Where to go and what to do on a spa break in Bournemouth

A famously beautiful seaside town on the UK's south coast, Bournemouth is the home of coastal views and water sports, history, heritage, good food and abundant activity.

Things to do in Bournemouth

Bournemouth is blessed with being both a scenic destination and a cultural hotspot, buzzing with excitement and activity as well as entertainment and opportunity.

Beach breaks

Bournemouth's beaches have to be top of the list when it comes to things to do. Surrounded by majestic cliffs, the beaches seem to have their own microclimate including some of the warmest seas in the UK . Build sandcastles, paddle in the shallows, swim and surf. For easy access, some of them even have Cliff Lifts (West Cliff and Fisherman’s Walk), while others have zigzagging paths to the sand. You can even take the Land Train from Bournemouth Pier (West) to Branksome Chine or Bournemouth Pier (East) to Boscombe, and peruse the landscape for your favourite resting spot.

History and culture

Bournemouth has a rich history focused on literary inspiration and the medicinal benefits of the sea air.There's a popular museum as well as multiple galleries, performance spaces and art galleries, all waiting to be explored. It's even the resting place of of famous novelist, Mary Shelley.

Ocean exploration

Given its seaside location it's little wonder that the ocean and its wildlife is such a popular source of inspiration in Bournemouth. As well as the natural beauty you see on walks and outdoor exploration, their oceanarium is complete with penguin enclosure and an abundance of knowledge about marine life - perfect for family days out.

Go green

Outdoor living is what life by the sea is all about and whether you're on or off the sand, Bournemouth has places to go and things to see. As well as 14 beaches listed in and around the town, Bournemouth has 2,000 acres of parks and gardens including golf courses, a tropical paradise and a nature reserve.

Activity and adventure

For rainy days and those with an adrenaline addiction, there's plenty of activity to enjoy as well. From indoor climbing to high wires, as well as all manner of adventure sports at the end of Bournemouth Pier (which in itself is a top attraction).

Bournemouth spa hotels to stay in

A beautiful place to visit needs wonderful places to stay and Bournemouth's hotel spas deliver on true holiday vibes.

Bournemouth East Cliff Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western

The Bournemouth East Cliff Hotel from the Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western is a whitewashed gem in a clifftop location, welcoming families, couples, groups of friends and those on business trips. It is close to the beach and while it doesn't have its own spa and leisure facilities, guests have access to the neighbouring hotel's gym, pool and beauty treatments, just a few steps away.

The Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel

Situated in the heart of Bournemouth, this is a spa destination with the added benefit of everything Bournemouth has to offer at your fingertips. From sandy beaches to boutique shops, this is a recipe for girly getaways. With a gym, lovely indoor pool, aromatherapy cave and five treatment rooms, relaxation and pampering will take centre stage at the hotel, especially with such indulgent treatments such as salt scrubs and aromatherapy massages to choose from.

The Mercure Bournemouth Queens Hotel & Spa

A stylish four-star hotel, The Mercure Bournemouth Queens Hotel has Art Deco inspired interiors and offers guests glamour, relaxation as well as proximity to an award-winning beach. It's perfect for couples, friends, families, work trips and those seeking a little bit of me-time. Recently renovated, the hotel includes leisure and spa experiences so you can work out and wind down as part of your stay. It's also within walking distance of Bournemouth's many bars, restaurants, shops and attractions, making it an ideal weekend getaway.

eforea spa at Hilton Bournemouth

This statement hotel has style in abundance with the added benefit of a location only steps away from beautiful Bournemouth Gardens. The hotel’s spa and health club has a gym with fitness classes, or you can take a dip in the pool for a workout, however the hot tub, sauna and steam room are all relaxing alternatives. Choose from a menu of luxury spa treatments, which include facials and massages and are just the thing for some proper pampering.

Bluewater Spa at The Connaught Hotel Bournemouth

A boutique hotel, The Connaught Hotel and Spa is a romantic and relaxed escape that sits on Bournemouth’s West Cliff, idyllically located just a few minutes from dreamy sandy beaches as well as being conveniently close to Bournemouth town centre. The coastal location sets the scene, while Bluewater Spa offers tranquillity and wellbeing - a mobile phone-free zone offering both modern facilities and indulgent spa treatments.