10 Things to Do in Bournemouth: A Local's Guide

Are you a Bournemouth homeowner looking for decent activities to enjoy right on your doorstep? Whether you've just moved to our lush coastal town or lived here for donkey's years, Bournemouth has many cracking experiences waiting to be discovered.

As local professionals serving Bournemouth homeowners for years, we know how important it is to balance looking after your home with enjoying what our seaside town offers. From our beautiful beaches to leafy gardens, family attractions to proper tasty grub, Bournemouth has something for everyone.

We've put together this guide specially for local homeowners like you who want to get the most out of Bournemouth while juggling busy family life. These activities are perfect when you need a break from housework or want to show visiting relatives the best bits of where you live.

In this article, you'll find 10 must-do activities in Bournemouth, Dorset, covering famous spots and some hidden gems even long-time locals might have missed. We'll share some insider tips to improve your weekend adventure and help you plan your Bournemouth day trips.

1. Bournemouth's Spectacular Beaches and Coastline

Explore Bournemouth Pier and Beach – More Than Just a Tourist Spot

Let's be honest, we live by one of the best beaches in Blighty, but how often do we local homeowners use it? Most of us avoid the summer crowds, but there's a whole beach waiting for us during quieter times.

Head down on weekday mornings before 10 am, even in summer, and you'll have plenty of space. The stretch between Durley Chine and Alum Chine beach is usually dead quiet compared to Pier, which is perfect if you've got little ones who need space to run about.

The Bournemouth Pier might seem full of tourists, but have you tried taking the kids at dusk during school term? The arcade games are fun for grown-up activities, and those sunset views across the bay are truly stunning from the pier head.

Don’t forget—the Bournemouth beach is mint all year round. Those crisp winter‑morning walks along the shore can clear your head after a busy week. Pack a flask of tea, watch the waves; proper good for the soul.

Beach Huts and Accessibility

If you've got a family, check out the section by Boscombe Pier. They've got those colourful beach huts you can rent for the day at a discount if you're a Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) resident. The hut is suitable for those trips when you want to be at the beach but need a bit of shade and somewhere to make a brew.

Many locals don't know about the beach accessibility options available, either. There are beach wheelchairs available to borrow for free from several spots along the front. Just book in advance through the council website. They've got all-terrain chairs that can go right down to the water's edge, so everyone in the family can enjoy beach trips.

Secret Bournemouth Beach Spots

While the tourists flock to the main beaches, we locals know about the quieter coves that stay peaceful even in peak summer. Fisherman's Walk in Southers is a treat; the beach gets less footfall than central, and the sand is just as gorgeous. Pack a picnic and head down the zigzag path (a bit of a leg workout) for a peaceful beach day.

Ever been to Branksome Dene Chine? It's the last Bournemouth beach before you hit Poole, and most visitors don't make it that far. There's a smashing little café tucked in the chine itself, and even in August, you can usually find a decent spot without being sardined in with the crowds.

Beach Things to Do Beyond Sunbathing

One of the surprising things the Bournemouth council encourages is beach barbecues. In fact, they've installed special metal plates in the sand in designated areas where you can safely set up your barbecue without damaging the beach. They're free to use, but remember to bring your own kit. Grab some local sausages from the farmers' market, and you've got yourself a perfect summer evening with mates or family.

For real adventure, Surf Steps by Boscombe Pier offers board hire and lessons for locals at decent rates. If you've always fancied trying surfing or paddleboarding but thought you'd have to travel to Cornwall and book expensive hotels, think again. The waves might not be as big, but they're perfect for beginners, and there's something special about surfing with the Bournemouth pier as your backdrop.

2. Discover Hengistbury Head and Mudeford

Just a short drive from central Bournemouth, Hengistbury Head is much more than just a delightful view, it is one of the top things to see in Dorset. This local nature reserve is like having a mini countryside escape on our doorstep.

For a quick visit, take the main path up and over for amazing views across Christchurch Harbour and back towards Bournemouth. Got more time? The full loop around the head takes about an hour and a half and shows off all the different habitats, such as woodland, heathland, salt marsh, and beach.

