What to do in Bournemouth while house and pet sitting

Are you thinking about visiting a seaside spot for your next pet sitting destination? Bournemouth has it all! Breathtaking beaches, the stunning Jurassic Coast within easy reach and loads of fun attractions. 

Dorset’s largest town is a winning combination of traditional English seaside charm and big-town appeal, so it’s the perfect base for your next pet sit. With so many things to do in Bournemouth, the only problem is knowing where to start! That's why we’ve put together this handy guide.

Bournemouth attractions

Wondering what to do in Bournemouth? From the 95-mile long stretch of the dramatic Jurassic Coast to the grand Victorian buildings, Bournemouth has so much to offer. 

1. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum: One of the most interesting historic houses in England (and that’s saying something!), the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is a celebration of  Merton and Annie-Russell Cotes passion for art. Take in the private collection and the late-Victorian grandeur of their impeccably restored home or opt for a full tour by one of the museum curators for the full experience. 

2. The Jurassic Coast: If you’re here for a few days, we highly recommend taking a tour of the stunning Jurassic Coast. If you’ve come with your car it’s easy enough to plan your own road trip, but there’s plenty of guided tours available if you prefer. 

3. Sandbanks: Known as the “most expensive seaside in the world” thanks to its waterfront mansions, Sandbanks is a small peninsula located across the entrance to Poole Harbour from Bournemouth. Not only does Sandbanks have one of the most beautiful beaches on the South Coast, it’s also home to several yacht clubs, marinas and mouth-watering seafood restaurants. 

Free things to do in Bournemouth

The best things in life are free, or so they say. So here are our top three things to do in Bournemouth that don’t cost a penny. 

1. The Gardens: The Upper, Central and Lower Gardens run through the centre of town and date back to the Victorian era. Here you’ll find beautifully manicured lawns, flowerbeds and trees, with a picturesque river running throughout. The Lower gardens are the most accessible, given their proximity to the town centre and seafront, while the Upper Gardens are much quieter and offer the ideal getaway from the bustle of the town. 

2. Isle of Purbeck: The Isle of Purbeck is part of the Jurassic Coast but it deserves a mention all of its own. The peninsula is a particularly stunning piece of coastline with fascinating fossils of strange formations that have been known to literally tumble out of the cliffs. 

3. Hengistbury Head Beach: Looking forward to a coastal walk with your pup? Hengistbury Head is home to several ecosystems so the circular trek will take you through woods, heaths and wetland. A must-sniff haven for pooches! At the end, there’s a stretch of white sand lined with picture-perfect beach huts. There’s a cafe for a coffee stop, too. What could be more perfect?

Fun things to do in Bournemouth

Looking for fun things to do in Bournemouth? Whether you want to shop ‘til you drop or get outside for some fresh sea air, there’s a wide variety of Bournemouth activities to immerse yourself in. 

1. Westbourne: Fancy a spot of retail therapy? Coastal village Westbourne sits just on the outskirts of Bournemouth and is a great place for shopping with an eclectic mix of boutiques, vintage stores and gift shops. Some of the most popular shops can be found in the Westbourne arcade, a Grade-II listed Gothic shopping arcade that’s a must-see all in itself.

2. Bournemouth Pier: Nothing screams “British Seaside” louder than a traditional pier. So the Victorian era pier is definitely one of the must-see Bournemouth attractions! You’ll find all the typical markings of a classic seaside pier, including a variety theatre and an amusement arcade. Don’t forget to take your current four-legged friend for a stroll along the pier to take in all the incredible views of the coast. 

3. City Sightseeing: Short of its breathtaking coastline, Bournemouth is also a great city to explore. One of the best ways to experience it is on an open-top bus. Get off at any point to have a wander and jump back on the next bus when you’re ready to go again. 

What to do in Bournemouth with pets

From windswept walkies to cosy dog-friendly pubs, Bournemouth is rife with pup-friendly adventures just waiting for you and your new canine companion to explore. 

1. Bournemouth Beach: With around 10 miles of beaches skirting the wide bay between Hengistbury Head and the mouth of Poole Harbour, it can be tricky to know which part to visit when you visit Bournemouth. The Blue Flag Alum Chine beach for pups is situated to the west of the town, away from the busy town centre. Dogs are welcome all year (with a few restrictions in summer) and the clean waters and sandy shores will have them paddling and splashing until their heart's content. 

2. Moors Valley Country Park & Forest: This scenic park is a popular haven for joggers and cyclists but with a forest full of sticks for fetching and endless walking trails it’s perfect for letting your new fur-friend let off some steam. 

3. Boscombe Arts Trail: The quaint arts trail ending at Boscombe Pier is a great dog-friendly walk a short two miles from Bournemouth. Energetic pups will love this trail and you’ll love the locally made artwork spotted throughout the charming town. Don’t forget to grab yourself an ice cream at the end!

Best restaurants in Bournemouth: Food and drink

1. The Grasshopper: For traditional British grub served in a contemporary setting, this stylish dog-friendly pub serves fantastic traditional food like steak pie or classic Sunday roast, all in cosy surroundings. 

2. Flirt Cafe Bar: If you’ve been wandering the Upper Gardens with your pooch and need some refreshments, try the Flirt Cafe Bar. The delightful spot offers all the usual favourite hot drinks, as well as milkshakes and light bites – all in an eclectic setting filled with colourful furniture and art.

3. Urban Reef: For great coastal views and stunning panoramas of the bay, Urban Reef is an unforgettable place to enjoy dinner. Gaze over the sea as far as the Isle of Wight and enjoy fresh fish or crab on the menu. Pups are welcome to enjoy the fresh sea air, too. 

House and pet sitting in Bournemouth

So there it is, our ‘what to do in Bournemouth’ guide. We hope you now have plenty of ideas about all the kinds of things to do in Bournemouth when you visit, and you’re looking forward to meeting your next pet. Haven’t organised your stay yet? Head over here to find your next pet sit.