Things to do
Do a hot air Balloon Tour!
The Bournemouth Balloon is a helium-filled balloon with an enclosed gondola. It can carry up to 30 passengers. The Balloon is located right in the centre of the Lower Gardens in Bournemouth and not to be overlooked. Passengers float in 500 height and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the English Channel and surrounding area for up to 20 miles from the highest public point in Bournemouth. Over the summer period till October the balloon is availabe from 9 pm-11 pm.
The operation of the balloon depends on weather conditions. In order to avoid dissapointments, make sure in advance if the balloon is flying.
Bournemouth Office: 01202 31364 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 01202 31364 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
(source: UK weekend breaks)
Do a Bournemouth Sightseeing Tour!
With a 24 hour valid ticket you can hop on and hop off at any of the 22 `Sightseeing Bournemouth` stations where buses are departing every 60 minutes.
The bus stops include: Christchurch Quay, Hengistbury Head, Boscome Pier, Bournemouth Pier, Sandbanks, Poole Park and Poole Quay.
(source: CitySightseeing, 2011)
A sightseeing bus tour is a great thing to cover everything you want to see. I did a tour last year and I really enjoyed it. The bus stops at many imporant sights and gives brief explanations. I still remember the funny computer voice that said "Information" before it started its explanation.
Do a Bike Tour!
Hire a bike at the sea front from Front Bike Hire and cruise along the coast. The bike hire is located a few yards left from the Bournemouth Pier and hires out bikes at affordable prices. Front Bike Hire suggests you tours along the beach. On a bike tour you decide where to stop and for how long. A great way to discover the cost.
(source: Bike Front Hire, 2011)
Check out: http://www.front-bike-hire.co.uk/
I did a bike tour last year with a group of international students. We drove to sandbanks and took a break at the place where the ferry leaves for Isle of Purbeck. We had perfect weather and ended our tour with a BBQ at the beach. Now that I live here, I bought myself a bike and I really enjoy riding it along the coast.
Take the Land Train at the Beach!
Sit back and enjoy the beautyful sea view on a ride in the famous land train along the Beach Promenade. Trains operate Trains between Easter and the end of October half term every day. They are also available February half term and between Boxing Day to the 3rd January. Tickets can be bought at the Seafront Office.
(source: The Tourist Information Centre, 2011)
Go on a cruise!
Blue Line cruises offers several short cruises leaving from Bournemouth Pier. The trips are ranging from a 45 min cruise around the bay and Jurassic coast to 2 hour or day trip cruises. The operator also offers special event cruises such as Firework cruises and a special cruise during the Bournemouth Air Festival.
Tickets can be booked at the Pier or under 01202 467882 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 01202 467882 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
(source: Blue Line Cruises Ltd., 2011)
I haven`t taken a cruise yet with this company, but I did do a cruise in June with another company leaving from Poole Quay. It was great! The view at the steep Jurassic coast is brilliant, but I would suggest to go on a cruise at a sunny and relatively warm day. The sea gets quite wild near the coast. At some point the captain asked us to go inside because the waves are so high that they splash on the front seats of the boat. I would also suggest to take a jacket because it gets windy and cold on the sea.
Take a speed boat tour!
Bournemouth RIB Experience offer great tours with an inflatable dinghy. From a short, but exciting “Bay Blast” to tours to Hengistbury, the Jurassic tour or the Isle of Wight. If you want to do a tour with your friends you can do a group booking in advance. You can also charter a boat for a day including a skipper who drives you around. The company can organise your trip and connect it with visits to restaurants, pubs and beaches. There is a little counter on the left to the Pier where you can book the Bay Blast and other tours. The boat is leaving from the Pier as well.
The bigger tours should be booked in advance under07920 422083 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 07920 422083 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or 01202 496772 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 01202 496772 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
(Ribexperience, 2011)
I did the Bay Blast just a few days ago. It was soooo...much fun. The skipper was driving the boat so fast . We jumped on the waves and could almost touch the water when the skipper drove circles Surprisingly, we did not get much wet...just a few drops on our face. The only negative thing was that the boat was heavily delayed. We had so wait 25 min until we got on the boat., but all the waiting was paid back with an unforgettable experience. I would definitely recommend to do that tour some time when you are at the beach.
Play Laser Quest!
Laser Quest is a game in which you are equipped with a waistcoat and a laser gun. You get points if you shoot somebody and loose points if somebody shoots you. The game can be played in small groups: you can either play in teams or single which all against all. Laser Quest in Bournemouth is UK's newest and most exhilarating Laser Quest Centre.
(source: Laster Quest Bournemouth 2011)
I have played laser quest before but not in Bournemouth. I remember it was a lot of fun. When I went to Laser Quest Bournemouth I will let you know.
