48 hours in Bournemouth

By South Western Railway March 31, 2025 5 min read

In this article, you'll learn the following:

Day one: see Bournemouth’s sights
Day two: explore the great outdoors
Travel to Bournemouth with SWR

If you’re looking for a coastal escape, Bournemouth should be at the top of your list. With seven miles of award-winning beaches, classic seaside attractions and plenty of great places to eat, drink and shop, it’s a popular choice for families, couples and solo travellers. Read on to plan your Bournemouth weekend itinerary.

Day one: see Bournemouth’s sights

Bournemouth park

Spend your first day exploring the top Bournemouth attractions, from museums and galleries to Boscombe Pier and the best shops, cafés and restaurants in town.

1. Enjoy a hearty breakfast

Set yourself up for your first day exploring Bournemouth with a delicious breakfast at a local café. While there are plenty of options to choose from, we recommend heading along the beach to Boscombe where you’ll find Urban Reef. Grab a table on the sun deck and admire the coastal views as you tuck into a hearty breakfast.

2. Take a morning stroll along Boscombe Pier

After breakfast, take a walk along Boscombe Pier. Boasting some of the best seascapes, take in the sea air and watch the surfers. If you feel inspired to get in the water and take part in Bournemouth’s beach activities, head to Sorted Surf Shop - a three-minute walk from the pier. Here you can buy or hire the kit you need and even book some surfing lessons for day two!

3. Explore Bournemouth’s shops and cafés

Bournemouth’s shopping districts include the coastal villages of Boscombe, Southbourne and Westbourne, where you’ll find quirky shops and bustling cafés. Wander through the Victorian-era Westbourne Arcade to browse a range of independent shops, stop for a coffee or light lunch, and admire the Gothic-style architecture.

4. Visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

After recharging your batteries at lunch, it’s time to explore one of the best Bournemouth cultural spots – the Russell-Cotes Museum. The museum is known for its eclectic architecture, interiors and impressive art collection, which includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics and more. You can easily spend a whole afternoon here! If you’re visiting on a sunny day, take a stroll through the gardens overlooking the sea.

SWR Rewards customers can get 50% off entry to Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum.

5. Head for dinner at one of Bournemouth’s best restaurants

The town’s thriving culinary scene caters to every taste and budget. Some of the top Bournemouth dining experiences include:

Arbor – the seasonally changing menu spotlights locally-sourced ingredients, and the bright, airy dining room makes for the perfect dinner setting.

1805 – expect traditional Chinese dishes with a twist at this contemporary restaurant.

The Crab – one of Bournemouth’s best seafood restaurants, located right by the pier.

Day two: explore the great outdoors

Bournemouth pier

Bournemouth and the surrounding area are home to some of Dorset’s best beaches, so spend your second day in the great outdoors! From exploring the best Bournemouth cycling routes and walks to visiting the idyllic beach huts on the seafront, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in nature here.

1. Spend the morning at Bournemouth beach

Visiting the beach is one of the top things to do in Bournemouth, and the ideal place to start your second day. Walk, run or cycle along the bay for the best views of the coast. SWR Rewards customers can enjoy 25% off when hiring Beryl Bikes – the perfect way to explore the seafront!

On a clear day, you’ll get stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Jurassic Coast. Feeling brave? Go for a dip in the sea or enjoy some of the watersports on offer, from paddleboarding to surfing.

2. Soar to new heights at PierZip

Looking for family-friendly activities in Bournemouth? RockReef’s PierZip is the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire, stretching over 250 metres. The dual zip line lets you ride with family and friends, so why not challenge them to a race? You’ll soar 25 metres above the waves – a truly thrilling experience!

SWR Rewards customers can get 15% off at RockReef PierZip.

3. Relax at a beach hut or seafront hotel

After an active morning, rent out a beach hut to spend the afternoon unwinding in a deckchair. Visit the council’s website for more information about beach hut hire.

Alternatively, book a beachfront hotel where you can stay the night and wake up to the soothing sounds of waves hitting the shore, then spend the afternoon relaxing on the terrace. SWR customers can save on an overnight break for two in Bournemouth, or book a two-night hotel stay with our exclusive offer.

4. Take a boat trip

CityCruises offers a sunset cruise from Poole – a 12-minute train ride from Bournemouth. Sit back and watch the sun set over the English Channel – a picture-perfect end to your stay in Bournemouth. During the 1.5-hour excursion, you’ll sail past some of the area’s most beautiful sights, including Brownsea Castle, Sandbanks, Studland Bay and Old Harry Rocks.

If you’d prefer a daytime cruise, SWR Rewards customers can save 22% on the Afternoon Tea Cruise with Bottomless Prosecco aboard the Dorset Queen.

5. Grab fish and chips for dinner

End the night with some delicious fish and chips from one of these spots in Bournemouth, and enjoy them on the promenade for a proper British seaside experience:

Sunny’s

The Fry Inn

Chez Fred

Fishtales

Barnacles

Travel to Bournemouth with SWR

It’s easy to get to Bournemouth on our network, whether you’re travelling from London or other locations across the South West. We offer a range of ticket types to suit every journey, including Advance, Semi-Flex return and Sunday Out tickets. If you’re travelling with family or friends, take advantage of our GroupSave offers, and don’t forget to check your eligibility for Railcards and discounts to save even more!

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