Our most recommended things to do in Bournemouth

Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise

1. Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise

Take a cruise around Europe's largest natural harbor, home to the town of Poole, the golden beaches of Sandbanks and Brownsea Island. From either open deck seating or comfortable saloon you will see stunning views of the exceptional landscape that surrounds it. Your 70 minute trip will start on charming Poole Quay with its old buildings and buzzing atmosphere.  Next you will go past Brownsea Island, home to wildlife and picturesque Brownsea Castle, built to protect against French invasions. After that comes the Sandbanks Peninsula and the luxurious houses of the ‘Golden Mile’. Then you will tour the great natural expanse of the harbor and the remaining islands: Green, Furzey, Long and Round. Fronting onto beautiful scenery it helped inspire classics like Lord of the Rings and Gulliver's Travel. 

Bournemouth: Upside Down House Entry Ticket

2. Bournemouth: Upside Down House Entry Ticket

The Upside Down House is a house that is literally upside down! We offer visitors the opportunity to capture many memorable and surreal photos and videos that they can flip upside down which they share on their socials and messaging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp. It is an experience to share in real time with friends and family. Equally enjoyed by kids or grown-ups! Each location is unique, with its own identity. We ensure this is reflected in the houses people visit, by designing and decorating it differently – mixing the old with the new. This allows friends and families to have a fun, enjoyable experience as part of their day out.

From Bournemouth: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Trip

3. From Bournemouth: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Trip

Discover some of the most scenic coastline in southern England on a bus trip from Bournemouth. Travel along the famous Jurassic Coast, via Poole Harbour and Sandbanks, to experience the nation's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit both Lulworth Cove and the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door and get plenty of information and maps to help you along the way. Use the time to go for a light nature walk from Durdle Door over the hill to Lulworth Cove and get magnificent views from Hambury Tout. Spend the time at Lulworth Cove if you prefer to give your legs a rest and get a beautiful view of the arch on an optional boat ride from the beach, at your own expense. Benefit from a map highlighting the main features, or feel free to follow your own nose and explore independently. Find a nice cafe or restaurant in the village of West Lulworth or avail of the small shop in the holiday park at Durdle Door.

Bournemouth: Seaside Hop-on Hop-off Tour

4. Bournemouth: Seaside Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Experience the beautiful British coastline with the Bournemouth hop-on hop-off tour. Ride an open-top double-decker tour bus on a 1.5-hour loop through the Dorset coastline to discover the beautiful seaside towns of Bournemouth and Poole. Stop at Poole Quay and explore the variety of shops, parks, restaurants, and theatres, as well as buzzing nightlife. The onboard commentary points out the main sights and attractions of each city, all accessible from the 22 conveniently located stops along the bus route. There are plenty of things to do in Bournemouth and Poole. A double-decker bus is a perfect way to explore the picturesque British seaside and the phenomenal beaches, parks, and shops of Bournemouth and Poole are all easily accessible from the tour route's wandering path down the coastline. Bournemouth Tour Stops: A. Bournemouth Station - Stand K A. East Overcliff Drive 1. Bournemouth Pier - Behind Hot Rocks 2. Bournemouth Square - Gervis Place Stand X 3. West Cliff 4. West Overcliff Drive 5. Westbourne 6. Branksome Chine 7. Canford Cliffs 8. Flaghead Chine 9. Sandbanks Beach 10. Sandbanks Beach 11. Sandbanks Peninsular 12. Sandbanks Beach 13. Sandbanks Beach 14. Lilliput Village 15. Whitecliff 16. Poole Park - The Ark 17. Poole Park - The Kitchen 18. Poole Quay & Old Town 19. Baiter Park 20. Poole Park 21. Ashley Cross 22. Westbourne 23. Poole Road 24. Bournemouth Square 25. Bournemouth Pier

From Bournemouth: Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour

5. From Bournemouth: Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour

Catch the early morning ferry across to the Isle of Purbeck. View Old Harry Rocks, the starting point of the Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in breath-taking views across Poole Harbour and towards Brownsea Island. By mid morning you will arrive at Durlston Country Park. Visit the brand new Jurassic Coast visitor center housed in the recently refurbished Durlston Castle. There’s time for a morning coffee stop overlooking the famous Great Globe and a chance to take the cliff top walk along to Tilly Whim Caves and the Anvil Point Lighthouse. For every visitor brought to Durlston Country Park, a contribution towards a bursary that helps to support their volunteer programme is made. Heading west drive through some of the tiny lanes and villages that give Purbeck its unique character. Take lunch in the village of Corfe Castle, dominated by the ruins that give it its name. Entrance to the castle itself not included (Free to NT members). After lunch take a gentle drive along the coast taking in more stunning scenery as you head for an afternoon at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Walk down to Man o’ War Rocks and view the magnificent rock arch of Durdle Door, hewn from the Portland limestone beds. Finally, head down to Lulworth Cove and see the famous Lulworth Crumple rock formation in Stair Hole. Hotel pick up request: Please email us to info@discoverdorset.co.uk with your date, booking number and the name and address of your hotel. We will confirm the place and an approximiate time in a reply email, please be 10-15 minutes early and outside.

