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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 easily find 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.
Things To Do In Bournemouth For International Students
1. Cycle The Bournemouth Promenade
When visiting Bournemouth attractions, it’s pretty impossible to miss the promenade! This huge stretch of tarmac runs from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head and is approximately 10 miles long. It’s all completely flat, which makes it perfect for strolling or cycling. You could take an early morning ride, or you can catch a glorious sunset in the evening.
With 1200 Beryl Bikes scattered around Bournemouth, you can pick one up anywhere between the Sandbanks ferry terminal to Hengistbury Head. And with Beryl Bays (designated parking spots) positioned at key attractions, transport hubs and workplaces throughout the city, you’ll always find a bike nearby. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to explore Bournemouth and its many attractions, then cycling the promenade is definitely the easiest way to get around.
2. Enjoy Coffee At Prom Cafe
Take a few steps back from the Pier, and you’ll find this gem. Located at the heart of Bournemouth’s award-winning seafront, the Prom Cafe is all students’ favourite spot to grab a bite to eat near the ocean. A huge bonus is that it has plenty of space inside, so you can enjoy a beachside bite without the fear of a downpour. With a 5-star food hygiene rating, the menu is packed with firm favourites, meaning you don’t have to stray far from the sand for fish ‘n’ chips, a pasty or a ’99. As well as light lunch and vegetarian options.
The cafe is open from 9 AM until late, seven days a week. So you can start the day with a full English, stock up with a coffee to go or stop by in the afternoon for a traditional cream tea. The food is fresh, delicious and well-priced. All takeaway items are served in recyclable packaging, which is extremely good for the environment. Also, they’re completely dog friendly too, so your four-legged friends will be made to feel as welcome as you do.
3. Smugglers Cove Crazy Golf
Smugglers Cove is located directly next door to Prom Cafe, at the foot of Bournemouth Pier, making it an ideal place to jump in and kill an hour on your Bournemouth trip. Smuggle your ball past treacherous rocks, church ruins and gravestones on this 18-hole course designed for all ages. They even have a downloadable Scorecard App if you don’t want to keep score using the traditional pencil and paper method.
4. Rock Reef (Rock-Climbing & Zip Line)
Rock Reef is an indoor rock-climbing complex and certainly one of the best things to do in Bournemouth. There are plenty of activities on offer, including the Clip ‘N Climb (28 individually themed climbing walls) and The Highline (an indoor aerial obstacle course), but the most recognisable is the Pier Zip, found at the end of Bournemouth Pier.
The PierZip is the first Pier shore Zip Wire experience in the world, with a launch platform towering above the sea, giving an exhilarating “zip surf” over the waves. Generally, the slots available to book are 1.5 hours. There is also an upstairs cafe with plenty of space for parents, guardians and students to sit and relax. From one side of the cafe, you can enjoy the outstanding views across the bay, and on the other side, you can enjoy watching all the action inside Rock Reef. Overall, one of the pricier things to do in Bournemouth but an exciting combination of fun, adventure, exercise and challenging activities.
These Bournemouth places to visit will give you the whole experience as a student living in this beautiful town, so check these places out on a weekend to unwind from university assignments and studies.
Which Are The Best Places To Visit In Bournemouth?
The first thing you’re going to need when looking for the best things to do in Bournemouth is picking affordable accommodation. There are many cute and cosy lodges on the seafront that are highly recommended. Located along Boscombe Promenade, just a 5-minute drive, 10-minute cycle, or 30-minute walk from Bournemouth Pier, Bournemouth Beach Lodges are ideal for those wanting a quiet yet centrally located stay. These residences offer stylish accommodation for up to four adults and two children, each with their own extensively equipped kitchen, toilet, shower room and WiFi. Some of the best places to visit in Bournemouth as an international student are listed below –
1. 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, and 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 about things to do in Bournemouth for students, you may enjoy taking a coastal walk through the Hegisbury Head and leaving 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 things to do in Bournemouth.
8. 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.
9. 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!
10. 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.
11. 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 to 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.
12. 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.
13. 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:
