From gravel pit grassroots to Premiership pursuits AFC (Athletic Football Club) Bournemouth is a seaside town football team chasing national glory in the top tier of the English Premier League.…
Activities – Things To Do
Whether you're after a high-octane activity to burn off some energy or you're seeking a more gentile pastime, take a look at our run-down of things to do in Bournemouth and the local area for all ages, abilities and budgets.
All Fired Up
The Square, 35-37 Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 6DTWhether you’re a budding Banksy or just like to dabble with a paintbrush it’s so fulfilling putting paint to ceramic and creating a masterpiece for your mantelpiece or kitchen cupboard.…
Angel Days Occasions (Poole)
11 Herstone Close, Poole, DorsetWhether you’re planning a grand wedding or special little girl’s party, a Christening, hen do or team event, Angel Days Occasions can kit you out with bespoke, lovingly-crafted accents that…
Avon Tyrrell – UK Youth Outdoor Activity Centre
UK Youth Outdoor Activity Centre, Bransgore, Hampshire, , BH23 8EENestled on the Bournemouth edge of the New Forest in Bransgore, the Avon Tyrrell activity centre is a thrilling venue for outdoors pursuits. If you’re inspired by the weather to…
Where once you might have saved your pennies for the January sales, Black Friday at the end of November has, in recent years, leapfrogged the latter in terms of popularity.…
Bournemouth Arcade
Gervis Place, City Centre, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2AA/2AFBournemouth Arcade (also known as Gervis Arcade, the Royal Arcade and often simply ‘The Arcade’) is a grand Victorian covered row of shops cutting between Bournemouth’s popular high street on…
Bournemouth Boating
323 Belle Vue Road, Tuckton, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 3BAVarious boating opportunities, from hiring your own boat to joining a ferry cruise; based in Tuckton on the bank of the River Stour which flows into Christchurch Harbour adjoining Hengistbury…
Bournemouth Cycleworks
1143-1145 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 6BWBournemouth Cycleworks sells all kinds of bicycles as well as cyclists’ clothing and accessories from a wide range of top brands.
Bournemouth Drive-In Movies (Christchurch)
Hurn Bridge Show Field, Parley Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6AD.You might believe that drive-in cinemas are the reserve of teens and college students in 1950s United States and films such as Grease with their iconic drive-in scenes can seem…
Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre
Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BUThe Pavilion is Bournemouth’s main theatre house, built in the 1920s and operated by BH Live today hosting touring operas, shows, comedians and ballets.
If you’re a big fan of the Bard, Bournemouth’s Shakespeare Players is an amateur dramatic company worth noting. Presided over by none other than Dame Judi Dench the company lays…
Burley Wagon Rides (Ringwood)
Queen's Head Public House, The Cross, Burley, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 4ABExplore the New Forest at a leisurely pace by taking a gentle wagon ride around the village of Burley. You set off in your horse-drawn vehicle passing the village church…
Burlington Arcade
Burlington House, Burlington Arcade, St Peter's Road / Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2HZBurlington Arcade is conveniently situated between St Peter’s Road and Bournemouth’s main shopping parade Old Christchurch Road. This inconspicuous shopping space is home to a number of independent businesses –…
Castlepoint Shopping Park
Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, BH8 9UZStill known as ‘The Hampshire Centre’ to some long-memoried locals, Castlepoint is situated just off the main Wessex Way A338 into town – take the exit for Bournemouth Hospital, the…
Charris Camping & Caravan Park (Wimborne)
Candys Lane, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 3EFIf you would prefer to stay close to Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, the Charris Camping & Caravan Park is ideal. With 45 pitches surrounded by 3 acres of country walks, fishing…
Christchurch Florist
129 Purewell, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1EJChristchurch Florist in the desirable district of Purewell will design and deliver beautiful floral gifts that speak volumes. Whether you’re treating yourself or spoiling someone you love, sending heartfelt sympathy…
Cinderella Panto at the Pavilion (2016)
Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BUBournemouth.com was delighted to be invited to the Bournemouth Pavilion to catch a performance of Cinderella starring Dani (Tracy Beaker) Harmer, with Melanie (Gavin and Stacey’s Gwen) Walters as the…
CLOSED: Club Grand Bingo
40 Poole Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH4 9DWThe Club Grand Bingo in Westbourne finally dabbed its last card on Monday 22 January 2018 after 40 years of trading. Before its four decades’ spell as a bingo hall…
Cyclexperience (Cyclex)
179 Barrack Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 2APThere’s no better way to really get to know a place than on two wheels. If you’re a visitor to Dorset ready to explore, or a resident keen to get…
Divers Down (Swanage)
The Pier, High Street, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2ARWe’re extremely fortunate to live so close to the sea. But have you ever ventured underwater to look at the stunning sealife we share our coastline with? Divers Down in…
Dolphin Shopping Centre (Poole)
110 Dolphin Centre, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1SZThe Dolphin Shopping Centre, formerly the Arndale Centre, is situated in Poole, to the west of Bournemouth. Particularly popular in bad weather, this undercover retail village (the second US-style mall…
Dreamboats Wimborne
Riverside Business Park, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1QUThe town of Wimborne is idyllically set between the pretty rivers Stour and Allen. Not only does this afford blissful waterside views and strolls but also provides a perfect opportunity…
