If you’re looking for culture, head to the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery, where you can marvel at the Victorian grandeur of the building and the eclectic mix of art inside. For something a little more risqué, the annual Air Festival is the place to be – think fighter jets flying low over the beach and fireworks lighting up the night sky.
But let’s be real, the main attraction of Bournemouth is the beach. Miles of golden sand, candy floss stands, and arcades – what more could you want? Just don’t forget your sunscreen, or you’ll be joining the lobster-red tourists sizzling in the sun.
All in all, Bournemouth is a town that’s always buzzing with activity, whether it’s a game of beach volleyball or a stroll along the pier. Just watch out for the seagulls – they’re like the mafia around here.
- BH1 – Bournemouth town centre, Springbourne,
- East Cliff, Boscombe
- BH2 – Bournemouth town centre, West Cliff
- BH3 – Talbot Woods, Winton
- BH4 – Westbourne, Branksome Woods
- BH5 – Boscombe, Pokesdown
- BH6 – Southbourne, Tuckton, Wick
- BH7 – Littledown, Iford BH8 – Malmesbury Park, Charminster, Queens Park
- BH9 – Winton, Moordown, Throop
- BH10 – Kinson, Northbourne, Redhill
- BH11 – Kinson, Bearwood, West Howe, Wallisdown
- BH12 – Branksome, Alderney, Upper Parkstone
- BH13 – Canford Cliffs, Sandbanks, Branksome Park
- BH14 – Lower Parkstone, Lilliput, Penn Hill
- BH15 – Poole town centre, Hamworthy
- BH16 – Upton, Lytchett Minster, Lytchett Matravers
- BH17 – Canford Heath, Creekmoor, Poole town centre (part)
- BH18 – Broadstone
- BH19 – Swanage, Studland
- BH20 – Wareham, Wool, Bovington, Bere Regis
- BH21 – Wimborne, Corfe Mullen, Cranborne
- BH22 – Ferndown, West Moors, West Parley
- BH23 – Christchurch, Highcliffe, Burton
- BH24 – Ringwood, St. Ives, St. Leonards, Ashley Heath, Avon Castle
- BH25 – New Milton, Barton on Sea, Bashley, Hordle
Bournemouth Postcode map
Things to do in Bournemouth
Get your tan on at Bournemouth Beach. Pro tip: don’t forget to reapply sunscreen, unless you want to look like a boiled lobster.
Take a stroll down Bournemouth Pier, where you can enjoy carnival games, street performers, and dodgy caricature artists.
Check out the Oceanarium, where you can watch sharks and sea turtles glide past you in the underwater tunnel. Just don’t make eye contact with the eels.
Go wild at the Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, where you can see primates from around the world living in harmony. Just be prepared to have your pockets picked by a sneaky chimp.
Visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, where you can marvel at the opulent decor and the eclectic mix of art, from classical masterpieces to bizarre contemporary installations.
Play a round of golf at one of Bournemouth’s many courses, where you can putt your way through scenic landscapes and pretend you’re a pro.
Take a ride on the Bournemouth Balloon, where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the town and pretend you’re floating away to Neverland.
Get your adrenaline pumping with a zip line ride from the Bournemouth Pier to the beach. Just make sure you’re not wearing a skirt.
Go shopping in the town centre, where you can find everything from designer boutiques to tacky souvenir shops.
Indulge in some classic British cuisine, like fish and chips or a hearty Sunday roast. Just be prepared to unbutton your trousers afterwards.
Food Scene in Bournemouth
BH1: This postcode covers the town centre, where you can get a taste of the world without leaving the town. You’ll find more cuisines than you can shake a stick at, from Italian pasta to Chinese stir-fry, Indian curry to Japanese sushi. And if you’re in a rush, grab a quick bite at one of the many cafes and bakeries. You won’t go hungry in BH1!
BH2: This postcode covers the Lower Gardens and the beachfront, where you can indulge in some seafood goodness, get your fill of English pub grub, or enjoy a fancy meal at one of the posh restaurants. Feeling trendy? Check out the bars and cafes for some hipster vibes.
BH3: This postcode covers the West Cliff area, where you can find some exotic flavours to tickle your taste buds. Thai curry, Mediterranean mezze, Indian biryani…you name it, they’ve got it. Vegans and vegetarians won’t be left out either, and there are plenty of chain restaurants for those who like familiarity.
BH4: This postcode covers the Talbot Woods and Meyrick Park areas, where you can dine in style at a French bistro or a fine dining restaurant. But if you’re not feeling fancy, no worries. You can also find some cozy English pubs and cafes for a more laid-back experience.
BH5: This postcode covers the Boscombe area, where you can explore a variety of international cuisines, including Italian pizza, Mexican tacos, and Caribbean jerk chicken. Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with some dessert from one of the many bakeries and cafes.
BH6: This postcode covers the Southbourne area, where you can dine by the sea and enjoy some fresh seafood or grab a pint at a traditional English pub. But if you’re more of a coffee person, you’ll love the trendy cafes and ice cream parlours.
BH7: This postcode covers the Littledown and Iford areas, where you can enjoy some no-frills dining at pizza joints and fish and chip shops. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, try a new dish at one of the independent restaurants.
BH8: This postcode covers the Malmesbury Park and Charminster areas, where you can satisfy your cravings for Chinese takeout, Indian curry, or Turkish kebab. And if you’re in the mood for something familiar, there are plenty of chain restaurants to choose from.
BH9: This postcode covers the Winton area, where you can explore a range of cuisines, including Thai, Lebanese, and Italian. And if you’re feeling nostalgic, you can always head to one of the traditional English pubs or cafes for a comforting meal.
