Cottages in Bournemouth

With its world-class beach and wealth of attractions for the whole family, Bournemouth is one of the UK’s top summer holiday destinations. How does a traditional English cottage sound in this most salubrious of towns? There are dozens of cottages to choose from in and around Bournemouth. Stay right slap bang in the centre next to the pier and footsteps from the vibrant nightlife, or choose from beachside rentals in the lovely Branksome park and Canford cliff areas in west Bournemouth. Or why not stay in one of the villages close to town? Christchurch boasts olde world charm and coastal nature reserves, and is only 15 minutes by car from the town centre.

Self-catering holiday cottages in Bournemouth suit all budgets and bring comfort, convenience and character. Large groups can choose from large cottages with up to eight bedrooms, some with extraordinary sea views over Pool Harbour and towards the Isle of Wight, while couples can find smaller hideaways that are tailor-made for unforgettable romantic breaks.

Bournemouth is buzzing with activities for you and your children. Never mind the kilometres of gorgeous sand, you can take your children to Oceanarium, with 12 themed environments bringing you face to face with penguins, stingrays, sharks, iguanas, Splashdown Waterpark where you can experience the thrill of haring down some of the UK's most exciting water flumes, and the multi award-winning Adventure Wonderland, featuring indoor and outdoor rides and attractions designed especially for kids from 3-10 years of age.

Bournemouth was recently voted in a major poll as the best beach in the UK and 14th best in the world! Nestled beneath magnificent cliffs, the beach spans a panoramic bay which enjoys its own micro-climate, the warmest sea temperatures in the country and wonderful views of the Isle of Wight beyond. Golden sand, fish and chips, ice creams, amusements and a blend of the Victorian, nostalgic feel with modern, cosmopolitan vibrancy all await you in this fabulous town.

Bournemouth offers one of the best party scenes in the country. The local’s favourite for food, drinks and laughter is Rubyz, which offers a delicious 3-course meal, really friendly staff and talented and hilarious performers. Your belly will ache from laughter! For cocktails, the highest rated venue in town is Be At One Cocktail Bar, where you can choose from 150 great cocktails, served with a smile and to a great soundtrack. Then head to the city’s top club, Le Chic, which boasts top notch VIP spaces to colour changing wallpapers and a regular rotation of top DJs from the UK and abroad. A particular favourite among stag and hen nights.

Take the early morning ferry from Sandbanks and spend the morning searching for ancient fossils at the Jurassic Coast, England's only Natural World Heritage Site. In the afternoon head for Corfe, Dorset's iconic medieval castle, which boasts breathtaking sea views.

Fisherman's Walk Cliff Lift takes beachgoers the 42 meters feet from clifftop to shore. Opened in 1935, it has ferried more than four million people to and from the beach! The top of the cliff offers lovely views of Poole Harbour.

Delight in the relaxed atmosphere of the forested river valley and sea views of Alum Chine. At its far end you reach a tropical garden with excellent facilities, a striking landscape design and glorious views.

Boasting three major venues in the Pavilion Theatre, the O2 Academy and BIC, Bournemouth is known as one of the best places for gigs and concerts in the UK. With its sublime Art Deco style, the Pavilion Theatre merits a visit even if there is no music on that day.

Science Zone is a new exciting science adventure for children. Come for the life-size dinosaurs, planetarium shows, dig for fossils and conduct explosive experiments. The highlight is the multi-sensory rooms with state-of-the-art interactive floor projections and sound-activated light panels.

Bournemouth’s top attraction, the pier boasts a wide selection of entertainment options and retail outlets. Follow your stroll around the pier by ziplining down to the beach. PierZip at the end of the pier is the first pier to shore zip wire in the world!

What child wouldn't want to sit at the controls of a real aircraft? With a fire engine, double decker bus and more than 20 planes, this museum makes for a great value afternoon out for the whole family. You can also try your hand at flying in a real flight simulator!