Visitors from all across the world descend upon Bournemouth throughout the year and the resorts main attraction is the seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches which are perfect for anyone choosing to spend their coach holidays here. The resort has been a popular holiday destination for centuries and this was evident in the 19th century where many people believed that their ailments could be cured at the seaside spa. Nowadays, the resort is popular for its outstanding parklands, shopping centres and amusements.
If it's a gorgeous sunny day, head to Bournemouth beach early so you can grab a perfect spot before the crowds come. Children and parents alike will fall in love with the beaches here because not only are they perfect for building sandcastles, they are clean to award-winning Blue Flag standard. You may even be lucky to spot a pod of dolphins playing in the surf! For a change of scenery, pack a picnic and find a suitable spot in one of the many parks and gardens to be found in the town. If you don't want to venture too far from the seafront, then Lower Gardens are for you but walk a bit further and you'll come across Boscombe Chine Gardens, Alum Chine and the beautiful Upper Gardens all at your disposal and looking to be explored.
No matter what the weather is like outside, you'll find a multitude of things to see and do whilst on your Bournemouth coach holiday. For something fun that the whole family will enjoy, instead of sticking to the amusements on one pier, why not walk from one to the other? Decide whether you wish to start at Bournemouth Pier or Boscombe Pier then throw on your walking shoes and step it out. You could even give yourself a time challenge and see if you can beat it! After all that walking, you'll need to replenish so have a traditional High Tea or a cool drink in one of Bournemouth's many hotels, restaurants and bars. Should the unpredictable British weather take a turn for the worse, no need to panic, have fun in the indoor pools at Splashdown, visit the Oceanarium near the pier or see top events at Bournemouth's International Centre. If variety is what you're looking for, a coach holiday in Bournemouth should suit you down to the ground!
Tours start from only £99 per person and each Bournemouth holiday package includes: return coach travel, accommodation in a quality hotel (except self-drive), meals and excursions depending on the duration of the tour.
Tourist office
For more information about visiting Bournemouth, visit the Official Tourism Website at bournemouth.co.uk
Bournemouth is a fabulous coastal resort that's perfect for everyone offering all manner of activities to keep the whole family entertained. How about these for some inspiration:
Bournemouth Aviation Museum
This new open air aviation museum has a selection of classic aircraft such as a Vulcan Bomber, Jaguar, a Vampire and a Meteor. With aircraft from pre and post-World War II, visitors can see the evolution of the British fighter jet. There is a chance to take a close look at some of the cockpits to see the conditions the pilots had to endure on a daily basis.
Bournemouth Pier
No trip to a UK seaside town is complete without a visit to the pier (if it has one)! and Bournemouth is no exception.With cafes and restaurants, Bournemouth Pier is a hotspot for holiday makers of all ages. In 2013, the pier will be undergoing a complete refurbishment where the building will be converted into an Adventure Sports attraction with a climbing wall, high ropes course and a surf training wave.
Oceanarium – The Bournemouth Aquarium
The Oceanarium in Bournemouth is the perfect attraction to visit year round. Go on a fascinating underwater exploration and see sharks, piranhas, lion fish, clown fish and rare sea turtles. Experience the Interactive Dive Cage where you will go on an underwater adventure without having to get wet! Wander through the impressive underwater tunnel and watch sharks, eels and other impressive fish float past you – see how many different varieties you can spot during your visit!
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
The home of two Victorian collectors Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum houses a remarkable collection of British art and exotic objects from their travels far afield. Children can complete a House Trail as they go around identifying various objects around the house.
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Bournemouth, please take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:
Health and Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended by all our tour operators and for some operators it is a condition of booking. When choosing a travel insurance please ensure it fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. As a British citizen you will obviously be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.
If you are visiting England from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from an EU country or Switzerland, you can use a valid EHIC issued by your home country to access healthcare. Please note this is not an alternative to travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for nationalities planning on visiting the UK.
For the latest information and travel advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), please click here
If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in the UK simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance.
Crime
The United Kingdom is a safe place to visit, however, as with all countries please exercise common sense. Petty crime can occur so take your usual precautions such as not leaving luggage unattended, beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and leave valuables in the hotel safe.
Local Laws and Customs
Queuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!
If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. If you go over your allowances, you may have to pay tax or duty. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel.
UK Entry Requirements
When travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you may need to show a Border Force officer a document confirming your identity. In most cases an official form of identification such as a driver's license or an armed forces identity card will be ok. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so please check before you travel.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents: a passport, an Irish passport card or a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one. The identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.
If you’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from. Please check here if a visa is required before you travel.