What To Do In And Around Bournemouth, Dorset, England
With 7 miles of golden sandy beaches, the cosmopolitan town of Bournemouth is packed with exciting and fun things to do. The UK’s ultimate beach resort offers many exciting attractions, wonderful shops and restaurants, beautiful gardens, fun events, endless water sports and a buzzing nightlife. Enjoy concerts at the Bournemouth International Centre, see treasures at Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum and take scenic stroll along the Bournemouth Pier!
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Introducing Outdooractive
Outdooractive is the go to place for anyone who loves spending time outdoors – whatever the weather.
The links below will take you to collections of walking and cycling routes in Bournemouth and the surrounding New Forest and Dorset Countryside.
There’s also a whole collection dedicated to Accessible Routes in and around the Bournemouth, Dorset area.
Take a look and get some inspiration for your next visit!
SHAKA SURF - BRANKSOME BEACH
Based on one of the UK’s most beautiful sandy beaches at Branksome Dene in Poole Bay, Shaka Surf (the only Surfing England Accredited surf school on the south coast) is perfectly located for all ages and abilities to have fun in the water – paddle boarding, surfing, kayaking, corporate events, parties, games and much, much more! With parking close to the beach, and amenities at a very short stroll, we’re blessed with an idyllic base on the UK’s popular south coast.
The Marsham Court has a Beach Wheelchair for hotel guests to use Free of Charge – please enquire with Reception.
Various accessible events are organised in the Summer season – please enquire direct with Shaka Surf for more information.
Branksome Dene is also a dog-friendly beach all year round.
Discounts are available for hotel guests – please ask at Reception.
20% OFF - COASTAL CRUISES
Explore the Beauty of Poole Harbour and it’s stunning islands!
Set sail on a breathtaking journey through Poole Harbour, one of the world’s largest natural harbours. The Poole Harbour & Island Circular Cruise offers a unique opportunity to soak in spectacular coastal views, learn about the region’s rich history, and witness the beauty of its famous islands.
Jurassic Coast Cruise from Poole – A Spectacular Coastal Adventure!
Embark on a stunning journey along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a scenic cruise departing from Poole Harbour. This unforgettable voyage takes you past some of England’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes, rich in history, geology, and wildlife.
20% off Harbour and Jurassic Cruises when you book online using promo code ‘Marsham20’ at checkout.
JURASSIC JAUNTS
Set off for a day out around the Jurassic Coast and take in a scenic journey around the sights and villages of the Isle of Purbeck.
Some short walks will enhance the experience even further so take your time and click below for a suggested route that is perfect for all ages.
Jurassic Jaunts are specialists in organising Jurassic Experiences be it a personal tour, walks, talks or holiday planning services.
Marsham Court guests can benefit from 10% off Half and Full Day Jurassic Coast Tours and hotel pick up can be arranged – visit the website for further details or call 07790 474478 to book.
£1 OFF TICKETS AT HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE
A Venue Steeped in History and Elegance Built in the 1830s by the esteemed Lord Stuart de Rothesay, Highcliffe Castle is a Grade I listed masterpiece designed with entertainment in mind.
Its distinctive Gothic Revival features, intricate medieval and renaissance stone carvings, and unique architectural details make it one-of-a-kind. As the only restored castle in the Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch area, Highcliffe Castle is steeped in history and offers a truly exclusive experience.
An Unrivalled Coastal Setting With its commanding clifftop location, the Castle boasts breathtaking views over Christchurch Bay, with direct access to the beach and surrounding woodlands.
15%OFF - ROCK REEF & PIER ZIP
This Indoor Activity Attraction is located at the end of Bournemouth Pier. RockReef is an all year, all weather attraction based on adventure sports and includes 27 Clip ’N Climb fun, themed, indoor climbing walls providing varying degrees of exciting challenges suitable for all abilities and all ages from 4-94!.
There is a 15% discount on Clip n Climb and Pier Zip for Marsham Court guests. Pre-book and use code MCH24.
Full accessible information is available on the website.
