Bournemouth and Poole
With seven miles of golden sand and sparkling sea, the vibrant cosmopolitan town of Bournemouth has it all - a vast variety of shops, mouth-watering cuisine, buzzing nightlife, award-winning gardens and world-class water sports including Europe's first artificial surf reef in Boscombe. With piers, beach huts and ice-cream galore the town offers a laid back British seaside holiday experience with a contemporary twist.
Life in Poole is stylish, fun and a joy for visitors. The town boasts Europe's largest natural harbour providing a stunning location for all types of water sports. The bustling Quay is a great place to sit back and watch fishermen unloading their catch and millionaire's yachts arrive home from a day sailing and much of Poole's rich history still survives in the Old Town with a mix of smugglers' passageways and elegant houses.
Take a look at the ideas below for more things to do in Bournemouth and Poole, or for detailed information go to the official Bournemouth and Poole websites.
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Must Sees
Bournemouth Beach
With seven miles of golden sand, and clean, safe waters, Bournemouth's beaches are the perfect escape. Relax with a good book, soak up some rays and enjoy a spot of people watching.
Poole Harbour & Sandbanks beach
Poole's beautiful Sandbank's peninsula and Europe's largest natural harbour offer an unbeatable mix of water sports, as well as three miles of stunning beach.
Boscombe Surf Reef
Bournemouth is proud to boast the first artificial surf reef in Europe! Located near Boscombe Pier, the reef creates a powerful wave ideal for body boarders. But if you don't fancy paddling out to have a go yourself it's a great spectator sport too!
Shop ‘til you drop
Bournemouth's pedestrianised shopping centre is lined with spacious department stores, one-off boutiques and tempting cafes and bars, as well as familiar high street names. Bargain hunters will love the bustling markets held in both resorts every week.
Poole Quay and Old Town
Atmospheric old pubs and cafes pack Poole Quay, perfect for an al fresco lunch while watching glittering Sunseeker yachts or fishermen at work.
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery
This unique gallery houses a superb collection of art and artefacts in an extraordinary Victorian villa. Free entry and accessible to all.
Head to Poole's historic old town for a choice of some of the UK's top seafood restaurants. The freshest and most tempting local seafood is served up daily.
With more than 30 watersports to choose from, this coastline is the perfect place for trying a new sport. From jetskiing to kite-surfing, power-boating to paddle-boarding, the list is huge.
If you can drag them away from the sandcastles, there are dozens of year-round, all-weather attractions geared to little people in Bournemouth along with acres of green parks, brightly coloured play areas and brilliant family friendly events.
Hit the dance floor at one of many buzzing clubs, spend an evening with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra - from blues to Beethoven, it's covered.
Bournemouth and Poole are located in the heart of Dorset with an expanse of heritage and countryside to explore. Discover highlights such as Durdle Door, Cerne Abbas and Corfe Castle - all within easy reach for exciting day trips.Hidden Gems
Brownsea Island
Cruise to an island rich in wildlife and history, spot endangered red squirrels and rare birds and picnic alongside peacocks.
Oceanarium
Come face-to-face with sharks, sting-rays and all manner of creatures from the deep at Bournemouth's Oceanarium, a must-see for children of every age.
Poole Pottery
Stunning Poole Pottery is internationally famous. Based at Poole Quay, come and see potters and artists at work, have a go yourself or invest in the heritage range or latest designs.
Grab a packed lunch and take an exhilarating walk or cycle around Poole and the beautiful surrounding coastline and countryside.Markets
For the best of local produce, fresh cheeses, preserves and olives, head to Falkland Square in Poole for the Thursday Farmer's market. Boscombe's Saturday market is perfect for bargain-hunters.