Fiveways Pets
393 Charminster Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 9QTIf you’re a proud pet owner or considering adding a fluffy friend to your home, Fiveways Pets in Charminster is your friendly local pet shop offering supplies, accessories and nutrition…
Flowers at 166
166 Charminster Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 8UXCharminster is a bustling and vibrant community in Bournemouth with a mixture of big high-street brands and exotic independents selling their wares and a cosmopolitan mix of restaurants and cafes.…
Frieda’s Afternoon Tea Bus
7 Stafford Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 1JHIf you like to take your tea with a view, why not book a seat on Frieda’s Teabus, which serves up luxury afternoon tea on tour every Saturday and Sunday…
Ice SKATE Bournemouth
Lower Gardens, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AHIf you’re still lamenting the loss of Westover Ice Rink back in 1991 or the closure of Ice Trax, Tower Park in 1996 then you must be one of the…
Ice skating has a long and fond history in Bournemouth. Residents and visitors alike still remember the Ice Follies skating troupe and formidable Bournemouth Stags hockey team who were once…
Jetski Safaris (Poole)
Salterns Marina, 40 Salterns Way, Poole, Dorset, BH14 8JRThere can be few more thrilling coastlines than Bournemouth and Poole’s breath-taking Jurassic coast. And no more heart-pounding way to explore it than by riding on a jetski! Jetski Safaris…
Kool Cycle Hire
4c West Cliff Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5EYSpend any amount of time here and it soon becomes apparent how blessed we are here to live in such a naturally beautiful part of the world. Kool Cycle Hire…
Lighthouse Poole is a popular arts centre in the heart of Poole situated just opposite the main Dolphin Shopping Centre. Previously known as ‘Poole Arts Centre,’ Lighthouse Poole hosts a…
Mallard Road Retail Park
Mallard Road, off Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, BH8 9PEStill known to some as Castlemore Retail Park, and to locals as the site of the old bus station, Mallard Road Retail Park is somewhat of a hidden treasure just…
Nellie Mimosa
50 Southbourne Grove, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 3RBSitting pride of place along Southbourne Grove in the charming and characterful Southbourne-on-Sea, Nellie Mimosa is a beautiful boutique shop which sells unique and affordable gifts and homeware. Its flagship…
New You Boot Camp
Wootten Grange, Wootten Mount, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 1PJ“It’s my New Year’s Resolution”, “I don’t have time to exercise”, “the kids made me eat it”… Whatever your favourite excuse for over-indulging and under-moving, that excuse stops at the…
Odeon Cinemas at Bh2 Leisure
Exeter Crescent, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AUCatching a blockbuster in Bournemouth Town Centre is now a premiere experience with the magnificent Odeon at Bh2 Leisure. With ten state-of-the-art screens and packed to the brim with the…
Christmas hasn’t started until you’ve booked your panto tickets (oh no it hasn’t!) and Bournemouth has plenty of venues for anyone who loves to embrace this seasonal custom and catch…
Anniversaries, birthdays, good luck wishes, thinking of you or maybe just because. Whatever you’ve got to say, a gift of flowers can make someone’s day. Parkwood Florists in Boscombe is…
PierZip
Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AAEver wondered what Bournemouth beach would look like if you approached it head-on suspended up high from out to sea? After the ultimate hit of bracing sea air? Don’t fancy…
I love you, I miss you, I’m thinking of you, I’m sorry, congratulations, well done. Whatever the occasion may be, a gift of flowers can put any message across. Poppies…
Putlake Adventure Farm (Swanage)
High Street, Langton Matravers, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3EUIt can be difficult to find new places to entertain the troops when it’s not beach weather. Putlake Adventure Farm in Swanage could be just the ticket. This children’s farm…
Richmond Gardens Shopping Centre
Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 1EPFormerly known as Dalkeith Arcade, Richmond Gardens Shopping Centre in Bournemouth town centre is just off the main high street on Old Christchurch Road. It’s also accessible from one side…
Rock Reef
Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AAWe all know that Bournemouth is evolving at a terrific pace, but some redevelopments receive more attention than others. The transformation of the tired, empty Pier Theatre into RockReef, an…
Saxon Square Shopping Centre
Saxon Square, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1QASituated in the pretty town of Christchurch just to the east of Bournemouth, Saxon Square Shopping Centre is somewhat of a hidden gem behind the town’s distracting assortment of cafes,…
Shining Bright Like a Star
Ocean Academy, Consitution Hill, Poole, Dorset, BH14 0PZIf you’ve got a young performer in the family, Shining Bright Like a Star in Poole is just the place to help nurture their talent. With singing, dancing, acting and…
Simonis Florist
10 Sea Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH5 1DBSimonis Florist is a long-standing family-run business of over 60 years idyllically situated on Sea Road in Boscombe Precinct. The shop runs on reputation and is also a member of…
Simply Pets and Grooming (Ferndown)
118 Victoria Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9JAWhether you’re seeking a furry companion to share your home or your pet needs a spruce-up before they’re allowed back into your house, Simply Pets and Grooming (formerly Pet’s Corner)…
Snowtrax (Christchurch)
Matchams Lane, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6AWSkiing might not be the most obvious activity on your Bournemouth seaside town to-do list but Snowtrax (formerly the Christchurch Ski Centre) is a popular haunt for those preparing for…