20% OFF - BOURNEMOUTH AQUARIUM
The Oceanarium is home to all your favourite sea creatures. From flamboyant clownfish and tiny terrapins, to amazing sharks and piranhas, thisAquarium is an ideal learning environment to discover the range of aquatic creatures and habitats linked to elements of theNational Curriculum. Immerse yourself in a sea of colour with eleven spectacular recreated environments and bring learning to live with plasma screen documentaries, interpretation boards and the world’s first Interactive Dive Cage.
Fully accessible – more information available on the website.
20% OFF - SMUGGLERS COVE ADVENTURE GOLF
Come and embark on a journey and be taken back in time to live the life of a smuggler. With 18 holes of action-packed adventure, experience Bournemouth’s past as you smuggle your ball past treacherous rocks, church ruins and waterfalls. Packed with challenges, the themed course is perfect for some friendly family rivalry. Bournemouth Seafront provides the perfect backdrop for a smuggler, so pop down and see if you have what it takes!
All the golf holes can be accessed and played by anyone in a wheelchair. Should you require any specific information regarding accessibility please do not hesitate to contact us before your visit. Nearest disabled parking is Bath Road Car Park (BH1 2EW) and disabled toilets nearby at Bournemouth Pier. Please ask the team to borrow a radar key for access.
50p off TICKETS - RUSSELL COTES MUSEUM
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is one of the most important and fascinating museum- houses in England. This MLA (Museum, Libraries, and Archives) accredited museum features collections of international status and reflects the Victorian fascination with world cultures. While touring the museum, enjoy food and drink at the museum café or relax in the museum garden with a freshly prepared picnic lunch.
The museum is committed to being as accessible as possible within the constraints of a historic building. Full information can be found on the website.
ROCK REEF & PIER ZIP
This Indoor Activity Attraction is located at the end of Bournemouth Pier. RockReef is an all year, all weather attraction based on adventure sports and includes 27 Clip ’N Climb fun, themed, indoor climbing walls providing varying degrees of exciting challenges suitable for all abilities and all ages from 4-94!.
There is a 15% discount on Clip n Climb and Pier Zip for Marsham Court guests. Pre-book and use code MCH19.
MONKEY WORLD
This 65-acre ape and monkey sanctuary and rescue centre is set among the woodlands of Dorset. Home to 240 primates of 16 different species, Monkey World is a safe haven for apes, chimpanzees, orang-utans, gibbons, lemurs, macaques and tamarins that have been rescued and rehabilitated from Africa and Asia. Explore the park on your own or enjoy the guided tour and see these amazing creatures in a wild habitat.
RUSSELL COTES MUSEUM
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is one of the most important and fascinating museum- houses in England. This MLA (Museum, Libraries, and Archives) accredited museum features collections of international status and reflects the Victorian fascination with world cultures. While touring the museum, enjoy food and drink at the museum café or relax in the museum garden with a freshly prepared picnic lunch.
Madding Crowd
Hosting original music from chart-topping acts, with an intimate capacity of only 300, you can see your favourite artist play live, up close and personal. Conveniently located in the centre of town, the friendly team is waiting to welcome you.
THE BOURNEMOUTH AQUARIUM
The Oceanarium is home to all your favourite sea creatures. From flamboyant clownfish and tiny terrapins, to amazing sharks and piranhas, thisAquarium is an ideal learning environment to discover the range of aquatic creatures and habitats linked to elements of theNational Curriculum. Immerse yourself in a sea of colour with eleven spectacular recreated environments and bring learning to live with plasma screen documentaries, interpretation boards and the world’s first Interactive Dive Cage.
ADVENTURE WONDERLAND
Adventure Wonderland is family adventure park with 30 fantastic rides and attractions that excite kids. Explore three Alice in Wonderland themed areas – Adventureland, Wonderland and Wild Thing! – with whimsical rides, including Chattanooga Choo Choo, Polly Drop, Runaway Train, Space Orbiter and Ghostly Galleon. Discover the Adventure Wonderland Maze – the third largest maze in the UK – and ride the ponies at the Pony Palace. Families love the massive indoor Aztec Adventure Play Centre with exciting jungle themed rides and restaurants.
GOLDEN TOURS
Hop on Hop Off open-top tour of Bournemouth! See all the major sights in Bournemouth, Poole & Sandbanks.
