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.

These neighbouring destinations are nestled in the heart of some stunning Dorset scenery including the dramatic Jurassic Coast, ancient woodlands, open heath and historic market towns - all easily accessible for an unforgettable day out.

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.

To search for a wide range of fantastic accommodation in Bournemouth & Poole and to book online, go to:
bournemouth.co.uk and
pooletourism.com

5 Must Sees

Bournemouth Beach

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With seven miles of golden sand, and clean, safe waters, Bournemouth's beaches are the perfect escape. Relax with a good book or enjoy watching the surfers at the new artificial reef at Boscombe.

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Poole Harbour & Sandbanks beach

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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.

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Shop ‘til you drop

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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.

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Poole Quay and Old Town

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Atmospheric old pubs and cafes pack Poole Quay, perfect for an al fresco lunch while watching glittering Sunseeker yachts or fishermen at work.

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Russell-Cotes Art Gallery

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This unique gallery houses a superb collection of art and artefacts in an extraordinary Victorian villa. Free entry and accessible to all.

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5 Must Dos

Get Wet!

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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.

The coast with the most is a new online resource that gives you everything you need for the ultimate watersports experience in Bournemouth & Poole.

Rent a Beach Hut

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For an unbeatable seaside experience, rent a beach hut. Bournemouth invented the beach hut back in 1908 and still rents them out, why not splash out and hire a beach pod by the surf reef? The chicest beach huts on the planet.

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Walk & Cycle

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Grab a packed lunch, pump up the tyres and cycle along Bournemouth and Poole's beautiful coastline.

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Eat Out

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Head to Poole's historic old town for a choice of some of the UK's top seafood restaurants. The freshest and most tempting seafood is served up daily.

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After dark

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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.

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5 Hidden Gems

Oceanarium

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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.

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Poole Pottery

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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.

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Brownsea Island

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Cruise to an island rich in wildlife and history, spot endangered red squirrels and rare birds and picnic alongside peacocks.

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The Pine Walk Art Exhibition

Stroll amongst works by emerging and established artists in peaceful open-air surroundings, before heading to the elegant boutiques and galleries on Westover Road.

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Markets

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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.

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Image: Studland Bay near Bournemouth & Poole