South Coast Karting
Chapel Gate Circuit, Parley, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BLWhether you’re a race fanatic, a petrol-head, a thrill-seeker or just enjoy a new challenge, South Coast Karting (SCK) – previously Matchams Karting – will give you a thrilling day…
South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park (Poole)
Dorchester Road, Lytchett Minster, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6JBSouth Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park is a family-run Dorset campsite close to Bournemouth that prides itself on the beauty of the grounds within which it is located and…
Sovereign Shopping Centre
600 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 4SXThe Sovereign Centre in the heart of Boscombe is filled with a variety of high street stores and independent boutiques. Grab a quick bite at BBs coffee shop or do…
Spashdown (Poole)
Tower Park, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NYIf swimming lengths isn’t your thing or you want more fun from your trip to the pool, Tower Park’s Splashdown is a fluming great day out! It’s packed with waterslides…
St Leonard’s Farm Park
Ringwood Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH22 0AQSt Leonard’s Farm Park is a quiet, calming campsite with a range of facilities and extras to keep your whole family entertained and happy. Located close to Bournemouth, St Leonard’s…
Swanage Railway, in Dorset
Station House, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1HBSwanage Railway is a fully-operating heritage steam railway station in the heart of the Purbecks. It opened in 1885 and provided a branch line service between Wareham and Swanage. In…
As a coastal resort, Bournemouth locals and visitors have scores of opportunities to spend a lot of time in and around the water. From our seven miles of golden beach…
The Avenue Shopping Centre
11-21 Commercial Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5RPThe Avenue Shopping Centre ihttps://www.bournemouth.com/wp-admin/admin.php?page=cleverness-to-do-lists situated half way along the main Commercial Road high street in Bournemouth town centre concealing a rabbit-warren of retailers behind a rather unassuming façade. Global…
The Bournemouth Gardens Community Tennis Club
Central Gardens, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 6EYWhether you’re in the grip of Wimbledon fever inspired by the professionals at the All-England Club to grab your racket or you’re feeling sluggish and want a fun summer pursuit…
The Dorset School of Acting (DSA)
Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UGWhether you’ve always had a desire to tread the boards, you’re a seasoned performer or bringing up a couple of drama queens (or kings!) the Dorset School of Acting can…
The Quadrant Centre
St. Peters Quarter, St. Peters Road / Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2AD/1DU/1DR/1LLAnother resident of Bournemouth town centre’s Old Christchurch Road, the Quadrant Centre is home to a large branch of TK Maxx. Previously known as St Peter’s Quarter and formerly an…
The Regent Centre (Christchurch)
51 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, United KingdomIf you’re a fan of the theatre, the arts, music and culture and you’ve never set foot in the Regent Centre you’re missing something really special. This 1930s arts centre…
The Royal Arcade (Boscombe)
562 / 566 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 4BTBoscombe’s beautiful Royal Arcade certainly isn’t your stereotypical mall. In stark contrast to its neighbour the Sovereign Centre and shunning the big shop brands running along the high street just…
The Skate Shop (Poole)
115 Parkstone Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2PBOnce a mecca for Bournemouth’s healthy population of ice skaters, the Skate Shop in Poole certainly hasn’t suffered through the absence of an ice rink in town for the past…
The Tivoli Theatre (Wimborne)
West Borough, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1LTThe charming and popular Tivoli Theatre on West Borough in the town of Wimborne offers a nostalgic entertainment experience with that care and attention to detail so often lost today.…
The Watersports Academy (Poole)
15 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7QLSpend any amount of time in Sandbanks and you’ll soon be tempted to hit the water by board or by boat. If you’re not too savvy on the surf or…
The West Hants Club
Roslin Road South, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH3 7EFThe West Hants Club was established back in 1926 and has been one of the South’s premier tennis venues ever since. Situated in the heart of Bournemouth’s desirable Talbot Woods…
UK Llamas (Beaminster)
New House Farm, Mosterton, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3HEUK Llamas is a quirky little business that combines a dedicated farm owner’s passion for llamas, alpacas and guanaco with a unique visitor attraction. Based in the town of Beaminster,…
Why walk? The benefits of walking Walking is a great form of exercise, it is free and available to everyone. Even low-impact exercise offers great benefits for your health.…
Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat (Poole)
Organford Road, Holton Heath, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6LAWareham Forest Lodge Retreat provides serene and luxurious holiday lodge accommodation for people looking for a Poole holiday that puts them close to nature rather than right in the bustle…
Westbourne Arcade
Poole Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH4 9AYWestbourne, or ‘The Village’ as it’s known to some, is an upmarket district just west of Bournemouth town centre and home to an array of boutiques, fine dining establishments and…
Yoga is a phenomenal form of exercise, with the benefits of yoga proven to improve both your physique and your mental health. Whether you are a new or an advanced…