Bournemouth Seasonal Wildlife Watching

Throughout the year, you'll spot different wildlife depending on the season. Spring brings nesting birds to the lagoon, summer is full of butterflies on the headland, autumn has spectacular berry-laden bushes, and winter brings migratory birds to the harbour.

The beach huts at Mudeford Spit are some of Britain's most expensive, but we locals know you can enjoy this beautiful spot without owning one. The beach here is less rammed than central Bournemouth, and the Black House café does banging coffee and cake.

Insider Tips for Parking

Instead of the busy Hengistbury Head car parks, try Broadway or the side streets in Southers for free parking. Then it's just a pleasant wander down through Wick to reach the reserve.

The little land train that runs from the car park to the spit is a fun experience for nippers and saves tired legs. It can get busy during school holidays, but during term time, you can often have a carriage to yourself. The drivers are usually Bournemouth born and bred, with loads of stories about the area.

way or the side streets in Southers for free parking. Then it's just a pleasant wander down through Wick to reach the reserve.

3. Visit Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum – A Local Treasure

A Birthday Present Home with Amazing Collections

This stunning house museum on the East Cliff is a bit like Bournemouth's little V&A, but so many locals have never been inside. Built in 1901 as a birthday present (imagine getting a house as a gift!), it's packed with amazing art and souvenirs from around the world.

If you're a local homeowner, explore their annual membership. For about twenty quid, you get unlimited visits plus discounts in the lovely café, which has some of the best views across the bay in town.

Exhibitions and Family Activities

The Bournemouth museum changes its special exhibitions every few months, so there's always something new to see. Right now, they've got a display about the history of seaside towns like ours, showing how Bournemouth has changed over the years.

For the school hols, they run family activity days where kids can try art projects inspired by the collections. It's a great rainy day option when the beach is out of the question.

Don't miss the beautiful gardens around the house. The cliff's sheltered position allows them to grow exotic plants, and you can enjoy stunning views while escaping the crowds on the beach below.

Hidden House Secrets

One of the best things about Russell-Cotes is how much there is to discover. The house has loads of secret nooks and features that even long-time members sometimes miss. Ever spotted the secret door disguised as a bookcase? Or the hidden messages in some of the stained glass windows? The staff runs special 'secrets' tours a few times a year, during which they point out all these quirky details.

The house was built with all sorts of modern conveniences that were cutting-edge for Victorian times. It had electric lights when most posh houses still used gas, and the bathroom facilities were the dog's danglers back then. Ask one of the room guides about the technological innovations—they love sharing these details that bring the house to life.

4. Explore Bournemouth's Vibrant Arts Scene

Beyond the Mainstream Venues

Beyond the Russell-Cotes, Bournemouth has loads of things and cultural spots that tourists often miss. The Pav and BIC get the big shows, but did you know local BCP residents can sometimes get last-minute deals? Sign up for their email alerts, and you might grab tickets for half price the day before a show.

For something different, check out the smaller venues like Shelley Theatre in Boscombe or The Old Fire Station near the university. They put on plays, comedy nights, and music from local performers, which are more intimate than the big venues.

Local Galleries and Creative Workshop

Around Westbourne and Southers, you'll find little art galleries showcasing local artists. The Yard Gallery in Southbourne even lets you watch artists at work sometimes, and they do affordable art, so you can find something nice for your house without breaking the bank.

Want to get creative yourself? Loads of places run workshops where you can try pottery, painting, or crafts. The Craft Collective in Boscombe does great classes where you can learn to make things for your house, satisfying than buying from the high street shops.

Arts Festivals and Special Events

Bournemouth has some great yearly arts events. Each autumn, the Arts by the Sea Festival brings weird and wonderful performances to public spaces around town. The Air Festival gets all the press, but we locals know Arts by the Sea is just as good, but with fewer tourists.

Underground Music Scene

Bournemouth has a proper, banging underground music scene if you know where to look. Chaplin's in Boscombe is legendary for live music. They showcase local bands and smaller touring acts in their cosy back room. The atmosphere's brilliant, and they also serve decent local ales.

