Bournemouth is a popular spot for family holidays, with lovely beaches, family-friendly places to stay, and activities for all ages. Planning a Bournemouth trip means finding everything from modern hotels to roomy rentals near attractions. This guide will help you find top spots to stay, dine, and enjoy family activities in Bournemouth.
Key Takeaways
- Bournemouth has family-friendly hotels near beaches and attractions, catering to different needs and preferences for comfort.
- Dining in Bournemouth is family-focused, with many restaurants offering kid-friendly menus and locally sourced ingredients for a better experience.
- Bournemouth offers activities for kids, including amusement parks, play areas, and nature sites, making family holidays engaging and fun.
Best Family Hotels in Bournemouth

Bournemouth has many family-friendly hotels for various needs, conveniently near the beach and town center for easy access. Choose modern accommodations with fun amenities or spacious rentals for a beach holiday—Bournemouth offers comfortable family options.
The Nici
The Nici provides Miami-inspired family rooms with a super-king bed and two singles, ensuring comfort for the whole family. Each room includes free Wi-Fi, a Nespresso machine, and a flat-screen TV, catering to both parents and kids. The Nici also offers family-friendly amenities, including a kids’ club, cinema, and games room. With endless entertainment options, it’s the ideal spot for a memorable family getaway where everyone can relax, have fun, and enjoy quality time together.
Riviera Hotel & Apartments
The Riviera Hotel & Apartments overlooks Alum Chine and the bay, perfect for a peaceful retreat. It offers an indoor pool, hot tub, free Wi-Fi, and parking, ensuring a comfortable stay for families. The on-site restaurant serves a variety of dishes, catering to all tastes. This enhances the calm, welcoming atmosphere, making the Riviera a top choice among Bournemouth’s family hotels. With its scenic views and amenities, it’s an ideal spot for relaxation and family enjoyment.
Seaside Rentals
Seaside Rentals offers spacious 3-bedroom apartments, ideal for families looking for a beach getaway. With plenty of room, these rentals let families relax comfortably throughout their holiday. The prime location near the beach and Bournemouth Pier makes Seaside Rentals a top choice for family vacations. Guests frequently praise the convenience, enjoying easy access to local attractions and seaside experiences. The apartments provide a mix of comfort and flexibility, suitable for both short visits and extended holidays. With a cozy, family-friendly design, Seaside Rentals ensures a pleasant stay, making it a favorite among beach-loving families.
Family Friendly Dining Options

Dining with family in Bournemouth is a delight, thanks to numerous family-friendly restaurants. Many hotels offer kid-friendly dining and leisure options, providing flexible settings and special children’s menus to cater to families’ needs. However, some guests note that dining areas can get crowded. Additionally, they mention that breakfast options may lack variety, which could affect the overall dining experience for families.
No.28 Restaurant at Durley Dean
No.28 Restaurant at Durley Dean is a popular family choice. It’s known for its varied menu, made from local ingredients, catering to different tastes. The friendly atmosphere and focus on local sourcing make it a favorite for family meals.
Local Favorites
Bournemouth boasts numerous family-friendly eateries, featuring varied menus and cozy settings that provide enjoyable meals for parents and children. For example, No.28 Restaurant at Durley Dean offers a welcoming lounge bar and a menu filled with locally sourced ingredients, making it a guest favorite. Dining options in Bournemouth focus on families, ensuring menus cater to children’s tastes and dietary needs. This commitment to family-friendly dining makes it easy for everyone to find delicious meals that satisfy all ages.
Fun Activities for Kids in Bournemouth

Bournemouth is a kids’ playground, with activities for all ages. Outdoor fun includes hiking and wildlife spotting at New Forest National Park. Sandy beaches offer space for building sandcastles, providing endless enjoyment.
Indoor play areas and adventure centers are ideal for entertaining younger children, rain or shine.
Bournemouth Pier
Bournemouth Pier is a favorite destination for families. It features RockReef, an indoor activity center that includes climbing walls and a bungee trampoline. These exciting activities are perfect for adventurous kids, providing them with a fun and engaging way to enjoy their time by the seaside. For thrill-seekers, the PierZip zip line runs from the pier to the beach, offering a fun ride. RockReef and PierZip together make Bournemouth Pier a top choice for families wanting adventure.
Oceanarium
The Oceanarium is a fantastic family spot with captivating marine life displays that inspire young minds. Kids can enjoy up-close encounters with fascinating species, like sharks and turtles. These experiences make the Oceanarium both exciting and educational, offering a memorable way for children to learn about marine life.
Adventure Wonderland
Adventure Wonderland is a theme park made for young visitors. It has many rides and play areas, ensuring a fun experience for families with small kids. Themed attractions and live shows add to the excitement, making it an ideal spot for a family outing.
Leisure & Spa Facilities

