30 free things to do in Bournemouth

The coastal resort town of Bournemouth is the perfect place for a staycation. It’s home to the UK’s best beach and is known by locals as ‘the coast with the most’. Take a look of our list of 30 things to do in Bournemouth

Bournemouth hosts over 500 events every year and the town is also home to several beautiful gardens, lots of wonderful walks and plenty of interesting museums. Plus, you can enjoy a great break in Bournemouth without spending a single penny. Here’s our guide to 30 of the best free things to do in Bournemouth.

1. Bournemouth Natural Science Society & Museum

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The Bournemouth Natural Science Society aims to promote the study, interest and enjoyment of all forms of history. They have a wide variety of collections for you to uncover, including archaeological finds, dinosaur footprints and insects. Throughout the year, they run a number of lectures, meetings, cultural visits and social activities that are loved by people of all ages.

  • Address: 39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3NS
  • Walking distance from our Bournemouth hotel: 2 minutes

2. Whitewall Galleries

If you’re a fan of art, then you’ll love Whitewall Galleries. The paintings here are beautiful, innovative and original. Plus, the gallery is also home to several interesting sculptures and special collectibles. The works come from a great mixture of internationally renowned artists and local talents. Sometimes, the gallery even hosts events where you can meet your favourite artists in person.

3. South Coast Makers Market

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If you want to support local traders, then the South Coast Makers Market is the place to go. It’s run independently and it’s curated monthly. Expect to see local art, fresh baking, craft beer and street food. It’s also the ideal place for families because there’s a free children’s art and play table, as well as craft workshops where you can make something to remember your trip by.

4. The Gallery at Arts University Bournemouth

Although TheGallery is based at the university, not all the works on display here are by the students. When you head to TheGallery, you’ll see works from contemporary artists and designers from around the world. Plus, several pieces on display are also on loan from major galleries and museums.

  • Address: North Building, Wallisdown, AUB, Poole BH12 5HH. Opening times here.
  • Driving distance from our Bournemouth hotel: 10 minutes.

5. Poole Museum

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If you love history, then take the short journey outside Bournemouth to nearby Poole. The Poole Museum is set in a Victorian quayside warehouse and contains an extensive collection of objects that tell the story of this historic maritime town through thousands of years of history. The museum is spread over 4 buildings, so it’s easy to spend the full day exploring.

  • Address: 4 High St, Poole BH15 1BW. Opening times here.
  • Walking distance from our Poole hotel: 11 minutes.

6. Boscombe Market

A trip to Boscombe Market is a treat for all the senses. You’ll love the vivid colours of the exotic produce, the smell of the fresh food and the gentle calling of the local traders. The market is packed with things to eat and many of the traders are happy to give out free samples or offer you recipe ideas.

  • Address: Pedestrian Precinct, Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH1 4SX. Opening times here.
  • Walking distance from our Bournemouth hotel: 11 minutes.

7. St Peter’s Church

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Built in the 1880s, St Stephen’s Church is a Grade I listed building that acts as one of Bournemouth’s many community hubs. The church also comes with several function rooms that are regularly hired out for local events and even features an organ from 1898. Why not stop by and see if you can hear the beautiful tunes?

  • Address: St. Stephen’s Way, Bournemouth BH2 6JX. Opening times and service times here.
  • Walking distance from our Bournemouth Seafront hotel: 20 minutes.

8. Hengistbury Head

Hengistbury Head is a dramatic headland that offers up some of the finest coastal views in England. It’s a place where the whole family can reconnect with nature, see the local wildlife and enjoy views that stretch as far as the Isle of Wight. The flat land also means access is easy for all age groups, so it’s a great place to take a picnic and explore.

  • Address: Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, Bournemouth BH6 4EW.
  • Walking distance from our Christchurch hotel: 48 minutes, or a 13-minute drive.

9. Alum Chine Beach

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There’s no better way to spend a day in Bournemouth than with a visit to Alum Chine Beach. There are several Blue Flag-winning beaches in Bournemouth, but Alum Chine is one of the best. The pirate-themed adventure playground makes it popular with families, and RNLI lifeguard stations keep everyone safe. The beach is incredibly clean and you’ll also find amenities including toilets and ice-cream kiosks.

  • Address: West Undercliff Promenade, Westbourne, Bournemouth BH4 8AN.
  • Walking distance from our Bournemouth Seafront hotel: 15 minutes.

