Bournemouth's Best 3-Day Beach Getaway
Experience the ultimate seaside escape in Bournemouth, UK.
03 May 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
A trip to Bournemouth, United Kingdom as a tourist promises to be a spectacular experience with beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and exciting events. Visitors can bask in the sun at the stunning beaches, explore the historic landmarks, and immerse themselves in the vibrant nightlife. Additionally, they can indulge in the local cuisine, shop at the bustling markets, and enjoy a relaxing walk in the picturesque gardens and parks.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check-in at Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel and marvel at the panoramic sea views from your room.
- Kick off the day with breakfast at The Kitchen, a hipster brunch spot with an extensive menu and vegan options.
- Start your shopping spree at The Arcade, a Victorian covered shopping mall where you'll find independent boutiques and art galleries.
- Stroll down the pier to enjoy stunning sea views and hit the golden sands of Bournemouth beach where you can sunbathe or go for a swim.
- For lunch, stop by WestBeach, a seafood restaurant with a terrace overlooking the beach.
- In the afternoon, walk along the cliff-top promenade to explore the beautiful Lower Gardens, which feature a treasure trove of tropical plants and flowerbeds.
- Fuel up with breakfast at Frieda's Tea Room, an award-winning tearoom with vintage decor and delicious homemade cakes.
- Immerse yourself in art at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, a stunning Victorian villa packed with a fantastic collection of art and sculptures from around the world.
- For lunch, try Rick Stein's restaurant, The Fish Place, for some of the freshest fish and chips you'll ever taste.
- Hike along The Jurassic Coast, a 95-mile stretch of coastline with incredible views and ancient rock formations.
- If you still have energy, head to the New Forest National Park for a bike ride or horseback trek.
- Dinner at Arbor, a Michelin-starred restaurant with an impressive wine list and delightful menu.
- Get caffeinated with a coffee and croissant at Boscanova, a quirky cafe that serves fair-trade coffee and homemade sandwiches.
- Discover the charming Boscombe neighborhood, with its independent shops, street art murals, and art deco cinema.
- For lunch, visit The Larder House, a stylish bistro that offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
- After lunch, take the funicular or walk up to the Alum Chine tropical gardens, a hidden oasis with exotic plants and colorful flowers.
- Head back to the beach for a seaside sunset, with the sky turning shades of red, pink, and purple as the sun slips below the horizon.
- Finish your stay in style with dinner at Arbor Restaurant again, indulging in their award-winning menu.
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.