Bournemouth Bliss: 2 Days of Family Fun on a Budget
Discover family fun by the sea in picturesque Bournemouth, UK.
19 July 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
A family friendly trip to Bournemouth, United Kingdom offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and seaside fun. With its beautiful beaches and Victorian piers, children can enjoy building sandcastles, playing in the arcade, or even taking a ride on the carousel. Families can also explore the surrounding area, with attractions such as the Bournemouth Oceanarium, adventure parks, and charming coastal towns just a short drive away.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Defy gravity at the Bournemouth PierZip, soar above the sparkling sea and make your stomach do somersaults!
- Lunch at Harry Ramsden's, a British culinary institution serving crispy, golden fish and chips that will make your taste buds sing.
- Wander through the Lower Gardens, a botanical wonderland where you can frolic through floral labyrinths and discover hidden treasures.
- Channel your inner pirate at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, where you can navigate treacherous waters and putt your way to victory.
- Unwind at the Oceanarium, dive into a world of marine wonders, meet adorable penguins and mesmerizing sharks, and learn about conservation efforts.
- End the day at The Real Greek, a vibrant and family-friendly restaurant where you can savor mouthwatering mezzes and embrace the festive atmosphere.
- Embark on an adventure with Jurassic Safari, a thrilling tour that takes you back in time to discover ancient fossils and Jurassic cliffs.
- Indulge in a hearty brunch at Urban Reef, an eco-friendly beachfront eatery that offers delicious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, a treasure trove of eclectic art and artifacts from around the world.
- Take a stroll along the promenade and soak up the seaside atmosphere, with ice cream in hand and salty breeze in your hair.
- Let your little ones unleash their imaginations at the Treehouse Family Play, a magical indoor wonderland where creativity knows no bounds.
- Treat yourself to a scrumptious dinner at The Stable, a cozy cider house serving imaginative pizzas topped with local ingredients and paired with refreshing ciders.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Bournemouth by plane is to fly into Bournemouth Airport, which is only 4 miles from the city center. There are several daily flights from major UK airports such as London Heathrow, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
Car
The best way to get to Bournemouth by car is to take the M3 and then the M27 towards Bournemouth. The journey takes approximately 2 hours from London and there are plenty of parking options in and around the city center.
Train
The best way to get to Bournemouth by train is to take a direct train from London Waterloo station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and there are several trains per hour to choose from. Bournemouth train station is located in the city center.
Boat
Unfortunately, there are no direct boat services to Bournemouth. The nearest port is Portsmouth, where you can take a train or bus to Bournemouth. Alternatively, you can take a ferry to Southampton and then take the train to Bournemouth.
Bus
The best way to get to Bournemouth by bus is to take a coach from London Victoria Coach Station. National Express and Megabus both offer services to Bournemouth with several departures daily. The journey takes approximately 2.5 - 3 hours depending on traffic.