach’s Can-Can during an elegant musical celebration inspired by Vienna’s traditional New Year concerts.
SoBo Ladies Running Club is a welcoming women’s running community based in Southbourne, Bournemouth. The club offers weekly group runs, Saturday morning coffee runs, longer-distance sessions and free Couch to 5K programmes for members. Routes take in Southbourne Beach and Hengistbury Head, with an emphasis on encouragement, enjoyment and running without pressure or judgement. Membership is free and women can join through the club’s Facebook group.
Join the Romance Writing Festival 2026 in Bournemouth for a day of inspiring talks, writing workshops, expert masterclasses and networking with bestselling romance authors, literary agents and publishing professionals. Taking place at the Marsham Court Hotel on 3 October 2026, this unique Dorset literary event is ideal for aspiring and established romance writers looking to improve their craft, connect with the writing community and take the next step towards publication.
Bournemouth Joggers is a friendly women’s running club offering structured training, relaxed social runs and opportunities to enter local races. Its varied weekly programme takes place at different locations across Bournemouth, including Boscombe, Southbourne, Redhill, Iford and Kings Park. The club is best suited to women who can already run approximately three miles, although selected improver and track sessions can be adapted. Prospective members can arrange a free introductory session before joining.
SAGES is a friendly social group for older people held at the LIFE.CENTRE in Moordown, Bournemouth. Organised by Bournemouth Community Church, its programme combines entertainment, illustrated talks, Christian reflections, afternoon tea, worship and occasional trips. A separate Monday lunch club offers an additional opportunity to enjoy an affordable meal and meet new people, although advance booking is required for lunch.
Take on one of Dorset's most popular running weekends. The festival features the Bournemouth Half Marathon, Supersonic 10K, Supernova 5K and junior races along Bournemouth's stunning coastline. With spectacular sea views, a lively event atmosphere and distances for all abilities, Run Bournemouth is a highlight of the Dorset sporting calendar and attracts thousands of runners and supporters each year.
Finding new friends or starting an activity can feel more difficult after leaving full-time work, moving to a new area or experiencing a change in circumstances. Fortunately, Bournemouth has social groups for over-50s covering everything from walking and singing to art, gentle exercise, community lunches and...
Bournemouth Gardens connect the beach and pier with the town centre and quieter green spaces inland. Explore the Lower Gardens for flowerbeds, the aviary and mini golf, continue through the Central Gardens for a longer stroll, or head into the Upper Gardens for trees, streamside paths and a slower pace. Our visitor guide explains the differences, suggests walking options and covers free activities, toilets, accessibility and nearby parking.
Take on one of the South Coast’s most scenic running events when the Bournemouth Bay Run returns in 2027. Starting near Pier Approach, the annual event is expected to offer a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1K Kids Fun Run along Bournemouth’s famous seafront. The official 2027 date, entry fees and race schedule have not yet been announced. Find the latest event information and what runners can expect from the next Bournemouth Bay Run.
Littledown Harriers is a friendly and inclusive Bournemouth running club welcoming runners aged 16 and over. Based at the Littledown Centre, the club offers twice-weekly training sessions, beginner programmes, social runs and opportunities to participate in local races. With more than 220 members, Littledown Harriers suits everyone from people developing their general fitness to experienced runners training for races and marathons.
Experience one of Dorset's biggest cultural weekends at the free Arts by the Sea Festival in Bournemouth. This award-winning festival fills Bournemouth Gardens and the town centre with spectacular outdoor performances, live music, street theatre, art installations, dance and interactive experiences.
Looking for free things to do in Bournemouth? From walking along Bournemouth Pier and exploring the gardens to discovering outdoor street art and watching wildlife at Hengistbury Head, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the town without buying an attraction ticket. Our guide brings together free Bournemouth activities for families, couples and solo visitors, with ideas for combining them into a day out and clear advice on extras such as parking and transport.
Experience Proms in the Park at Meyrick Park, Bournemouth. Hosted by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, this popular Dorset summer event features two spectacular evenings of live orchestral music, from timeless classical favourites and film scores to the biggest hits of the 1990s, all ending with a breathtaking fireworks display. Find event dates, ticket information and everything you need to plan your visit.
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