Leisure and spa facilities contribute to a relaxing family holiday. Many Bournemouth hotels offer amenities like indoor pools and spa services, ensuring a delightful stay for parents and children alike. For instance, the Riviera Hotel & Apartments provides a family-friendly atmosphere with an indoor pool, hot tub, and other leisure facilities. This makes it an ideal family hotel.
Indoor Pools
Indoor pools are a great feature in popular family hotels, offering a safe, fun place for kids to swim, whatever the weather. Many Bournemouth hotels provide quiet, indoor pools for family enjoyment, making them an ideal choice for night-time relaxation. Situated in convenient locations, they offer warm hospitality for business travelers and friends alike, with helpful staff, nice amenities, and reliable WiFi to enhance every booking. The indoor pool at Durley Dean is open year-round, offering swimming options in any weather and flexible hours for children.
Spa Services
Spa services give parents a great chance to relax and recharge on a family holiday. Friendly staff offer various treatments focused on relaxation and wellness.
Two-Week Holiday Itinerary for Bournemouth
A two-week holiday in Bournemouth lets families explore the area fully. The first week can be spent at sandy beaches, enjoying traditional seaside attractions and parks. Activities include building sandcastles, riding funfair rides, and exploring pier amusements.
Week One
In the first week, families can enjoy Bournemouth’s lovely beaches and local attractions. Days are packed with fun activities like visiting amusement parks, building sandcastles, and soaking in the lively seaside atmosphere.
Week Two
The second week can focus on nearby attractions through day trips. Paultons Park, with its theme park and family-friendly rides, is ideal for a fun outing. New Forest National Park offers beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. It’s perfect for families wanting to end their holiday with adventure and exploration.
Family Rooms and Accommodations

Choosing the right accommodation is essential for a comfortable family holiday. Bournemouth provides various family rooms to meet different needs. Seaside Rentals is known for its spacious accommodations, perfect for larger families. Durley Dean Hotel also offers superior rooms with bunk beds and family suites with extra beds for children.
Bunk Beds
Bunk beds are a popular feature in family rooms, giving kids their own space and adding a fun element. Hotels such as Hotel Collingwood provide rooms with bunk beds. This setup enhances the holiday experience for children and ensures comfort for the entire family.
Adjoining Rooms
Adjoining rooms offer flexibility and extra space, making them ideal for larger families. Many Bournemouth hotels provide these configurations, ensuring families can enjoy their holiday comfortably with more rooms.
Location Highlights
The location of your accommodation shapes your holiday experience. Bournemouth is a top choice for families. It has safe beaches and classic seaside attractions. Family hotels here are well-placed. They’re close to attractions and public transport. This makes for an easy and enjoyable stay. A good location means a better holiday for travelers of all ages.
Near the Beach
Staying close to the beach is a priority for many families. Several family-oriented hotels in Bournemouth are within a short walk to the sandy shores. For example, Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel is only 650 meters from the beach, offering easy access to seaside activities.

Town Centre
Many family hotels in Bournemouth are near the town center, providing easy access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The Hilton Bournemouth is only 100 meters from the town center. This location offers a great base to explore the vibrant shopping and dining scene.
Guest Reviews
Guest reviews give useful insights into family experiences at Bournemouth hotels. Many guests mention friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and family-friendly amenities. Some areas needing improvement include air conditioning, bed comfort, and room maintenance.
Positive Experiences
Guests often praise the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, describing their stays as memorable and enjoyable. Guests love the attentive and accommodating staff, who contribute significantly to the positive experiences reported by families.
Areas for Improvement
Some guests, despite many positive reviews, mention areas needing improvement. These include issues with air conditioning, bed comfort, and bathroom cleanliness. Guests have also encountered untrained staff and a disorganized check-in process, which led to negative experiences.
Summary
Bournemouth check. Bournemouth is an excellent destination for family holidays. It offers a variety of family-friendly hotels, diverse dining options, and plenty of activities for kids. Families can choose from the modern style of The Nici to the tranquil setting of the Riviera Hotel & Apartments, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for everyone. The lively dining scene features restaurants catering to all tastes, making mealtime enjoyable for both kids and parents. Fun attractions like Bournemouth Pier and the Oceanarium provide exciting experiences that create lasting memories. With a well-planned two-week itinerary, families can explore everything Bournemouth has to offer. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable family trip filled with adventure, relaxation, and cherished moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family hotels in Bournemouth?
Top family hotels in Bournemouth include The Nici, Riviera Hotel & Apartments, and Seaside Rentals. Each offers great amenities and prime locations for a comfortable stay.
What family-friendly dining options are available in Bournemouth?
Bournemouth is home to many family-friendly dining spots, such as No.28 Restaurant at Durley Dean. This restaurant caters to kids’ tastes and dietary needs. Families can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with menus that appeal to all ages, making mealtime a delightful experience for everyone involved.
What activities are suitable for kids in Bournemouth?
Bournemouth offers various engaging activities for kids, including visiting Bournemouth Pier, exploring the Oceanarium, and enjoying Adventure Wonderland. These attractions provide fun and memorable experiences for the whole family.
What leisure and spa facilities do family hotels in Bournemouth offer?
Family hotels in Bournemouth frequently provide leisure facilities, including indoor pools and spa services. These amenities cater to the relaxation needs of parents while keeping kids entertained. This ensures a fun and enjoyable stay for everyone in the family.
How can we plan a two-week holiday in Bournemouth?
For a two-week Bournemouth holiday, plan a mix of beach activities, local attractions, and nearby day trips. Spots like Paultons Park and New Forest National Park add variety. This balanced approach offers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience.
UK & Ireland Travel Guides:
- Plan you family holiday in the UK.
- Have fun in Cornwall with the whole family.
- Find out more about Wales.
- Enjoy the Lake District.
- Explore Scotland.
- See Ireland with your family.
- Visit Devon on holiday.
- Enjoy Norfolk with the Family (or without…)
- Travel and check out Jersey.
- Enjoy the Isle Of Wight
- Explore Dorset
- See Edinburgh
- Have you been to New Forest?
- Fun time at Newquay with the Family