If you are searching for an idyllic seaside destination to visit with the person you love, we’ve got just the right place for you. A picturesque coastal town in the UK, Bournemouth oozes charm on every turn. With its lush coastline, beautiful gardens, and brilliant nightlife scene, this English seaside resort has become a favorite weekend getaway destination for many couples. Â
Bournemouth is a great place to visit with that special someone. Whether you wish to enjoy stellar sunsets from the beach, visit gorgeous gardens, or spend the evening exploring a retro pier lined with arcades and attractions, there are plenty of romantic things to do for couples in Bournemouth.
To help you bring your romantic fantasies to life, we’ve rounded up a list of the nine best things to do in Bournemouth for couples.
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Smell the Flowers in the Lower Gardens
A walk in the park is one of the best ways to spend a pleasant time with your beloved one. Located just a 5-minute stroll from the pier and the main beach in Bournemouth, the Lower Gardens is a glorious park well-known for its colorful collection of floral displays. Couples can visit the aviary, smell the beautiful floral scents, and enjoy a stroll in the shade of cedars and pines. Make sure to check out the Pine Walk Bandstand and the park’s fabulous outdoor art exhibition.
There is no shortage of events in the Lower Gardens. If you are visiting in August, don’t miss the Candlelight Nights event where you can see tea lights arranged in different designs. In December, the gardens are home to Bournemouth’s ice rink. You and your partner can also catch a live music performance at the Pine Walk bandstand in the Lower Gardens.
Explore the Russell-Cotes Gallery Art Gallery & Museum
There are many reasons to visit Bournemouth with your significant other. One of the most romantic places to check out is the Russell-Cotes Gallery Art Gallery & Museum. This exotic seaside villa is actually one of the only surviving Victorian structures in Bournemouth. There is an epic love story behind this tourist attraction. Originally built by Merton Russell-Cotes as a birthday present for his wife, Annie Russell-Cotes, this fascinating house is a unique art gallery and a museum with beautiful exteriors.
Expect to see a personal collection of treasures the couple brought home from their travels and a remarkable collection of Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art. In other rooms, you will come across souvenirs gathered from their travels in Australia, Japan, and Russia. Outside, the serene cliff-top gardens offer stunning views of the surrounding area. For more information about the regular program of exhibitions, visit the museum’s official website.
Spend a Day at Bournemouth Beach
Bournemouth Beach is without a doubt one of the most popular places to visit in the town as a couple. With miles of golden sands, magnificent sea views, and top-class facilities, this family-friendly beach has everything you need for a memorable vacation in Bournemouth. Unwind with a refreshing drink in a beachfront bar, try beach sports, or enjoy breathtaking sunset views with your loved one.
It’s worth mentioning that Bournemouth Beach hosts many festivals and other events throughout the year. The annual Bournemouth Air Festival in August brings entertainment and plenty of shopping and dining options. If you are planning to visit the city in October, stop by the Arts by the Sea Festival to see fun attractions and beautiful installations. Looking for a romantic place to stay near the beach in Bournemouth? Our guide to the best accommodation in Bournemouth has got you covered!
Visit the Shelley Theatre
Welcome to the Shelley Theatre, a magical place to see film screenings, theatre productions, and other events. This 165-seat theatre was built in the 19th century for the author of Frankenstein, Mary Shelley. An interesting curiosity is a shutter in the bedroom of Lady Jane Shelley from which she would watch performances in privacy and comfort. Today, the shutter is used as the theatre’s projection booth.
After a change of ownership in 2010, the theatre was renovated. Nowadays, you can watch a production of “Frankenstein” here. Alongside the theater, you will find a performance space for dining, conference events, and cabaret shows. There is also a cool rehearsal space and a bright studio above the theatre worth checking out. To sum it all up, this mid-Victorian private theatre boasts beautiful décor and is a great spot to visit your partner while exploring the streets of Bournemouth.
Have a Memorable Dining Experience at the Urban Garden
There are many cool bars and clubs in Bournemouth worth visiting. One of our favorite places to grab a drink and enjoy local food delicacies is the Urban Garden. Located in the Lower Gardens in Bournemouth town center, this gorgeous outdoor dining destination in the treetops is an ideal spot for couples on vacation. With candles and twinkling lights, the Urban Garden’s tree-top terraces come to life in the evening.
Try the locally sourced coffee or order something from their extensive cocktail list. As for the food, this place sources local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients from suppliers in Dorset. The head chef, Ian, is in charge of preparing authentic dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. To check out the menu and reserve your table, visit the Urban Garden official site.
Enjoy Treatments at the Spa at Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel
Couples on vacation in Bournemouth can book a wellness day at the Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel. The property is home to a state-of-the-art spa center where you will find a lovely indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, spa pool, sauna, steam room, and five treatment rooms. There is a range of spa packages to choose from. Also, when you book a package, you get full access to the hotel’s health club and all of its superb amenities.
For instance, the Spa Luxury Break includes breakfast, dinner, choice of treatment (Swedish Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage, Taster Facial, Leg Massage, File and Polish Manicure or Pedicure), use of leisure facilities, and afternoon tea. This package will set you back £80 per person. The good news is that you don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to make a reservation at the Spa center. If you wish to get back home feeling relaxed and revitalized, a visit to the Spa at Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel together with your partner just might be what you need.
Get close to Penguins and Turtles at the Oceanarium
A visit to the Oceanarium is without a doubt one of the most fun things to do for couples in Bournemouth. Located on the seafront and just right to the pier, Bournemouth Oceanarium comprises more than 100 naturally themed zones. Stroll hand in hand and see sharks, clownfish, piranhas, and loggerhead turtles. You will also have an opportunity to see a colony of Humboldt penguins in their black and white tuxedos.
Visitors can look forward to getting close to over 75 creatures and checkout out interactive displays. There are also daily feeding presentations and talks, but make sure to check the official website for times. You can also enjoy a refreshing drink at the on-site Offshore Café. On your way out, treat your partner with a souvenir from The Cove gift shop.
Explore Bournemouth Pier
No visit to this fabulous seaside town is complete without going for a stroll along the Bournemouth Pier. It is the heart and soul of the town and one of the must-see tourist attractions. You and your partner will find a range of activities to enjoy. Visit the amusement arcade, try traditional English foods, and see live music and theatre performances.
Couples interested in adrenaline-packed activities will want to try the shore zip line and rock climbing at the Rock Reef, a magnificent indoor activity center. On Valentine’s Day, the pier is nicely decorated and offers a range of romantic activities for couples. The sea views from this Victorian Pier are breathtaking.
Visit the Smugglers Cove Crazy Golf
You will find Smugglers Cove Crazy Golf at the foot of Bournemouth Pier. This is definitely not your average golf course. An adventure that transports you back in time into the life of smugglers from the 18th century, this 18-hole course is designed for all ages and boasts a range of fun features. You will encounter a large waterfall feature, a blue shimmering lake, gloomy caves, bridges, and other themed obstacles.
If you don’t want to keep score by using pencil and paper, the golf course has a cool downloadable Scorecard App available to use. After you and your partner have finished golfing, stop by the Smugglers Cove gift shop where you will find everything from t-shirts and teddies to chocolate coins.