Holiday homes & rentals in Bournemouth

Situated on England's south coast, Bournemouth is a classic seaside town with some of the best beaches in the country. It boasts 11 kilometres of sandy beaches, major concert venues and a host of bars and restaurants.

It's the perfect place to explore England's Jurassic Coast, whose cliffs tell the story of the past 180 million years. Renting your own Bournemouth holiday letting will enable you to get to the heart of the town and discover its surroundings as though you were local.

Thanks to its array of shops, restaurants and bars as well as inviting promenade and vibrant nightlife, it has long been a favourite for holiday lettings. Discover the picturesque southern English coastline for yourself on an unforgettable family break.

How to Get to Bournemouth

The South Western Main Line connects Bournemouth with London, with frequent trains serving Southampton, Winchester and Basingstoke. Bournemouth is also well served by coach services, which link the town with London and other major cities.

Bournemouth Airport links to the Mediterranean and Western Europe, making a Bournemouth beach holiday a great option for visitors from the continent. Seasonal services fly further afield and the city has plenty of car hire companies and taxi firms enabling easy transport to Bournemouth holiday lettings.

What to Eat in Bournemouth

One of the best things about staying in a Bournemouth holiday rental is that you can easily cook whatever you like at home. But if you choose to venture out, Bournemouth boasts some terrific seafood restaurants, with fresh fish landing on its shores seven days a week. Savour five star cuisine at the Crab on Exeter Road, or head to Westbourne's well loved Chez Fred for some good old fashioned fish and chips.

For something a bit different, Miri's restaurant on Bourne Avenue offers home-style Czech cuisine, while Ko Thai Tapas serves authentic Thai cuisine in Westbourne. But don't be afraid to be adventurous. From traditional Dorset cream teas to high class champagne breakfasts, Bournemouth offers a myriad of culinary experiences and almost every street is home to something exciting!

Beach Weather in Bournemouth

The weather in Bournemouth can be changeable, although it experiences less rain than the national average. Expect summer temperatures of 12-20°C. Booking your own Bournemouth holiday rental will ensure that you have somewhere warm and comfortable to retreat to at the end of a long day.

What to Do on Your Bournemouth Holiday

Bournemouth enjoys some of Britain's warmest sea temperatures, and Bournemouth holiday rentals are the perfect option for a trip to the beach. Most Bournemouth holiday lettings are cloes to the sea. From festivals, shops and restaurants, to places to sunbathe, Bournemouth's coast offers something for everyone.

Head away from the sea and you'll come to Bournemouth's famed Victorian Gardens. For a tropical treat, the Tropical Gardens offer something a little different, while there are many beautiful trails in and around Bournemouth for walkers and cyclists to enjoy.

But if you're itching to spend some money, Bournemouth can help you there too! High street names sit alongside quirky, independent shops on the pedestrianised high street. Pokesdown's vintage quarter offers plenty of opportunities for a good rummage, while Westbourne's open air market stocks local products.

If you've got the travel bug and have a few extra days, head to the neighbouring counties of Somerset, Hampshire and Wiltshire to discover yet more exquisite coastline, beautiful countryside and traditional delicacies such as cheddar cheese, English wines and ciders, and artisan pastries.

Art and culture

Bournemouth's two iconic piers are within easy reach of most Bournemouth holiday lettings. But for a more detailed glimpse at the town's culture, head to the Russell-Cotes art gallery and museum, situated on the East Cliff Promenade. The museum holds an impressive collection of treasures from around the world and hosts regular exhibitions.

Bournemouth's very own symphony orchestra holds frequent performances throughout the city, and there are so many festivals and performances held throughout the town each month that it's hard to keep up. Arts Bournemouth is responsible for many of these activities, so be sure to check out what events they have on while you're staying in your Bournemouth holiday rental.

Holidays with Kids in Bournemouth

Bournemouth has a host of exciting activities to ensure your family holiday is an unforgettable one, from beautiful natural parks and beaches to traditional arcades, activity centres and much more.

Bournemouth Pier The focal point of the town and why so many choose a holiday rental here, Bournemouth Pier is an iconic structure by the award-winning beach. Take the family to the arcade and enjoy fish and chips with an incredible view. And don't forget to treat yourself to an ice cream.

Oceanarium Meet the curious creatures of the deep on a day out at the Oceanarium with the kids. Home to over 150 species of fish, you can take a subaquatic tour through the Great Barrier Reef, the Amazon and beyond as you marvel at the magnificent marine life. Meet sea turtles, stroke stingrays and, if you're brave enough, swim with sharks in the visual interactive dive cage.

RockReef Get ready for action and adventure at RockReef, an exciting activity centre for all ages. Take on the host of climbing challenges, zip wire to the very end of Bournemouth Pier and test your nerve on the HighLine obstacle course - RockReef provides an exhilarating day for the whole family.

Nightlife by the Sea

There's no shortage of night time activities to explore from your Bournemouth holiday letting. The Old Fire Station is one of the town's best loved student venues. Hosting an eclectic mix of nights, from Brit pop to dance, this is the place for cheap beer and a friendly crowd.

For a more relaxed vibe, head to 1812 at the Royal Exeter Hotel for cocktails and some very grown-up live music. If you're up for a night of sweaty dancing, head to Halo which is arguably Bournemouth's best club.

For those who prefer the quiet life, why not order a takeaway and relax in your Bournemouth holiday rental? Or head to the Triangle for dinner, with its sophisticated collection of cafés and eateries.

Bournemouth’s Annual Festivals

One reason that holiday lettings in Bournmouth are so popular is that there's almost always something going on. These are just some of the exciting events taking place throughout the year.

Bourne Free Bournemouth Pride Festival has been a staple of the town's calendar for 15 years. Held across the town's numerous venues, the LGBT festival celebrates diversity and features colourful floats parading through the streets, culminating with live entertainment at The Triangle. The festival is open to all, so take the family along.

Bournemouth Christmas Market Enjoy a mug of gluhwein and a bratwurst at Bournemouth’s popular Christmas market. In the run-up to the big day, Bournemouth Square is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling decorations and the sound of Christmas carols filling the air. There may even be an appearance from Santa Claus as well.

Bournemouth Friday Fireworks Summer goes off with a bang in Bournemouth. Each Friday throughout August sees a huge fireworks display light up the night’s sky above Bournemouth Pier. This spectacular event is one of the most popular events in the town’s calendar and is definitely one not to be missed.

Cultural Delights in Bournemouth

Bournemouth Beach

The quaint Bournemouth Beach offers plenty of family-friendly activities, such as a climbing centre and a zip wire over the sea. Surrounded by stylish cafes, bars and souvenir kiosks, Bournemouth Beach is a great place to pass the day.

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Housed in a Grade II listed building at East Cliff, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the art-loving Victorian couple Merton and Annie Russell Cotes, and Bournemouth's history.

Lower Gardens

A short walk from the main pier, Lower Gardens engrosses visitors with floral displays, an interesting aviary and free bandstand entertainment.

Oceanarium

The Oceanarium invites visitors to watch sea creatures interact in their natural environment. Feed the turtles and soak in ocean views at the ambient café .

Bournemouth Pier

The entrance to the pier features a fun games arcade, as well as souvenir and ice cream shops. Enjoy a hot chocolate as the jet skiers race by.

Frequently Asked Questions