Like a day at the beach? The nearest is just 300 metres away and many of them are dog-friendly. Walk just 12 minutes to the pretty Sandy Chines and enjoy pubs, ice cream parlours and a pirate-themed playground. Then pick from three cool, themed courses at Mr Mulligan’s adventure golf.
Meet over 150 species of fish at Oceanarium, including otters, penguins and crocodiles. Take in the channel views on a 500-foot Bournemouth Eye balloon flight. Tackle 28 indoor climbing challenges at RockReef and have a race up the speed wall. Or navigate three colour-coded caving tunnels with PierCave.
Want to see it all? Hop on and hop off the bus tour, picking from 18 stops offering buckets of seaside fun along the way. Or tag your mates at Laser Quest without the mess or nasty bruises. Or maybe you like the idea of an indoor aerial obstacle course suspended 20 feet in the air? Get down to HighLine.
Meet Peppa Pig at Paulton’s World. Walk the 140 acres and spot a variety of exotic and endangered animals at Marwell Zoo. Lose your grip on gravity in the Upside Down House. Ride the Littledown Railway and stick around for the duck pond, paddling pool and playground.
Plenty of multi-generational magic going on here. If you’re a hen party, you can stay on site for the glitter artist, the masseuse, a dance class or cupcake making. Or get a little risqué with a life-drawing class, or team a butler in the buff with our pro chefs from The Little Kitchen Company or Yhangry.
Arrive on the beach in style on PierZip, a 250-metre zip line taking you from pier to beach in seconds. Keep the daredevil theme going with the Leap of Faith challenge at RockReef, then explore the rocks, coves and shoreline on a coasteering challenge. Or chillax learning stand-up paddleboarding with Surf Steps.
Ever fancied visiting Guernsey? It’s just three hours away on the ferry and you can take your car for a lot less than you might think. Potter around the bars and bites of St Peter Port. Swim at Belvoir Bay, walk the Rousse headland, visit Victor Hugo’s house, and sunbathe at Saline Bay.
Shop Bournemouth’s quirky Victorian arcades. Hack around the New Forest with Bagnum Equestrian. Stick around for archery, crossbows, axe throwing and bushcraft skills with Insight Activities. Or see the purpose-built galleries at Russell-Cotes, a house gifted by an explorer to his wife, filled with exotic pieces from around the world.
