Explore Bournemouth: A 5-Day Itinerary on a Budget

Experience the beauty of Bournemouth without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Bournemouth is a picturesque seaside town in the south of England that has plenty to offer for budget-conscious travelers. Budget-friendly accommodations can be found in the town center and surrounding suburbs, with many offering stunning sea views. Visitors can enjoy miles of beautiful sandy beaches, coastal walks, and free attractions such as the Bournemouth Pier and Gardens.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Coastline

  • Check into The Kensington Hotel, a charming 3-star hotel with affordable prices and a fantastic location.
  • Take a stroll along the award-winning Bournemouth Beach, 7 miles of golden sand and crystal-clear waters.
  • Walk to the Boscombe Pier and enjoy a game of mini-golf or grab a bite at one of the seaside cafés.
  • Visit Hengistbury Head, a nature reserve with stunning views of the coast and a visitor center full of interesting exhibits.
  • Head back to the hotel and enjoy a hearty dinner at The Cliff Top Restaurant, with breathtaking panoramic views of the sea.
Day 2

Shopping and Art

  • Start the day with a full English breakfast at The Hungry Mule café.
  • Walk to the Bournemouth town center and shop at the boutiques on the pedestrianized precinct.
  • Visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, housed in a lavish Victorian mansion with an impressive collection of art from around the world.
  • Walk to the Lower Gardens and relax on the grass or enjoy a game of table tennis.
  • Have dinner at The Stable, a rustic pizzeria with a great selection of ciders and beers.
Day 3

Culture and History

  • Take a short bus ride to Poole and visit the Poole Museum, with exhibits on the town's maritime history and a tribute to Poole's most famous son, Captain Scott.
  • Walk to the picture-perfect Poole Quay and watch the boats in the harbor.
  • Take a bus back to Bournemouth and visit the Bournemouth Pier, an iconic landmark with a funfair and amusements.
  • Have a late lunch at Reef Encounter, a seafood restaurant with a great view of the pier.
  • Enjoy an evening of entertainment at the Pavilion Theatre, a beautiful Art Deco venue that hosts shows ranging from musicals to comedies.
Day 4

Nature and Relaxation

  • Have a lazy morning with breakfast in bed and a book from the hotel's library.
  • Take a short bus ride to the Alum Chine Beach, a quiet and peaceful cove with stunning views of the cliffs.
  • Do a yoga class or a meditation session at The Green House Hotel, an eco-friendly hotel with luxurious facilities.
  • Have a picnic lunch on the beach with fresh bread and cheese from The Real Eating Company.
  • Explore the Upper Gardens, a lush park with a pond, a bandstand, and exotic plants from all over the world.
Day 5

Adventure Time

  • Take a bus to the New Forest National Park and go horse riding or cycling in the woods.
  • Have a pub lunch at The White Buck, a historic country inn with a cozy fireplace and a garden.
  • Visit the Beaulieu National Motor Museum, with collections of classic and futuristic cars, motorcycles, and planes.
  • Try your hand at archery or falconry at New Forest Activities, an outdoor activity center with a range of fun and challenging courses.
  • End the day with a celebratory dinner at Arbor, a Michelin-starred restaurant with a seven-course tasting menu and attentive service.

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.

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