On the south coast of England, Bournemouth is a popular destination for anyone in need of a break by the sea and is a perfect spot for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
With its stunning beaches, charming gardens, vibrant arts scene, and a plethora of delightful dining options, Bournemouth offers a wide array of activities to ensure that you’ll have a fun time here.
Whether you’re planning a weekend retreat or a longer vacation, here are some of the most enchanting things to do in Bournemouth for couples.
1. Have a day by the beach
Bournemouth is renowned for its seven miles of golden sandy beaches, and taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline is an ideal way for couples to spend a relaxing couple of hours.
With the soothing sound of waves lapping at your feet and the sun setting over the horizon, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic walk hand in hand.
You can also plan a chilled-out day at the beach, especially when the sun’s out. Throw down a couple of towels, sunbathe, read a book, or play a couple of beach games together.
If the sea isn’t too cold, or if you’re brave enough to face it nonetheless, you can always take a dip in the water too.
If you want to take a trip out a little further west along the coast, you can find Sandbanks Beach, a gorgeous stretch of sand that makes for a great spot to spend time.
2. Spend time on the pier
Bournemouth Pier is the main attraction for many visitors to the town. Pointing straight out to sea, it’s a great place to base yourself for a romantic day out in Bournemouth.
Admire the views from the end of the pier, enjoy food or drink from one of the cafes or restaurants located on it, or, for a more action-packed adventure, try some of the other attractions.
This includes various adrenaline activities like a vertical slide and an indoor obstacle course located 20 feet in the air.
3. Try out the PierZip
One of the must-try activities at Bournemouth Pier is the PierZip, a pier-to-shore zip wire that spans 250 metres.
Along with the outstanding views you get during the descent, the best feature of PierZip is that it’s a dual zip line, meaning you can race each other to the bottom.
Starting from a platform 25 metres above the sea, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of Bournemouth and its coastline before making your exhilarating journey down.
4. Explore the Bournemouth Gardens
The Lower, Central, and Upper Gardens are a series of beautifully landscaped gardens that meander through the heart of Bournemouth.
These gardens are perfect for a tranquil afternoon stroll, where you can admire the vibrant flowers, mature trees, and picturesque water features.
Don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy in the shade of the gardens or along the River Bourne as it heads down to the sea.
5. Visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Art-loving couples looking for romantic date ideas in Bournemouth will find the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum a captivating destination.
The museum houses an extensive collection of Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art, decorative objects, and historical artefacts.
Wander through the opulent rooms, hand in hand, as you soak in the art and culture, or enjoy an afternoon tea with a coastal view from the cafe terrace.
6. See the Upside Down House
One of the more unusual things to do in Bournemouth for couples is to to visit the amusing and bewildering Upside Down House.
Introduced in 2018, this curious attraction is the UK’s first inverted experience, where you can walk around on the ceiling of this bizarre house.
It’s a great place to take unique photos to share on socials as you explore this crazy and memorable experience.
7. Take a romantic cruise
For one of the more classically romantic things to do in Bournemouth, consider setting sail on a romantic cruise along the coastline.
You can go on cruises during the day and the evening, where you can enjoy each other’s company while basking in the sea breeze and enjoying the different perspective of the beautiful Dorset coastline.
Some evening cruises are also themed, so you’ll be able to have a night out on the water and even dance together onboard.
8. Explore Hengistbury Head
For couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, taking a trip just to the east of Bournemouth for a visit to Hengistbury Head is a must.
This stunning nature reserve offers hiking trails with breathtaking vistas of the coastline, making it an ideal spot for a picnic and a memorable day outdoors.
You can find more information at the visitor centre, as well as a cafe, before heading out into the stunning coastal landscapes.
9. Look around the Oceanarium
Located near the pier, the Oceanarium is one of the best places to visit in Bournemouth, especially for animal-loving couples.
This fantastic aquarium is home to a range of wonderful creatures, from sharks and stingrays to penguins and crocodiles.
For an even more memorable visit here, you can book a range of animal experiences where you can get up close with some of the inhabitants of the Oceanarium, such as feeding turtles, otters, and even sharks!
10. Attend a theatre performance
Opening in 1929, Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre has long been a key venue in the town and is still a great place to look for a fun night out.
This Art Deco theatre provides entertainment all year round, including comedy nights, touring West End stage shows, ballet, and pantomime.
Located right near the Lower Gardens and not far from the pier, it’s perfectly situated if you’re planning a date night in Bournemouth.
Days out from Bournemouth for couples
If you don’t mind travelling a bit further afield, it’s possible to explore more beautiful parts of south-west England and see some of it’s best attractions as part of a day trip out from Bournemouth.
1. Cheddar
Explore the many fun things to do in Cheddar, such as visiting the stunning Cheddar Gorge or tasting some of the local cave-aged cheddar cheese.
While you’re in the area, you can discover some of the other amazing things to do in Somerset for couples, such as looking around Glastonbury or visiting the the fascinating caves at Wookey Hole.
2. Stonehenge
Depending on where you’re travelling from, it may be surprisingly easy to stop by Stonehenge.
Being one of the most famous landmarks in the UK, a trip should certainly be on your bucketlist of places to visit.
3. Salisbury
Along with Stonehenge, another of the best things to do in Wiltshire for couples is to have a day out in Salisbury.
Along with having one of the most beautiful cathedrals in England, this stunning city has picturesque medieval streets, a market, and a great range of independent shops that you can spend time browsing.