For jazz fans, Bournemouth has a few hidden gems. The Lighthouse in Poole has regular jazz nights, and some local pubs have jazz sessions. The Four Horsemen in Southbourne does a Sunday afternoon jazz session with talented local musicians once a month.

For electronic music lovers, The Winchester in town hosts some quality club nights with DJs playing everything from drum and bass to house. Much better vibes than the mainstream clubs, and you'll meet lots of like-minded locals.

Hidden Archaeological Significance

Did you know Hengistbury Head is one of the most important archaeological sites in the south? The ancient settlement here dates back to the Stone Age, and they're still finding artifacts today. The visitor centre has some cracking displays about the area's history, and they run archaeology tours a few times a year, during which you can learn about the ancient residents.

For a different experience, check out the outdoor sculpture trail that winds around the head. Local artists have created pieces that blend into the landscape, and hunting them down makes for a fun activity with the kids. They change the sculptures often, so there are always new things to see.

5. Discover Historic Bournemouth's Victorian Past

Grand Architecture and Hidden History

While many think of Bournemouth as a relatively new town, we've got fascinating history all around us that most people walk past without noticing. Those grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings along our streets tell stories of Bournemouth's heyday as a fashionable health resort.

Next time you're near the Town Hall, look up at the buildings along Gervis Place and Old Christchurch Road. Those ornate facades with detailed stonework were designed to impress visitors in the late 1800s. Some of the best examples are above shopfronts. Shops change, but the original architecture remains above street level.

Historic Shopping Arcades

Bournemouth Arcade, running between Gervis Place and the Square, is a beautiful Victorian shopping arcade that hasn't changed much in over 100 years. The glass roof and ironwork are original, and several shops still have their wooden shopfronts. Pop in to Bobby's (the old Debenhams building), which has been beautifully restored to show off its stunning original features.

Literary Bournemouth Walking Tour

Did you know Bournemouth has been home to some famous writers? Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, is buried in St Peter's churchyard in the town centre. Her husband's heart is supposedly buried with her - a fittingly gothic touch for the creator of such a famous monster!

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' while staying in Bournemouth to improve his health. He lived in a house called Skerryvore on the West Cliff (sadly destroyed in the Blitz), but there's a memorial garden on the site with information boards about his time here.

Bournemouth's Surprising History

Bet you didn't know Bournemouth was purpose-built as a health resort? Unlike most towns that grew organically, it was planned from scratch by Lewis Tregonwell in the 1800s. He reckoned the pine trees made the air good for folks with chest problems, and the sheltered bay was perfect for invalids to take gentle exercise. The whole town layout, with its chines and gardens, was designed to be healthy and attractive to visitors.

Have you ever looked closely at the weird stone markers dotted around town? These are boundary stones marking the original town limits from 1856, when Bournemouth got its town charter. You can follow an interesting walking trail to find them all, the library has maps, or you can download one from the council website.

5. Discover Historic Bournemouth's Victorian Past

A Green Corridor Through Town

The Gardens running through the heart of Bournemouth are a bit like our own Central Park, stretching from the town centre up to Coy Pond. What's great is how they change with the seasons, giving us different reasons to visit throughout the year.

The Lower Gardens near the town centre have those lovely flower displays that change every few months. Spring brings thousands of bulbs, summer has the impressive carpet bedding displays, autumn shows off rich reds and golds in the trees, and winter has pretty light displays.

Finding Peaceful Spots Away From Crowds

When the town centre is rammed with summer visitors, head further up to the Central or Upper Gardens where it's much quieter. There's a lovely spot with a little stream and waterfall in the Central Gardens that most tourists never find. It is excellent for a peaceful sandwich break during a busy day.

Family-Friendly Garden Features

The Gardens host tons of events all year round. Summer bandstand concerts on Sundays make a lovely free afternoon out. The Arts by the Sea stuff happens here in autumn, and the Christmas Tree Wonderland in winter is magical for nippers.