Bournemouth Pier: PierZip Entrance Ticket

6. Bournemouth Pier: PierZip Entrance Ticket

Feel the thrill of flying through the air and over waves with this entrance ticket to the PierZip ride in Bournemouth. The PierZip is the world’s first pier to shore zip wire, boasting a 250-meter dual zip wire. Challenge your friends and family on the dual zip, riding alongside them to race to shore. Launch from the Zip Tower platform 25 meters above the sea, and race out and “zip surf” 250 meters over the top of the waves to land on the beach. Embark on a truly unique and unforgettable experience, and a wonderful way to experience the amazing, panoramic view of Bournemouth and its stunning coast line.

Bournemouth: RockReef Indoor Clip ‘n Climb Entry Ticket

7. Bournemouth: RockReef Indoor Clip ‘n Climb Entry Ticket

Challenge yourself to 25 unique Clip ‘n Climb walls at the RockReef Activity Center in Bournemouth with your Clip n' Climb tickets. Take the Stairway to Heaven climbing challenge that provides varying degrees of exciting challenges to suit every age and ability from 4 to 94. Upon arrival at the center, receive safety training with an induction of up to 30 minutes. Enjoy copious amounts of fun whilst pushing and testing your agility, confidence, climbing, and problem-solving skills. Choose from a range of indoor climbing walls, with each wall creating a different challenge  – whether it be testing your speed, deciding on the quickest or hardest route to navigate, or deciding how to grip the hold and distribute your body weight. If you’re feeling competitive, race your friends on the "Speed Climb" with nothing but 2 identical walls, a clock, and your climbing skills between you. Try to get on the leaderboard by being the fastest climber of the day.

UK/Europe: eSim Mobile Data Plan

8. UK/Europe: eSim Mobile Data Plan

Stay connected with an eSIM mobile data plan for use in the UK and Ireland. Get a plan for 43 European countries if you like. Choose from different data volumes to suit your needs. Use hotspot sharing if needed. Benefit from high speed data with technical support if needed. Check that your device is eSIM compatible and lock-free, then buy it and download the QR code. Print the code, or display it on another device, then scan it to activate. Make sure you have WiFi or internet access before you activate the plan. Connect to the internet and stay in touch with friends. Follow the troubleshooting guide in your voucher if you cannot connect to the internet. Use the technical support if needed, and make sure you have data roaming turned on. If you need more data, you can purchase another plan to top up so you can continue using it. Network coverage for 43 European regions: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovak, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, and Vatican City.

Poole: Old Harry Rocks and Corfé Castle Guided E-bike Tour

9. Poole: Old Harry Rocks and Corfé Castle Guided E-bike Tour

Your Dorset holiday has just become a lot more fun with our Guided Electric Bicycle tours. As easy to ride as a conventional bike, your electric bike will take you to some of the best sites and around the Jurassic Coast, sweat-free, relaxed and at an easy pace. For a fun day out, a guided electric bike tour is one of the most fun things you can do. Grab a helmet and head off with our experienced guide to explore. Our hire bikes are so much fun you won’t be able to stop smiling. As soon as you feel the bike doing the hard work you’ll realise this has to be the best way to see the area. Most people comment they had as much fun riding the electric bike as they did seeing the sites! We have a number of suggested day trips for you and because our bikes require so little effort, you’ll be able to see much more of the area than you would with conventional bike hire. Itinerary Start At:Poole Harbour, Poole England Stop At: Sandbanks, Poole, UK We will have a quick stop to take in the lovely views of the beach with its golden sand, stretching for over 10km to Christchurch. Stop At: Studland beach and Nature Reserve, Ferry Road National Trust Area, Studland We will see the beach and the nature reserve while cycling past it and stoping for some photos. Stop At: Old Harry Rocks We will make our way to Harry's Rock from the Obelisk while looking all over Swanage and Poole Harbour, one of the highest points with magical views. Stop At: Corfe Castle, Corfe Castle, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, England Corfe Castle - We will make our way from Harry's Rock back to Studland and all the way through the Forrest to Corfe Castle. Stop At: Poole Harbour, Poole England We will travel back passing Poole Harbour and Park stopping for some photos. Pass By: Bournemouth, Bournemouth, Dorset, England Season depending we will cycle on Bournemouth Promenade too Sandbanks.

Frequently asked questions about Bournemouth

What top attractions are a must-see in Bournemouth?

The must-see attractions in Bournemouth are:

What are the best day trips and excursions from Bournemouth?

The best day trips and excursions from Bournemouth are:

Poole

Other Sightseeing Options in Bournemouth

Want to discover all there is to do in Bournemouth? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Bournemouth

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 812 reviews

An excellent cruise of Poole Harbour, helped by super weather. The price is really good, and we had all the islands pointed out to us. I can thoroughly recommend this cruise.

Really great excursion. Beautiful surroundings and interesting facts about Poole Harbour and surrounding area. Would highly recommend.

Lovely tour of the harbour and nearby islands. Lots of relevant information. Free hot drink and mince pie included.

Fantastic trip for minimal money. Great knowledgeable skipper guiding you around all the islands of the harbour

Great time out although the Red Boat Kiosk is no longer Red! Look forward City Cruises!