Bournemouth Air Festival (Dorset)

The Russel Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is located next to the Royal Bath Hotel on East Cliff. The building itself is a Grade II listed building originally known as East Cliff Hall. East Cliff Hall was the home of Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes, designed by the architect, John Frederick Fogerty but with significant input from Merton and Annie. Buyilding started in 1897 and was completed in 1901. The house was to be a showcase, not simply for their own enjoyment, but also for the people of Bournemouth to whom it was given. As well as the resident exhibits the museum and gallery hosts ever changing exhibitions, please check the website for opening times and what is currently showing.

Bournemouth’s East Cliff beach is situated between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers and this is a great sandy family beach. Land train goes along promenade between the two piers. The East Cliff Railway or East Cliff Lift, is a funicular railway and links the seaside promenade and Bournemouth East Beach with the cliff top and the town behind. Facilities include toilets, parking, cliff lift, cafe/shops and  seasonal lifeguards.

Bournemouth Pier is at the heart of the Bournemouth sea front with various attractions, amusements, boat trips, restaurant, cafe, bar and fishing decks. Originally built in 1856 as wood, rebuilt with iron and then as concrete this has been around for generations. Small charge applies for access to help with the upkeep. Dogs are allowed on to the pier but not allowed in some of the attractions.

Bournemouth beach is by the name located by the pier, an all round good family sandy beach with all levels of entertainment and facilities. Some good surfing by the pier but often very crowded. Facilities include car parks, toilets, disabled access, lifeguards between May and September, cafe and restaurants, amusements, piers (Bournemouth and Boscombe), cliff lifts, kid zones, and equipment hire (deck chairs, sun-beds, windbreaks and parasols). Beach huts, day and week hire available, all fitted with chairs and gas stove.

The Bournemouth Eye Balloon rises to 500ft (150m) over the City of Bournemouth with panoramic views of the Bournemouth and Poole coast, Isle of Wight and the New Forest inland. Riders can see the surrounding area for up to 20 miles from what is the highest public observation point in Bournemouth.

The Moon in the Square is a Wetherspoon pub in Bournemouth, Dorset. Our pub offers a range of real ales, craft beers and freshly ground Lavazza coffee. Breakfast is served until noon, with our full food menu available until 11 pm.    

Durley Chine beach (west cliff) is a good family sandy beach. Water activities include sailing, windsurfing and canoeing and are zoned to allow for safe bathing. Facilities include parking, pub, beach hut and deck chair hire, lifeguards in the summer months, kids zones, toilets, pedalos for hire.

Alum Chine beach is a sandy beach popular with families and has a children’s play area and a paddling pool. The beach is not so busy as those closer to Bournemouth Pier and the town centre. Alum Chine Tropical Gardens are nearby. Facilities include toilets, car parking, disabled access,  Cafe / Bar / Shop and lifeguards in summer months.