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The cosmopolitan seaside town located on the southern coast of England has entertained international students since the very beginning of globalisation. One reason why students prefer living in Bournemouth, apart from receiving a world-class education, is the fun city life. If you make a list of the things to do in Bournemouth, you will be able to understand why it is voted as one of the UK’s happiest places to live in.
If you hear someone talk about visiting Bournemouth, pull out your calendar, clear your weekend and tag along with your friend. This city has some of the most popular destinations because it has a lot to offer. You may enjoy quiet weekends with a scenic view or you may prefer pub hopping with your friends, in Bournemouth you can definitely enjoy the best of both worlds.
When it comes to staying in Bournemouth, the town provides plenty of housing solutions to international students. The cost of living is not very extreme in this city and you will be able to find many student accommodation in Bournemouth.
To help you prepare for a fun weekend, away from your laptop and assignments this article will talk about all the fun things in Bournemouth.
What Are Some Of The Best Things To Do In Bournemouth?
Poole’s Centre For Arts
Located close to Bournemouth, Poole alone attracts thousands of visitors every year to its Lighthouse regional arts centre. This place is home to a music concert hall, a studio theatre, a cinema room and has an extraordinary collection of art. There are live events taking place at the lighthouse and it boasts a versatile arts management that ranges from music, drama, comedy, film, visual arts, workshops and family theatre.
Bournemouth Pier
This is one of the most popular Bournemouth tourist attractions. The Bournemouth Pier is a place you can visit to take a break and break life’s monotony. The British seaside is lined with arcades and entertainment centres. The Pier is one of the must-visit places in Bournemouth and is famous for offering adrenaline-pumping activities like rock climbing and rafting. You’ll find all the staples of a classic seaside pier, including an amusement arcade, a variety theatre, a cafe and gift shops.
Compton Acres
Compton comprises a series of classical themed gardens, displaying ornamental plants from all over the world. The Acres is one of England’s finest privately owned gardens of historic significance. The gardens are laid out on a circular route, allowing the visitor to discover each garden in turn. Some of the most popular gardens that are included in the Compton Acres are Grand Italian Garden, a Rock and Water Garden, a Heather Garden and an authentic Japanese Garden.
Hengistbury Head
The farthest end of Bournemouth is where the Hengistbury Head sits. This is a perfect destination for a hike and a scenic view. If you are wondering things to do in bournemouth for students, you may enjoy taking a coastal walk through the Hegisbury Head and leave a trail of make-shift picnic spots throughout this beautiful beach in Bournemouth. Every year this spot is visited by hundreds of people who take a break from their usual city life and drive down to the coast of Hengistbury Head. This is one of the most desirable Bournemouth things to do.
South Coast Maker’s Market
The South Coast Makers Market is an independently run market of local traders and artists. If you are fond of fresh bread, craft beer, street food and live music then this market is the place for you. This market is organised on the first Saturday of every month at the Loading Dock in Bournemouth. Moreover, if you visit this market on a regular basis, then you can also opt for a ‘Keep it Local’ loyalty card to directly support independent artists.
The Smallest Cinema in Europe!
Bournemouth is home to Europe’s smallest cinema, the Bournemouth Colosseum. Visiting this cinema will serve as one of the most unique experiences you can ever have. Bournemouth Colosseum is located under the Vintage Lounge Coffee Shop, the cinema is quirky and plays movies that are age-old classics and ultra-modern.
St. Stephen’s Church
This is among the Grade I listed buildings in the UK and is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Bournemouth. Built in the 1880s, St. Stephen’s Church is one of Bournemouth’s largest churches and can seat 200 people in a single session. The churchmanship here follows an Anglo-Catholic tradition that has continued since the church’s construction over 100 years ago. Musically, the church maintains a choir made up of 20-25 singers. Visiting St. Stephen’s Church tops the list of the things to do in Bournemouth.
Go Theatre Hopping
Bournemouth is home to some of the world’s most popular and historic theatres. If you are looking for a pleasant evening, you must visit at least some theatres in this town. There are lots of fantastic venues serving a great range of live music, comedy, and other forms of entertainment in Bournemouth. This is one of the fun things to do in Bournemouth for students.
Some of the most famous theatres include the Bournemouth International Centre, Shelley Theatre, Bournemouth and the Pavilion Theatre to name a few.
Bournemouth Reggae Experience
This is a chance to be part of a unique occasion to celebrate the diverse African-Caribbean culture and to witness King’s Park’s fields come alive under Reggae Music’s banner. A family event with children’s activities, a funfair and bands will also feature artists and drumming sessions. The Stage will feature Music and dance performances from legendary Reggae Artists mixed with Top notch DJs delivering One Love Message! There will be over 20 stalls on site selling artisan goods and catering for everybody’s needs. It takes place every July, dates for this year are from the 28th to the 30th of July 2023. If you’re around, make sure to bask in the goodness of this festival!
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Merton Russell-Cotes commissioned architect John Frederick Fogerty to build East Cliff Hall in 1897 as a birthday present for his wife, Annie. The house is located in the northeast section of the Royal Bath Hotel’s garden and features a remarkable collection of high Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art, including many works by women artists. Other rooms house souvenirs from the couple’s travels, with works from Russia, Australia, New Zealand and the world-renowned Japanese collection. Breathtaking views and a serene cliff-top garden are two of the main attractions at Merton’s extravagant gift to his wife, which is also one of Bournemouth’s most intriguing visitor attractions.
Hengistbury Head Beach
Hengistbury Head Beach is a charming, unspoilt spot that offers visitors the chance to enjoy a long stretch of golden sand free from commercialism. The beach is popular with walkers and dog owners alike since all year-round dogs are allowed on the beaches. Hengistbury Head is also home to a Local Nature Reserve, a Site of Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation. Visitors have access of a 24-hour long stay car park and you have to keep in mind that gates are locked between 10 pm and 5 am. History reveals that people have lived here for 12,000 years, making it another interesting place to delve into if you’re in Bournemouth.
Bournemouth International Centre
Bournemouth International Centre is located in the heart of Bournemouth and offers panoramic views across the bay. It is a premier conference, exhibition and hospitality venue that can accommodate up to 10,000 people. The four main halls and a variety of smaller meeting areas can be mixed and matched to host conferences, exhibitions, banquets—any type of event. Cafes, bars, seasonal ice and roller rinks and art exhibition space also feature at the venue. The venue is within walking distance of the sea and Bournemouth’s main shopping areas. It is also close to the town centre and train station.
Boscombe Chine Gardens
Located near the shoreline of Boscombe Bay, just south of Bournemouth Pier, you’ll find a beautiful two-mile-long chine (gorge) with towering cliffs and a path that follows the flow of the river. The Boscombe Chine Gardens, maintained by a local conservancy group, offer visitors several opportunities for recreation. You can walk along the trail, climb down to a lower level to explore an underground tunnel or take an elevator down even further to see the river from below. The gardens are also home to many species of ferns and rare plants found only in southwest England.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog about The Most Iconic Things To Do In Bournemouth. If you are interested in learning more about student life abroad, the following should be of interest to you:
