When the sun’s not shining kids will love this large indoor soft play centre with bowling alley, adventure golf and pool table.  American diner style restaurant serving with kids menu also on site.

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Become immersed in the grandeur of what is one of the last truly Victorian houses to be built in England and today houses the Russell cotes Gallery with a multitude to stunning artwork to view.  Outside visitors can wander round the beautiful gardens complete with the original Japenese garden, fish ponds and fountains.

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Leave your car at your holiday property and explore the area by pedal power with this friendly and experienced bike hire company on Bournemouth seafront.  A fleet of cruisers, mountain bikes, tandems and kids bikes are available in a range of sizes and the shop also arranged guided bicycle tours of the area .

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Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre and Ballroom is Bournemouth’s stunning Art Deco theatre providing year-round entertainment. Built in the 1920s, this vintage theatre retains its original and elegant styling and is home to touring West End stage shows, Opera, Ballet, Pantomime, Comedy and concerts. 

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An 18 hole mini course is at the heart of the lower gardens between Bournemouth pier and the main town centre. The course includes 12 accessible holes which are fun for all the family

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A small family run Vietnamese restaurant with welcoming staff and an authentic menu. 

Eat Pho 210 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH1 1PD (T: 01202 021078)

2AA Rosette casual fine dining restaurant, with seasonal menus relying heavily on high quality local ingredients.  Open all day for relaxed dining in peaceful surroundings.

Arbor, The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth BH1 3AX (T: 01202 498900)

Light and bright family run Italian restaurant where the vesper inspired seating and iPad bar are a huge hit with all the family.  The perfect casual surroundings to enjoy the tastes of Italy including wood fired pizzas, delicious pasta and risotto and a great kids menu. 

El Murrino 154 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH1 2LZ

Bustling coffee shop with a bohemian vibe serving ethically sourced speciality coffee and delicious, super healthy home cooked food.  Sister café to Boscanova.

South Coast Roast 24 Richmond Hill Bournemouth BH2 6EJ (T: 01202 551 197)

In prime location just a stone’s throw from the beach, this large, glass fronted modern restaurant suits any occasion from cocktails on the terrace, a light bite or three course dinner.  Expect brasserie style menu options and sharing platters with a focus on quality local meat and fresh fish. 

Neo Restaurant Exeter Road, Bournemouth BH2 5AH (T: 01202 203610)

Nestled beneath stunning cliffs, Bournemouth Beach (also known as Bournemouth Central Beach) is the popular stretch of sand to the east and west of Bournemouth Pier. Enjoying its own micro-climate with some of the warmest sea waters in the UK, and with spectacular views of the Isle of Wight, this is one of the busiest parts of the full seven-mile stretch of sandy beaches that run along the Bournemouth coastline.

Easy walking distance from the shops, bars and restaurants in the centre of Bournemouth, there are lots of things to do here too, from the selection of rides, amusements and boat trips that depart from Bournemouth Pier, to the shore zip wire, to a refreshing paddle in the waves, or a spell relaxing in the sunshine on a deckchair. Bournemouth Oceanarium is also located on the seafront, as are many bars, cafes and restaurants to suit every taste.

A Land Train runs along the promenade from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier, or to Alum Chine - perfect for children or anyone else who wants to save their legs whilst enjoying views of the beach.

Dogs are not permitted on this stretch of beach, but are allowed on a lead on the promenade.

Boscombe is a popular family beach with plenty of sand, and a small pier with extensive facilities including a children’s play area, several seafront shops and cafés, crazy golf, plenty of parking and a safe traffic free area perfect for cycling and scooters.

Alum Chine is a wide sandy beach with a paddling pool and large adventure playground, making it the perfect beach to visit if you have young children in tow.

Meanwhile, the scenic sub-tropical gardens behind the beach with stunning views out to the Solent are a big draw for the older visitor. Due to the mild micro-climate along this stretch of the south coast, it's possible to grow many exotic species successfully. 

The beach also boasts Blue Flag status, beach huts for hire and a large car park, as well as a regular bus service to and from Bournemouth Centre. The popular Land Train also links Alum Chine with other beaches along the long sandy stretch of Bournemouth seafront.

There's a popular family-friendly Italian restaurant, Vesuvio, and many ice cream vendors to keep you refreshed during the day.

A variety of watersports are available here including kayaking/canoeing, fishing, swimming, sailing and windsurfing.

Dogs are allowed on parts of the beach throughout the year although they are banned from certain areas - check local signage for details.

Branksome Beach is a wide, golden stretch of sand popular among locals and visitors alike, in part due to its Blue Flag status which highlights high standards of cleanliness on the beach and in the bathing waters.

The beach benefits from a promenade behind and many facilities including beach huts, shop, bar and restaurant. There is also good disabled access and a safe swim zone.

Watersports include swimming and windsurfing and there is lifeguard cover in the summer months.

Dogs are not allowed on the main beach from the 1st May - 30th September, however they are allowed on the promenade on a short lead.

A beautifully quiet and tranquil stretch of golden sandy beach where you can enjoy a swim in crystal clear waters or relax in the sunshine on the soft sand with a picnic and a book. Apart from toilets on the promenade, there are no facilities at the beach itself but the shops, bars and restaurants of Canford Cliffs are within easy walking distance.