Things to do in Bournemouth

Bournemouth is home to a wide variety of interesting attractions to keep visitors entertained including parks, animal attractions and natural landmarks. Many of Bournemouths architectural landmarks can be traced back to Victorian times or earlier and are in remarkable condition.

Bournemouth Pier

The original Bournemouth Pier, constructed in 1856, was just a short, plain wooden jetty. As a result of its popularity, a longer wooden pier replaced the original in 1861. Soon after that, cast iron was used to replace the wooden piles. Before long, part of the piers landing stage was swept away and it was closed while repairs were in progress.

In 1880, the new and improved Bournemouth Pier re-opened. It was further extended to 100 feet, and in 1940 large sections were knocked down as a safeguard against German invasion during WWII. Today, attractions include one of the top arcades in the region, featuring lots of the most modern video games and seaside slot-machine amusements, sheltered seating areas on the pier itself and the Pier Theatre.

Bournemouth Oceanarium

Explore life beneath the waves at the Oceanarium on Bournemouths seafront. Visitors can discover the secrets of the ocean on a journey that includes some of the worlds most incredible waters. Sea creatures from over four continents including the deadly, flesh-eating piranha from the Amazon and sharks and turtles from the Great Barrier Reef can be seen here. More than just an aquarium, you can come face-to-face with marine life from the farthest reaches of the earth here. The interactive Caribbean Zone provides fascinating entertainment, while a beachside caf offers impressive views of the sea. Phone: +44 1202 31 1993.

Lower Gardens

Bournemouths Lower Gardens are located just a 5 minute walk from the main shopping centre, the beach and the pier. Walking through the gardens, visitors will be impressed by the stunning floral displays that combine a variety of colours, textures and scents. There are also plenty of activities in the gardens to entertain visitors including the Bournemouth Eye, an aviary, music at the Pine Walk bandstand and an art exhibition during the summer months. A large rock garden, which was built in the 1930s, is also on-site.

Monkey World

Monkey World is located on over 40 acres of parkland and is renowned as a foremost centre for ape rescue and rehabilitation. It was set up in 1987 to offer a permanent safe refuge for chimpanzees that were abused by Spanish beach traders, but now houses a variety of primates including orang-utans, lemurs, gibbons and macaques. It is possible to organise birthday parties, school and group visits. Chimpanzees can also be adopted. In addition, the grounds feature a 15-stage obstacle course and three open-air playing areas that include mini-motorbikes, boats, swings and slides. A gift shop and a cafeteria are provided on-site. Phone: +44 800 45 6600.

Hengistbury Head

Near the entrance to Christchurch Harbour, this beautiful peninsula is perfect for a brisk walk if you want to leave Bournemouths more crowded beaches behind. Take the path up the cliff for fantastic views of the Isle of Wight and Poole Harbour, then walk down to the sandy beach and get the foot ferry across the harbour mouth to Mudeford Quay, where local trawlers sell freshly caught seafood. Going back to Hengistbury Head, hop on the land train which will return you to the car park and go for a round of golf on the nearby public course.

The Bournemouth Eye

Without a doubt the best way to get a birds eye view of Bournemouth is on the Bournemouth Eye. The hot air balloon lifts visitors up to 500 feet, offering stunning views across the town, the English Channel and the adjoining countryside. The balloon is tethered to the ground and is Bournemouths highest attraction, which can often be seen from anywhere you are in town. The gondola is big enough to hold 25 to 30 passengers, and for those who are looking for a romantic indulgence, the balloon is lit up in the evenings. Phone: +44 1202 314 539; website: www.ukattraction.com/a_print/print_entries_frames.php?&e=2535ISY&a=0.

Church of the Sacred Heart

Opened in 1875, the building was designed by the architect Clutton, incorporating a blend of neo-Gothic and neo-Norman styles which very much echo the spirit of the Victorian era. The Church of the Sacred Heart is popular with Catholic visitors who come to Bournemouth to worship here, while people of all faiths can value its beauty. Phone: +44 1202 551 013; website: www.rc-churches.net.

St Stephens Church

One of the towns grand Victorian Gothic churches, St Stephens Church was built in 1881 by John Loughborough Pearson. Welcoming visitors every day as a place for peace and quiet prayer, daily services are offered. St Stephens is well-known not simply as a place of immense beauty and architectural importance, but also for its excellent choir and delightfully conducted services. Phone: +44 01202 554355; website: www.bournemouth-ststephens.org.uk/.

Museums

Bournemouth is home to a good selection of interesting museums catering to a wide range of interests. The Bournemouth Aviation Museum is located near Bournemouth International Airport. Housed in a 30,000 square feet hangar, it contains a superb collection of historic military jets and propeller-driven aeroplanes, many of which are still completely operational. A caf and a gift shop are also on the grounds as well as lecture rooms, which can be hired for private use.

Home to collections of national and international significance, the Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum has recently undergone a 3 million renovation. There are a number of outstanding exhibits, with the sculptures and Japanese art being particularly noteworthy. The building itself is a work of art and there is also an elegant caf on-site.