Are you planning on visiting Bournemouth this summer, but want to know where the locals go to keep the family entertained?
Bournemouth is easily reachable from London. According to travel search website GoEuro, it takes only 1 hour and 45 minutes by train, although that does depend which train you get – don’t catch the one that stops at all the stops through the New Forest as it will add at least another half an hour to your journey.
Would you like to know where the locals go to keep the family entertained?
With seven miles of sandy beaches from Hengistbury Head to Sandbanks you will find a patch of sand to put your beach towel down and enjoy the sunshine, but if you want to avoid the crowds you would be better off heading to Branksome Chine or Southbourne beaches as they are quieter.
Thursday 28th August to Sunday 31st August sees Bournemouth Air Festival which is an amazing FREE event set on the beach. With hundreds of stalls lining the prom, military equipment to try and activities for the kids it is not to be missed. We always explore the stalls on the Thursday as that is the quietest day and then find our spot on the sand and enjoy all the action in the air for the rest of the weekend.
The aerobatic teams base all their action pack displays using the centre point between the two piers as a guide, so a central spot is ideal. Don’t miss the beach assault either,its great fun and nightair is a must see too with fireworks coming from the planes themselves.
Also at the beach throughout the summer are the free firework displays. Every Friday from 18th July there is family entertainment starting at 7pm including fire performances, stilt walkers, circus workshops, and face painting with a firework finale at 10pm from Bournemouth Pier.
If it’s raining there are a few options to choose from in central Bournemouth. Our favourite is Rock Reef, an indoor activity centre on Bournemouth Pier. With 25 climbing walls, a highline aerial obstacle course, a pier cave adventure and a zipwire from the end of the beach to the pier there is something for everyone aged 5 and over or you could head over to Laserquest for some shooting action.
For those with younger children, Treehouse Family Play is a great indoor play zone with a smart cafe for the parents to relax!
If you are looking for somewhere family friendly to eat that is not the usual chain of restaurants, you have Aruba which is set on Bournemouth Pier, offering fabulous views of the beach.
If the weather shows no sign of perking up you could head over to Tower Park in Poole, which is home to Splashdown Water Park, Empire Cinemas, Lemur Landings Soft Play and Bowlplex as well as restaurants such as Nando’s, TGI Friday, Pizza Hut and many more!
Bournemouth is easily reachable from London. According to travel search website GoEuro, it takes only 1 hour and 45 minutes by train.
If you are visiting and are ever stuck for things to do, drop me a tweet at @chelseamamma and I promise I can find you something to do!
I will be bringing you more guides over the next two weeks for things to do in Dorset.
Looks great fun x
Really hoping to get a visit down this summer, our biggest issue is somewhere to stay as it is (naturally!) so expensive during the holidays!