If you've got little ones, the aviary in the Lower Gardens is free, and they'll love seeing the exotic birds. For older kids, the tennis courts in the Central Gardens are really cheap to book for residents.

Secret Garden History

The Gardens have a fascinating past. Did you know they almost never existed? The land was originally going to be developed for housing, but some local bigwigs in the 1870s campaigned to keep it as public green space. The stream that runs through them is the Bourne itself; this river that gave our town its name.

Look out for the listed buildings and structures dotted through the Gardens. The bandstand in the Lower Gardens is a Grade II listed building with gorgeous Victorian ironwork. And the rockery in the Upper Gardens is one of the oldest purpose-built rock gardens in a public park in the country. There's a little information board nearby with historic photos showing how it looked when it was first built.

7. Visit Meyrick Park and Other Hidden Green Gems

Local Parks Beyond the Tourist Trail

Away from the major tourist spots, Bournemouth has loads of lovely parks that most visitors never see. Meyrick Park might look private because of the golf club, but the woodland paths around the edge are open to everyone, and it's a lovely shady walk in summer.

For sports fans, Slades Farm has free tennis courts, a great skate park, and loads of open kick about space. The kids' playground has equipment for different ages.

Dog Walking Hotspots

Dog owners should check out Talbot Heath. It is one of the biggest green spaces in Bournemouth, where your four-legged friend can run free. The heath is beautiful in August when the purple heather blooms, and it's much less busy than the beach for dog walking.

Wildlife Spotting Locations

Have you seen the Stour Valley Nature Reserve along the river? Amazing for spotting kingfishers if you're patient, and the flat paths make for easy walking or cycling. In spring, some parts are covered in wild garlic and bluebells.

Seasonal Outdoor Activities

Queens Park in Bournemouth has some lovely wooded areas that come alive with bluebells in spring. There's a walking route marked out with little blue markers that takes you through the best displays. Get there early in the morning when the light filters through the trees for a magical experience.

For those who enjoy a bit of foraging, the season for blackberrying in Bournemouth's green spaces is usually late August through September. Talbot Heath has some cracking spots where the berries grow massive, and you can easily gather enough for a decent crumble. Just pick from above dog-height and wash them well before use.

The Stour Valley in autumn is a treat; the morning mists hanging over the river make for a proper atmospheric walk. Take a flask of something warm and head out early to catch this special time before the day trippers arrive.

7. Visit Meyrick Park and Other Hidden Green Gems

Beyond the Tourist Experience

The Oceanarium right by the pier isn't just for tourists, it's a brilliant place for us locals. If you've kids or grandkids, the annual tickets is an excellent value after just two visits. Plus, you can pop in for an hour rather than feeling you need to make a whole day experience.

Local tip: go on term-time weekday afternoons (after 2 pm) when school groups have gone and before the after-work crowd. You'll have the place to yourself, especially the amazing underwater experience where you can watch sharks swimming over your head.

Animal Feeding Times and Special Events

They run different talks and feeding sessions throughout the day, and the penguin feeding is always popular with kids. During school holidays, they often put on extra hands-on tours where children can learn about marine conservation.

Free Marine Exploration Activities

For a free marine experience, take your kids rockpooling at Southers or Hengistbury. Low tide reveals pools full of crabs, small fish, anemones, and seaweeds. Take a bucket and a little net (ensure you return everything you use to where you found it). The rangers at Hengistbury sometimes run guided rockpool rambles during summer holidays, which are brilliant for learning what to look for.

Conservation and Education Programs

The Bournemouth Oceanarium is one of the many things to see. It isn't only a showcase for dazzling marine life, but it also carries out vital conservation work. Its breeding program for local species helps support wild populations, and it's involved in international efforts to protect endangered marine life.

Local teenagers (14+) can apply to spend time with the marine experts and learn about tank maintenance, animal care, and conservation.

9. Discover Bournemouth Aviation Museum – A Hands-On Experience

Touch and Feel Real Aircraft

This little gem out near the airport is something many locals don't even know exists. Unlike most museums where you can't touch anything, here they positively encourage you to climb inside the cockpits of real planes and helicopters and press all the buttons.

