Bournemouth campsites

Set along the South Coast of England in Dorset, Bournemouth is a popular microclimate seaside destination best known for its flat seven-miles of award-winning sandy beaches. As Dorset’s largest town, there is always something happening here throughout the year. Bournemouth offers a balance between a lively atmosphere and a range of attractions, from family friendly activities and festivals to varied eateries and a buzzing nightlife, making it a perfect destination for families, students, and weekend visitors alike. Beyond this university town itself, the surrounding countryside, the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, and Hampshire’s New Forest National Park are all within easy reach, offering excellent opportunities for outdoor lovers.

Bournemouth’s beaches are the town’s biggest draw, with many holding Blue Flag status. Golden and backed by dramatic clifftops and chines, they offer scenic views across the coastline towards the Isle of Wight. The main Bournemouth Beach is the most central and lively, while Boscombe Beach is well known for its surf scene. Other popular spots include Fisherman’s Walk Beach, Branksome Chine Beach, Alum Chine Beach, Canford Cliffs Beach, Manor Steps, and Sandbanks Beach.

Whether you’re relaxing along the shoreline with an ice cream, hopping on a land train along the promenade lined with colourful beach huts, building sandcastles, sunbathing, or simply admiring the coastal views, each beach has its own feel. For quieter bases, West Cliff Beach and Durley Chine Beach are ideal, while Middle Chine Beach is a popular dog-friendly option. Further east, Hengistbury Head Beach offers a more nature filled setting and can be reached on foot from Mudeford Sandbank (Mudeford Spit). Bournemouth’s coastline is also a favourite with watersports enthusiasts, with opportunities for swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, jet-skiing, and power boating. If you don’t have your own equipment or experience, several watersports schools along the seafront offer lessons and hire. For something more laid back, local boat cruises provide a relaxing way to enjoy the coast from the water.

Family days out are often spent at Bournemouth’s two Victorian piers. Boscombe Pier offers a slightly quieter experience, where visitors can fish, test their balance on the slackline, or stop by the cafe for a treat. Bournemouth Pier is packed with classic seaside fun, home to arcades and high-energy attractions including PierZip, the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire, and the award-winning RockReef activity centre with its 28 themed climbing walls.

Away from the beach, Bournemouth offers a wide variety of attractions and activities, making it easy to fill your days. An open-top tour bus is a great way to explore the town and surrounding area, while something a little more unusual can be found aboard Frieda’s Tea Bus, where you can enjoy a traditional Dorset cream tea while taking in the sights. Art lovers should make time for the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, at the top of the East Cliff and home to an impressive collection of Victorian fine art, artefacts, and decorated interiors from around the world.

In the evenings, you can enjoy The Pavilion Theatre, which hosts live entertainment ranging from comedy to ballet. There is also the Bournemouth International Centre, one of the town’s major entertainment hubs, showing concerts, musicals, films, and seasonal events. During the festive season, Bournemouth’s Christmas market adds extra charm, with local crafts, gifts, street food, and an ice rink.

A short walk from the pier leads to Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf and the Oceanarium, where visitors can explore a range of marine life, making it a perfect family friendly way to round off the day. Nearby, the Bournemouth Observation Wheel offers a bird’s-eye view of the town, with panoramic views across the seafront. In the heart of Bournemouth, indoor play areas like Oasis Fun Bournemouth give children the chance to burn off energy with a fun range of activities. Football fans can watch AFC Bournemouth play at the Vitality Stadium, while those after mind-bending challenges can put their skills to the test in one of the town’s escape rooms.

For a slower pace, Alum Chine Tropical Gardens provide a peaceful setting for a scenic stroll, with winding paths, plants, and sea views. More of Bournemouth’s green spaces include the Lower Gardens, home to Bournemouth Gardens Classic Mini Golf, as well as West Cliff Garden, Boscombe Chine Garden, Central Gardens, and Upper Gardens, all offering walking routes and spots to stop for a picnic. More adventurous visitors can hike up to Hengistbury Head, an area rich in wildlife and natural beauty, or hire bikes to explore the surrounding area.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Bournemouth hosts several major festivals throughout the year, including the multi-award-winning Bournemouth 7s Festival, which attracts around 30,000 visitors, and the Bournemouth Air Festival and Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival, adding yet another layer to the town’s vibrant cultural scene.

With its award‑winning beaches, scenic coastline, lively town centre, and easy access to Dorset’s countryside, Bournemouth offers so much, providing a perfect base for exploring southern England.