Things to Do in Bournemouth

A long linear park running from the Square down to the seafront. Formal flower beds, mature trees, a bandstand and a café. Well-maintained paths for walking or cycling.

🕐 Open 24 hours. Café: 9am-5pm

💡 Visit in late May for the annual Bournemouth Arts by the Sea festival — free outdoor performances pop up along the gardens. The café does a decent £3.50 filter coffee.

A steep-sided valley garden with a stream, subtropical planting and a small splash park in summer. Connects Boscombe seafront to the high street via a wooded path.

🕐 Open 24 hours. Splash park: June-August 10am-6pm.

💡 Bring a picnic and sit below the rockery — it's quieter than the main lawn. The free outdoor table tennis tables near the café are popular with families.

Seven miles of sandy beach with shallow shelving water. The pier extends 305m into the English Channel, offering views of the Isle of Wight on clear days.

🕐 Open 24 hours. Pier: 7am-10pm daily (subject to weather)

💡 Head to Alum Chine at the west end for fewer crowds and rock pools at low tide. Bring a windbreak — the sea breeze picks up fast.

A Victorian villa turned museum housing a collection of fine art, sculpture and ceramics. The building itself is ornate, with coastal views from the upper rooms. Donations requested.

🕐 Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays except bank holidays.

💡 The rooftop terrace is free to access without a ticket — great spot for a quick photo over the bay. Allow 90 minutes for the full collection.

A small, quirky museum run by volunteers. Victorian natural history displays, fossils, a stuffed polar bear and a working Wimshurst machine. Entry by donation (suggested £3).

🕐 Wednesday & Saturday 2pm-5pm. Closed August.

💡 Check their website for free open days or the Wednesday afternoon 'meet the curator' sessions. Cash only for donations.