Coaches to Bournemouth: Choose your preferred station or stops

The sky is the limit

One of the best places to sample the town’s nightlife is at Level8ight – The Sky Bar, located on the eighth floor of the Hilton Bournemouth. Here, you can order cocktails, fine wines and premium spirits in a unique setting overlooking the town and the English Channel. If you’re feeling peckish, order the fresh seafood or a small side plate to accompany your drinks.

Shoot pool and watch the footy

Sharkey’s Sports Bar on Christchurch Road is a great place to enjoy Bournemouth’s nightlife. Here, you’ll find American and English pool tables, darts boards and a telly to watch the football. It’s an ideal spot for starting a night out in Bournemouth.

Twist and shout at 1812

At the Royal Exeter Hotel is one of Bournemouth’s premier nightclubs – 1812. The venue doubles-up as a restaurant and live music venue, offering visitors a brilliant night out in Bournemouth. Try the delicious cocktails concocted by the resident mixologists, then dance the night away until the early hours.

Westover Road

This bustling thoroughfare is billed as ‘Bournemouth’s Bond Street’, and with a range of options for luxury shopping, it’s easy to see why. Robert Old 1909 sells smart men’s clothing for formal occasions, meanwhile, you can also find familiar high street standard bearers as well as independent gems.

Castlepoint shopping centre

Away from the town centre, Castlepoint shopping centre is a pleasant place to browse national chain stores and pick up some affordable gifts and luxury wares. Here you’ll find more than 40 high street brands including the likes of M&S, Next and New Look where you can pick up a bargain or two.

Westbourne

Bournemouth is packed with Victorian charms, and nowhere is this more apparent than at Westbourne, a shopping arcade located to the west of the town centre. You’ll find a wide selection of boutique stores for affordable and luxury gifts, and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat. The shopping arcade is open all-year round and offers an alternative to the more modern Castlepoint shopping centre.

Bournemouth Beach

Of all the top tourist attractions in Bournemouth, the 7 miles of golden sands are undoubtedly number one. Famed for their cleanliness and high environmental standards, Bournemouth’s long stretch of coastline has retained its Blue Flag status since the accreditation began in 1996. If you’re exploring around the middle of town, Bournemouth Central Beaches is the place to start, with its seafront attractions, cafés, restaurants and historic pier. A little further afield you’ll find Alum Chine beach, known for its wonderful Tropical Gardens.

The Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

On your sightseeing tour of Bournemouth, summon your inner tourist with a visit to The Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. The former home of two Victorian collectors and travel enthusiasts, this cliff-top villa features a collection of Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art. The museum and gallery is one of Bournemouth’s top tourist attractions, and deservedly so.

Oceanarium

The fantastic Oceanarium, the Bournemouth Aquarium, is home to hundreds of sea life creatures and is one of the most inspiring places to visit in the town. The creatures on display include sharks, giant sea turtles and newly arrived penguins.

Indulge their explorers’ instinct in the New Forest

For a family-friendly day out, there’s no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than a visit to the New Forest National Park just outside Bournemouth. Free-roaming ponies are just one of the delights at this sprawling beauty spot, which is home to dozens of rare UK wildlife species. For unbeatable family fun, enjoy more than 200 acres of unspoilt nature at your own pace, or have a bite to eat in the restaurant.

Hop aboard the Land Train and inspire the kids

Bournemouth’s unique Land Train is one of the top kids’ attractions, and the perfect way to take in this historic coastal city at an unhurried pace. The trip takes in many of Bournemouth’s landmark sites, including the pier, the regal Boscombe Gardens and the beautiful views from Chine Beach.

Let them splash to their hearts’ content

Whatever the weather, Splashdown Waterpark is a great family day out in Bournemouth. Located on the town’s northern fringes on the way to Poole, Splashdown has 12 different water slides, rides and flumes. It offers a memorable day out for kids of all ages, and also features spa pools and jacuzzis where parents can relax while the children play.

Jerk Hut & Co

In neighbouring Boscombe, off-the-beaten-path, you’ll find Jerk Hut & Co, an awesome Jamaican-themed establishment serving delicious jerk chicken, curry goat, plantain and authentic Caribbean cuisine. It’s one not to miss.

Southbourne beach

Venture off-the-beaten-track to explore some of the hidden gems like Southbourne beach, a twenty-minute walk from Boscombe with adventure golf, a cliff lift and ice cream stalls.

Christchurch Castle

Grade I listed Christchurch Castle is a remarkable example of a Norman domestic dwelling and a real treat for history lovers.

Compton Acres

Discover Compton Acres, gardens tucked away on the outskirts – featuring themed gardens including Japanese and Italian landscapes that most visitors overlook.

Boscombe Chine Gardens

Explore the Boscombe Chine Gardens, a valley garden leading to the beach with plants and a stream that feels away from the busy seafront.

• London to Bournemouth
• Heathrow to Bournemouth
• Gatwick to Bournemouth