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Bournemouth Outdoor activities

Our most recommended Bournemouth Outdoor activities

From Bournemouth: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Trip

1. From Bournemouth: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Trip

Discover some of the most scenic coastline in southern England on a bus trip from Bournemouth. Travel along the famous Jurassic Coast, via Poole Harbour and Sandbanks, to experience the nation's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit both Lulworth Cove and the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door and get plenty of information and maps to help you along the way. Use the time to go for a light nature walk from Durdle Door over the hill to Lulworth Cove and get magnificent views from Hambury Tout. Spend the time at Lulworth Cove if you prefer to give your legs a rest and get a beautiful view of the arch on an optional boat ride from the beach, at your own expense. Benefit from a map highlighting the main features, or feel free to follow your own nose and explore independently. Find a nice cafe or restaurant in the village of West Lulworth or avail of the small shop in the holiday park at Durdle Door.

Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise

2. Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise

Take a cruise around Europe's largest natural harbor, home to the town of Poole, the golden beaches of Sandbanks and Brownsea Island. From either open deck seating or comfortable saloon you will see stunning views of the exceptional landscape that surrounds it. Your 70 minute trip will start on charming Poole Quay with its old buildings and buzzing atmosphere.  Next you will go past Brownsea Island, home to wildlife and picturesque Brownsea Castle, built to protect against French invasions. After that comes the Sandbanks Peninsula and the luxurious houses of the ‘Golden Mile’. Then you will tour the great natural expanse of the harbor and the remaining islands: Green, Furzey, Long and Round. Fronting onto beautiful scenery it helped inspire classics like Lord of the Rings and Gulliver's Travel. 

Bournemouth: Seaside Hop-on Hop-off Tour

3. Bournemouth: Seaside Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Experience the beautiful British coastline with the Bournemouth hop-on hop-off tour. Ride an open-top double-decker tour bus on a 1.5-hour loop through the Dorset coastline to discover the beautiful seaside towns of Bournemouth and Poole. Stop at Poole Quay and explore the variety of shops, parks, restaurants, and theatres, as well as buzzing nightlife. The onboard commentary points out the main sights and attractions of each city, all accessible from the 22 conveniently located stops along the bus route. There are plenty of things to do in Bournemouth and Poole. A double-decker bus is a perfect way to explore the picturesque British seaside and the phenomenal beaches, parks, and shops of Bournemouth and Poole are all easily accessible from the tour route's wandering path down the coastline. Bournemouth Tour Stops: A. Bournemouth Station - Stand K A. East Overcliff Drive 1. Bournemouth Pier - Behind Hot Rocks 2. Bournemouth Square - Gervis Place Stand X 3. West Cliff 4. West Overcliff Drive 5. Westbourne 6. Branksome Chine 7. Canford Cliffs 8. Flaghead Chine 9. Sandbanks Beach 10. Sandbanks Beach 11. Sandbanks Peninsular 12. Sandbanks Beach 13. Sandbanks Beach 14. Lilliput Village 15. Whitecliff 16. Poole Park - The Ark 17. Poole Park - The Kitchen 18. Poole Quay & Old Town 19. Baiter Park 20. Poole Park 21. Ashley Cross 22. Westbourne 23. Poole Road 24. Bournemouth Square 25. Bournemouth Pier

Other Sightseeing Options in Bournemouth

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What people are saying about Bournemouth

An excellent cruise of Poole Harbour, helped by super weather. The price is really good, and we had all the islands pointed out to us. I can thoroughly recommend this cruise.

Really great excursion. Beautiful surroundings and interesting facts about Poole Harbour and surrounding area. Would highly recommend.

Lovely tour of the harbour and nearby islands. Lots of relevant information. Free hot drink and mince pie included.

Fantastic trip for minimal money. Great knowledgeable skipper guiding you around all the islands of the harbour

Great time out although the Red Boat Kiosk is no longer Red! Look forward City Cruises!