10. Bournemouth Pier

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Bournemouth Pier is one of the town’s most popular attractions. It’s a great place to explore as you look out over the sea. Plus, you have the opportunity to watch people take on adrenaline-pumping activities like the Pier Zip Line and the Rock Reef. If you’re feeling flush, why not pay and have a try yourself? Between April and October, there is a small toll for entrance to the pier.

11. Old Harry Rocks Walk

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Old Harry Rocks sit outside Bournemouth, but they’re well worth a visit during your trip. You’ll find them at the southern end of Studland Bay and they’re a beautiful attraction. As you walk, you’ll learn more about the area’s unique history and discover some great spots for a picnic. If you like, you can also stop at one of the many pubs that line the walking route.

  • Address: Handfast Point, Studland BH19 3AX.
  • Driving distance from our Poole hotel: 42 minutes.

12. Stour Valley Nature Reserve

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The Stour Valley Nature Reserve is a haven for nature enthusiasts. It’s located just outside the centre of Bournemouth, and it provides visitors with two miles of riverside footpath to explore. On your walk, you’ll cross meadows, hedgerows and woodland. Trails are marked so it’s great for people without much walking experience. Just make sure you take your camera so you can snap photos of the local wildlife.

13. Boscombe Arts Trail

The Boscombe Arts Trail perfectly blends art with exploration. The route starts by the pier and leads you up Sea Road before taking you to the shopping precinct. On your way, you’ll encounter 7 different exhibits, including a helmeted octopus and a large marble. The route takes around 25 minutes to complete and you can treat yourself to an ice cream on the seafront after.

  • Address: Boscombe Pier, Boscombe, Dorset BH5 1BN.
  • Walking distance from our Bournemouth hotel: 12 minutes.

14. Alum Chine Play Park

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Alum Chine Play Park is a perfect place to take the kids. The space is inspired by a ‘Treasure Island’ theme and there are lots of adventurous elements for kids to explore. There’s a lookout with a working telescope, a woodland trail, water pumps and traditional playground items. Kids will love every second and you can sit on the benches and gaze out to sea.

15. St Stephen’s Church

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Built in the 1880s, St Stephen’s Church is a Grade I listed building that acts as one of Bournemouth’s many community hubs. The church also comes with several function rooms that are regularly hired out for local events and even features an organ from 1898. Why not stop by and see if you can hear the beautiful tunes? </p> 

  • Walking distance from our Seafront hotel: 20 minutes.
  • St. Stephen’s Way, Bournemouth BH2 6JX. Opening times and service times here.

16. Selfie Wall Trail

Heading on the Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail is a great way of exploring your surroundings and seeing everything Bournemouth has to offer. Across the town, you’ll find a series of murals that create a fun and colourful backdrop for your photos. The trail starts in Southbourne and stretches all the way to Sandbanks, so there’s lots to explore. Check out #LoveSelfieWalls on Instagram and see everyone else’s snaps.

  • Address: Southbourne, Bournemouth BH6 4BT (Southbourne Beach starting point).
  • Walking distance from our Bournemouth Seafront hotel: 15 minutes.

17. Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival

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Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival celebrates the very best of local art and culture. You’ll enjoy stunning carnivals, illusions projected onto the local buildings, dance performances and acrobatic displays. At the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival, you’ll see Bournemouth’s vibrant cultural scene come to life before your very eyes. </p>

  • Walking distance from our Seafront hotel: 13 minutes.
  • Town Hall, Bourne Ave, Bournemouth BH2 6EB. Event information here.

18. Fisherman’s Walk Beach

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If you want to head to the beach but fancy visiting a spot that’s away from the crowds, then Fisherman’s Walk Beach is the place for you. The beach holds Blue Flag status, which means it’s clean and the water is pure. If you fancy a break from the beach, you can head up the zigzagged path towards the town, or take the lifts up the cliffs.

  • Address: Southbourne, Bournemouth BH5 2EJ
  • Walking distance from our Bournemouth hotel: 32 minutes.

19. Boscombe Beach

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If you’re looking for more action and adventure for the kids, head to Boscombe Beach. There are volleyball courts, table tennis tables and climbing boulders for little ones. Plus, in the summer months, RNLI lifeguards help keep everyone safe in the water. If you like, you can also rent a beach hut, rent a deck chair or buy an ice cream from a local vendor.

