Things To Do

13 Great Things to Do in Poole & Bournemouth

Curated by . Last updated on 26th January 2024 10:22am.

13 Great Things to Do in Poole & Bournemouth

Planning a trip to Poole and Bournemouth and wondering what activities and attractions to include in your itinerary? Look no further! This list of the top things to do in Poole and Bournemouth will help you make the most of your visit and create unforgettable memories. From stunning beaches to historical landmarks, there’s something for everyone in these vibrant coastal towns.


1. Farmer Palmers Farm Park Poole

Facilities include:
Things To Do In Poole: Farmer Palmers Farm Park

Great value family fun on the farm, Farmer Palmers is specifically designed for small children and is the perfect place to explore with your little ones.

Farmer Palmers is a fantastic family day out, focused exclusively on you and your little VIPs. If you are looking for an animal park or a zoo Bournemouth or Poole-based, the farm is one of the best things to do locally for children aged 0-8, and has recently opened the world's first 'World of Dinosaur Roar!' trail.

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 01202 622022  shop@farmerpalmers.co.uk  


2. Open Art Night Boscombe

Online Art Gallery Open Art Night Events Trade Stands at Our Events
Things To Do In Poole: Open Art Night

Open Art Night Online Gallery And Events Business.

Open Art Night is the vision of Paul who is an artist and wanted to create a new wave of art gatherings on a monthly basis. The evening gives artists a place to exhibit their work and meet other local creatives each month. It is an exciting new way to become established in the art world, make new friends and network.

This is a new business and is being created by Paul. Single handedly he is driven to deliver something new in the art world that works for both artists and customers.

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 07849391799  openartnight@outlook.com  


3. Mr Mulligans Adventure Golf Bournemouth

Packages: Offers:
Things To Do In Poole: Mr Mulligans Adventure Golf

One of the top attractions Bournemouth has to offer with something for everyone, whether you’re a child or big kid at heart.  Mr Mulligans has two gigantic adventure golf courses, a terrific bar, and a restaurant — bring on the fun!

Adventure Leisure, the country's leading operator of indoor and outdoor leisure venues, owns the venue. Fun for the entire family and for people of all ages is the heart of their business ethos.

They currently have 12 adventure golf courses in England and continue to acquire new premises as part of an ambitious expansion plan.

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 01202 837850  info.bournemouth@mrmulligan.com  


4. Upton Country Park Poole

Spurrier’s Play Park and Park Grounds The Tea Rooms & Walled Gardens Events and Venue Hire
Things To Do In Poole: Upton Country Park

This popular historical country estate and accompanying listed Georgian mansion house is a top park Poole-based, and has something to keep everyone entertained, young and old.

One of the top things to do in Poole, Upton has won many awards, including Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award 2020, Green Flag Award from Green Flag Heritage, Dorset Tourism Awards 2020 and South West England Tourism Excellence Awards 2020/2021 Commended.

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 01202 127770  uptoncountrypark@bcpcouncil.gov.uk  


5. Create At Upton Country Park Poole

Decopatch, Build Anywhere Bear Kit, Self-led Craft Kits, Sand Art Model Making, Paint Your Own Pottery, Painting and Colouring Gift Vouchers, Corporate Groups, Birthday Parties
Things To Do In Poole: Create At Upton Country Park

Located opposite the main tea rooms, Create at Upton Park as some crafty fun for all pursuasions.

Create at Upton Country Park is located in Poole, Dorset, in the middle of the magnificent Upton Country Park. It is one-of-a-kind attraction that provides visitors with a quiet spot to sit with family and friends to unwind and chill-out for a bit. Choose from an exciting range of innovative self-led activities for ages 4 to adult – all available under one roof.

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 07907 353821  createatuptoncountrypark@outlook.com  


6. Moors Valley Country Park and Forest Ashley Heath

For families: For everyone else:
Things To Do In Poole: Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

One of the country’s best rural recreational facilities, with each unique visit bringing out the explorer in everyone.

Dorset Council employs a team of Rangers to look after the Park and Visitor Centre. Forestry England manages 8,000 hectares of woodland and heath between Dorset and Surrey, which includes the forest in Moors Valley.

Visit England Awards for Excellence 2018: Bronze for Large Visitor Attraction Of The Year. With over 750,000 visitors a year, it is a very popular park Poole and Bournemouth-based.

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 01425 470721  rangers@moors-valley.co.uk  


7. Professional Rescue Academy Poole

A Professional Rescue Academy services provider to first responders. One of the top things to do in Poole, we’re also very pleased to cater for the recreational boater new to powerboating.  At Cobbs Quay, we also help develop powerboating skills with RYA Powerboat courses for knowledge and competency in powerboat driving (including on your own craft). We provide diverse services which include sales of ASAP Jet Boards and Drone Aerial Services and Video Production – these give additional opportunities to use our skillsets for different purposes.


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8. Visit the beautiful beaches

One of the top things to do in Poole and Bournemouth is to visit the beautiful beaches. With miles of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, these beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports. Whether you prefer the bustling atmosphere of Bournemouth Beach or the tranquil shores of Sandbanks Beach in Poole, you're guaranteed to have a relaxing and enjoyable time by the sea. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen and beach towel!


9. Explore the historic Poole Harbour

A must-visit attraction in Poole is the historic Poole Harbour. As one of the largest natural harbours in the world, it offers stunning views and a rich maritime history. Take a leisurely stroll along the quayside and admire the beautiful boats and yachts, or hop on a boat tour to explore the harbour and its surrounding islands. You can also visit the Poole Harbour Museum to learn more about the area's maritime heritage. Don't forget to stop by one of the waterfront restaurants or cafes for a delicious meal with a view.


10. Take a stroll along Bournemouth Pier

Bournemouth Pier is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting the area. Take a leisurely stroll along the pier and enjoy the stunning views of the coastline. You can also try your hand at some of the fun activities available, such as mini-golf or zip-lining. If you're feeling hungry, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes along the pier where you can grab a bite to eat. Don't forget to take in the beautiful sunset from the pier, it's a sight you won't want to miss.


11. Discover the stunning Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see for nature lovers. Stretching for 95 miles along the coast, it is known for its stunning cliffs, rock formations, and fossil-rich beaches. Take a walk along the coastal path and marvel at the natural beauty of the area. You can also join a guided fossil hunting tour and try your luck at finding some ancient treasures. Don't forget to bring your camera, as the views along the Jurassic Coast are truly breathtaking.


12. Visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is a hidden gem in Bournemouth. Housed in a beautiful Victorian villa, this museum showcases a diverse collection of art and artifacts from around the world. Explore the stunning galleries filled with paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, and learn about the fascinating history of the Russell-Cotes family. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, so there's always something new to discover. Don't miss the chance to visit this cultural treasure during your trip to Poole and Bournemouth.


13. Take a boat trip to Brownsea Island and spot wildlife

Another must-do activity in Poole is taking a boat trip to Brownsea Island. This beautiful nature reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, peacocks, and a wide range of bird species. As you explore the island, you can follow the walking trails and discover its diverse habitats, from woodlands to heathlands. Make sure to bring your binoculars and camera to capture the stunning views and unique wildlife encounters. Brownsea Island is also known for its rich history, with a castle and a church dating back centuries. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the island's past while immersing yourself in its natural beauty.


Additional Resources

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That’s the end of our list, thank you for reading '13 Great Things to Do in Poole & Bournemouth'. Do you know of any information we could add or have missed from this article? Feel free to get in touch and let us know.


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