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.
What's happening?
bournemouth.co.uk and
pooletourism.com
Find out more & book online:
5 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 or enjoy watching the surfers at the new artificial reef at Boscombe.
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.
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.
5 Hidden Gems
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.
Brownsea Island
Cruise to an island rich in wildlife and history, spot endangered red squirrels and rare birds and picnic alongside peacocks.
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.