  • Address: Boscombe, Bournemouth BH5 1BN.
  • Walking distance from our Bournemouth hotel: 13 minutes.

20. Boscombe Pier

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If you don’t fancy lounging on the beach, then take a trip down Boscombe Pier. It’s far less developed than Bournemouth Pier, so it’s a great place to relax and watch the world go by. The pier recently underwent a £2.4 million restoration, and locals often play musical instruments as you stroll. There’s also a fish-friendly mini-golf course if you fancy spending a couple of pounds.

  • Address: 2494 Undercliff Dr, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH5 1BN. Opening times here.
  • Walking distance from our Bournemouth hotel: 13 minutes.

21. Boscombe Cliff Gardens

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Boscombe Cliff Gardens has been open since 1900, and now it merges into the Boscombe Overcliff Local Nature Reserve. The whole area is a site of ecological importance and it’s loved by visitors and residents alike. The gardens are beautifully maintained and they look out over the cliff tops towards the sea. It’s a romantic place to be if you’re around when the sun is setting.

  • Address: Boscombe Cliff Rd, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH5 1JL.
  • Walking distance from our Bournemouth hotel: 20 minutes.

22. Alum Chine’s Tropical Gardens

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Feel like you’re on a continental holiday during your trip to Bournemouth by visiting Alum Chine’s Tropical Gardens. The gardens sit next to the children’s play area, and the shaded paths offer some welcome respite from the sun. There’s a relaxed atmosphere here and magnificent sea views. So, if you fancy visiting a relaxing space where you’re alone with your thoughts, this is the place to be.

23. Bournemouth Lower Gardens

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Bournemouth’s full of green spaces that are great for exploring. The Lower Gardens are next to the town centre, but they feel quiet and sedate, so they’re a great spot to relax. In the gardens, you’ll also find beautiful floral displays, music at the bandstand and an art exhibition during the summer months.

24. Bournemouth Central Gardens

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Once you’ve finished exploring Bournemouth Lower Gardens, head to Bournemouth Central Gardens. This is a more active spot that features tennis courts and a children’s playground. It’s also a great place for a stroll because the various trails are marked with informational boards and signs where you can learn more about the beautiful flowers and the history of the town.

25. Bournemouth Upper Gardens

Once you’ve visited the Lower Gardens and the Central Gardens, why not visit the Upper Gardens and complete the full set? These were originally laid out as a private garden in the 1860s, but they’re now open to the public. The gardens are laid out in three separate sections, including a European theme, an Asian theme and a North American theme.

26. Boscombe Chine Gardens

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Boscombe’s Chine Gardens are slightly less busy than the Lower Gardens, Central Gardens and Upper Gardens, so they’re a great place to escape the crowds. They’re also a wildlife habitat, and there’s a wildlife quiz trail where you can learn more about the park’s local inhabitants. If you fancy a rest, there’s also a café where you can purchase drinks and cakes.

  • Sea Rd, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH5 1BL.
  • Walking distance from our Bournemouth hotel: 12 minutes.

27. The Square

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The Square is Bournemouth’s shopping centre and, in many ways, it’s the town’s hub. The Square is entirely pedestrianised, and street artists regularly perform here. Many events also regularly take place in The Square, and you never really know what you’ll encounter on each visit.

28. Summer Live

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Summer Live really brings Bournemouth’s community together. It’s a free festival that takes place in The Square. There’s usually something going on to suit every taste, too. Expect live music, art demonstrations by some of Bournemouth’s greatest artists and an outdoor summer garden bar where you can grab refreshments. If you feel peckish, you’ll also find plenty of hot and cold food.

29. Bournemouth Air Festival

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You can see history come to life at the Bournemouth Air Festival. At this annual air show, you’ll have the chance to see some of the world’s greatest aircraft, including the RAF Typhoon and the RAF Spitfire. You’ll also see some of the Navy’s finest warships, marching bands and displays by the Royal Marines.

  • Walking distance from our Bournemouth hotel: 13 minutes.
  • Boscombe, Bournemouth BH5 1BN. Event details here.

30. Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland

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Throughout November and December, Bournemouth is transformed into a winter wonderland. This free festival trail includes over 100 glittering trees and illuminations. Plus, you’ll also enjoy live music, entertainment and magic. You can also explore the Alpine Market and pay a couple of pounds to skate in the Lower Gardens, if you like. Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland really is a magical event for the whole family.