Along the south coast of England sits the city of Bournemouth, home to Bournemouth University. Bournemouth is a city that attracts many visitors each year and for good reason – it’s a beautiful place. There are so many great things to do in Bournemouth and if you’re coming to study here, you’ve made a great choice.
It may be a seaside city, but it doesn’t need to be sunny weather to have a great time here (but it does help!). The Dorset coastline is one of the best in Britain and there are a lot of great restaurants, bars, shopping and culture attractions to experience here. No matter where your student accommodation in Bournemouth is, there’s always something to do.
Want to know more about Bournemouth? Keep reading to find out 6 of our favourite things to do here.
1. Check out the Russell-Cotes Museum and Gallery
If you’re looking for a bit of culture in Bournemouth, look no further than the Russell-Cotes museum and gallery. This place isn’t just a museum, it’s a beautiful house from 1897 which was the house of Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes.
It’s one of the last authentic Victorian houses ever built, and you get to explore the rooms and gardens of it. There are four purpose-built art galleries here which display some of the best fine art in the country.
When you’re done inside, go for a walk around the ‘tropical gardens’ outside. It features a Victorian stone grotto and a Japanese garden and it makes for a fantastic day out.
2. Head Down to the Beaches
It’s impossible to come to Bournemouth and not hit up the beach, and there are plenty of great beaches for you to choose from. When the sunnier weather hits, they’re an amazing place to be, but they’re still special even in the rain. Luckily, most student flats in Bournemouth are only a short distance away from the beach, so you never have to travel far.
Bournemouth has seven miles of beaches for you to explore and along the shores and cliffs, they make for the most picturesque in the country. Hit up Hengistbury Head Beach for some gorgeous views and make sure to bring your bucket and spade!
3. Go to a Festival
Bournemouth loves to party and it’s the perfect place to be if you love festivals and live music. Year round, Bournemouth is host to some amazing UK festivals and there’s really something for everyone to enjoy.
Some of these festivals include the Arts by the Sea Festival, the Bournemouth Food and Drink Festival, the Red Arrows and so much more.
What’s best is that most of these events are free or at least have cheap entry, so you don’t have to miss out on the fun!
4. Explore Lower Gardens
Bournemouth has a lot of green spaces which is perfect when you live in a city and need somewhere to relax. The Lower Gardens are the perfect spot to come for a picnic, a jog or just a leisurely stroll.
It’s right by the main shopping centre in Bournemouth so you can enjoy nature as you do your shopping. There’s also the Upper and Central Gardens close by for you to enjoy, and they’re all equally beautiful.
Make sure to check out all three of them and decide for yourself which of them is your favourite!
5. Go Shopping
As well as a shopping centre, Bournemouth has a lot of great independent shops for you to check out. From vintage shops to craft stores and souvenir shops, there’s always somewhere to take a look at.
There are of course a lot of high-street classics available so you’re never far from your favourite brands. But the independent shops have a lot of great things on offer and can be a great place for gifts or decorations for your student accommodation.
No matter how many times you visit, you’ll always find more cute little shops and new items to take your fancy, so you’ll never get bored of it!
6. Get Some Drinks
As a student in Bournemouth, you’re going to go for drinks at some point. Lucky for you, there are plenty of great bars and clubs for you to visit here and make lasting memories with friends.
The Library of Liquor is a charming bar which you have to work to find. This hidden speakeasy serves up some fantastic drinks by bartenders who really know their stuff. It also has a wood-fired oven and has some incredible food on offer here too.
It’s truly one of the best bars in town and definitely worth visiting during your time as a student in Bournemouth.
Make Sure to Try Out These Great Things to do in Bournemouth
Bournemouth has a lot to offer students and when you come here, you’ll always find something to do. Whether you want to be amongst nature or live the city life, there’s something for you here.
Looking for great student accommodation in Bournemouth? Want to find student accommodation near Bournemouth University and the city centre? Talk to us and we can help you find the perfect place to call home.