Great for kids who can't sit still in normal museums, as they can run around and explore all the different aircraft. They've got everything from tiny training planes to a massive Vulcan bomber cockpit that you can sit in.

Aviation Experts and Storytellers

The museum is mainly run by volunteers who are often ex-pilots or engineers. They'll tell you amazing stories about the planes and their experiences.

They hold special event days throughout the year with extra activities. The 'Young Pilots' days in school holidays let kids try flight simulators and learn the basics of how planes fly through fun games.

Bournemouth's Aviation Heritage

The museum is one of the histroric things to see in Bournemouth. It doesn't just display random planes; many have a direct connection to our area's rich aviation history. Did you know Hurn Airport (now Bournemouth Airport) was London's main international airport for a while after the war? British Overseas Airways Corporation (BAOC), which later became British Airways, operated its transatlantic flights from here before Heathrow was built.

The famous Flying Boats operated from Poole Harbour during WWI. These massive seaplanes would take off, land on water, and were used for military and civilian flights. The museum has a brilliant display about these unusual aircraft and their importance to the area.

10. Experience Culinary Delights for Local Foodies

Hidden Gem Restaurants Away From Tourist Hotspots

Why queue for tables along the seafront when some of Bournemouth's best food is tucked away in the suburbs? Westbourne has some fantastic restaurants hidden down little side streets. Try Chez Fred for what might be the best fish and chips in town, or Renoufs for cheese and wine pairings.

Southbourne's Growing Restaurant Scene

Southers' food scene is buzzing now. The Larder House serves the kind of food you'd expect in a fancy London restaurant but with a relaxed beach town vibe. Its early evening menu is great value if you want to treat yourself without blowing the budget.

Local Food Markets and Producers

Bournemouth's food scene has taken off in the last few years, with many new places focusing on local produce. The farmers' market on Christchurch Road in Pokesdown (every Saturday morning) is a great place to pick up fresh vegetables, local meat, and amazing bread from Poppyseed Bakery.

The Good Food Market on the first Saturday of every month in Westbourne has even more stalls selling everything from local honey to homemade pies. 

International Cuisine Hotspots

Up in Charminster, you'll find authentic international food at proper local prices. Bangkok does Thai food just like you'd get in Thailand (their massaman curry is amazing), and Koh Thai has a great lunch deal for under a tenner.

For family-friendly places, The Stable near the Square serves great pizzas with local toppings and has plenty of space for buggies and highchairs. Or try Urban Reef on Boscombe seafront—grab a table by the window for beach views while you eat.

For Sunday lunch, drive out to The Owl's Nest in Hurn. It's just 15 minutes from town but feels like proper countryside, and their roasts are famous locally. Book ahead as tables go fast, especially in winter.

Local Drink Producers

Local producers like Conker Gin (made in Southers) and Fordingbridge Fudge are one of the things to see in Bournemouth. Most do tours or tasting sessions if you fancy a foodie adventure with mates.

If you want to learn some cooking skills, Flavours School of Cookery near Boscombe Pier runs classes for all abilities. Their fish cookery class is brilliant; they show you how to buy fresh fish from the local boats and how to cook it.

Local coffee roasters are springing up. Bad Hand Coffee in Bournemouth roasts their own beans and runs tasting sessions where you can learn about different coffee varieties. They supply many of the independent cafes in town, and you can buy their beans to use at home too.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Life in Bournemouth

Living in Bournemouth means having access to much more than just a pretty beach. From cultural experiences to hidden foodie spots, green spaces to family adventures, our town has something for everyone.

The best part about being a local is that you can enjoy these places all year round, not just during the tourist season. Many attractions offer yearly tickets or resident discounts that make regular visits affordable.

Next time you've got a free weekend or visitors to entertain, why not try things from this list? You might discover a new favourite spot right on your doorstep.

We hope this guide helps you enjoy the adventure Bournemouth has to offer. As local homeowners, we know how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful and diverse town.

Let us know in the comments if you have other favourite local spots we've missed; we're always looking for new places to explore in Bournemouth, Dorset!

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