A choice of 24 or 48 hour tour tickets are available to book via the link below.
Compton Acres
Compton Acres is recognised as one of the most important ornamental gardens in England. Constructed in 1920 by Mr Thomas Simpson, today, Compton Acres is still acknowledged as one of the finest privately owned gardens in England. Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven, relax in our charming Café & Tea Rooms, browse the treasures in our Gifted Moment store or delve into the exciting world of plants within our Plant Centre.
MONKEY WORLD
This 65-acre ape and monkey sanctuary and rescue centre is set among the woodlands of Dorset. Home to 240 primates of 16 different species, Monkey World is a safe haven for apes, chimpanzees, orang-utans, gibbons, lemurs, macaques and tamarins that have been rescued and rehabilitated from Africa and Asia. Explore the park on your own or enjoy the guided tour and see these amazing creatures in a wild habitat.
Fully Accessible. Sensory areas. Autism-friendly days held throughout the year and quiet access times for autistic visitors.
More information is available on the website.
LAND & WAVE
From Paddle boarding and Kayaking in Sandbanks to a family survival skills day in Wareham – if Adventure is your bag then Land & Wave is a must for your next holiday or short break.
But that’s not all… they even have Wellness and Retreat options for those who just want to get away from it all and try something new.
Head over to the website and take a look!
SWANAGE RAILWAY
Located in the Isle of Purbeck, the rebuilt Swanage Railway is the perfect place to enjoy a great family day out on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
The heritage railway attraction operates full-size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line from Norden to Corfe Castle and down to the Victorian seaside town of Swanage.
The line has stations at Corfe Castle and Harman’s Cross as well as a halt at Herston, on the outskirts of Swanage. There are refreshment buffets at Norden and Swanage stations with picnic tables at most of the stations so you can soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a picnic.
Full access information is available on the website under ‘Visit’.
Photo credit Andrew PM Wright
THE TANK MUSEUM
The Tank Museum brings the story of tanks and their crews to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks in awe-inspiring, modern exhibitions.
The museum houses 300 military machines, representing the key battles of every major conflict since the First World War. Our moving exhibitions tell the story of this British invention; from the mud of the Somme to the beaches of Normandy and the deserts of Iraq – featuring powerful stories from the soldiers that fought in them.
Get ready to experience the Biggest Day Out in History…
Fully wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible. Quiet mornings with all sound removed (specific dates), sensory packs, a well-being room and lots more make this attraction ultra-accessible. More information is available on their website.
WEYMOUTH LAND TRAIN
Running daily – every half an hour from 10am – the train takes passengers on a 30 minute journey of sightseeing and fun. (Weather permitting).
Board the train opposite the M & S Food Hall on the Esplanade.
Dog Friendly
For tickets and more information – click below.
COMPTON ACRES
Compton Acres is a hidden oasis perched on the cliffs overlooking Sandbanks, Poole Harbour, and the Purbecks. Spanning 10 acres, these enchanting gardens offer visitors a serene and picturesque walk through interconnected garden zones, each showcasing a unique experience. Guests can also indulge in retail therapy at our charming boutique shops and Plant Centre. You can savour delightful treats at the Café or in the evenings, enjoy authentic wood fired pizza at Mare Luna Pizzeria.
Our site and the majority of our gardens are wheel chair accessible with paths and ramps. However, some areas of our gardens are relatively steep, so, whilst accessible by wheel chair, assistance may be needed by someone with adequate strength. Wheelchairs can be hired. See our website for more details
FARMER PALMERS FARM PARK
Farmer Palmers is a great day out for the whole family and with both indoor and outdoor activities, the weather will never be a problem.
The park is fully accessible and situated just a 20 minute drive from the hotel.
NOTHE FORT - WEYMOUTH
Nothe Fort is proud to be Weymouths number 1 museum and heritage attraction.
There is so much to do at the Fort! You can explore the maze of underground tunnels; visit our Victorian Gun Deck; sit on our impressive WW2 gun high up on our Ramparts; discover our secret underground Nuclear Bunker or simply enjoy our stunning 360 degree views of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
The Fort is accessible but guests should check the website before visiting as some limitations exist. The Fort is situated about an hour’s drive from the hotel.
