Here are 5 things you can do during the summertime as a Bournemouth uni student

With the academic year behind you, here’s how to make the most of your seaside summer!

2 days ago

As someone who’s lived in Bournemouth their whole life, I’ve had plenty of time to cultivate the ultimate guide to achieving your Pinterest-girl seaside summer and embracing the warmer months!

1. Alum Chine Beach

Bournemouth is known for its gorgeous sandy beaches, but which one is best for a summer beach day with friends and family? For me, nothing compares to the hidden gem that is Alum Chine Beach. A twenty minute walk from Bournemouth Pier, you won’t have to fight for a place to lay down your towel or put up your umbrella. With lifeguards nearby, you can safely cool off and remove those stubborn bits of sand from all your crevices with a relaxing sea swim.

As an extra treat, located just past Vesuvio restaurant, the ice cream kiosk sells every flavour of Magnum you can think of, classic soft serve that’s the size of your head, an array of food and drink, and even rubber rings for the water!

This beach really has it all, with a dog-friendly section, you can also take your furry friend for a paddle (remember to keep them cool in the shade!). If you don’t mind being watched by a labrador while you eat your baguette, my top tip is to set up camp in this area and enjoy more space away from people.

2. Fish & Chips at Evening Hill

Everyone knows a seaside summer isn’t complete without fish & chips, and I know the best place to eat them!

Located in stunning Sandbanks, Evening Hill is a scenic spot for tucking into your chips and curry sauce. With accessible parking and easy bus routes, you can enjoy the view of Poole Harbour while you devour some flaky fish from TJ’s Fish & Chips, an affordable and delicious takeaway only 5 minutes up the road. For the perfect end to your picnic, I suggest staying to watch the sunset and late-night paddle boarders, and don’t forget to take a cute picture for Instagram!

3. Open top bus to Swanage

Take the open-top Purbeck Breezer 50 bus to Swanage via Sandbanks and Studland for the perfect day out or date idea this summer. With beautiful views throughout the journey, the bus itself is an enjoyable experience and a great opportunity to top up your tan! While singles and return tickets are available, I suggest buying a Dayrider ticket for Zone ABC to travel easily between Bournemouth, Poole and Swanage.

When you arrive in Swanage, have lunch overlooking the sea, then venture to the arcade for 2p machines, air hockey, and more! After you’ve walked around all the weird and wonderful independent shops Swanage has to offer (and spent too much time in the Jellycat shop), don’t forget to pick up an ice cream from one of the many gelaterias and eat it on the beach. If you can, end your day by stopping at Norden Farm to see the lambs, calves, goats, peacocks, and cats on your way home.

4. Bournemouth Air Festival

Home to the UK’s largest Air Festival, Bournemouth is famous for its annual Air Show and Red Arrows display. Naturally, the beaches quickly become packed, with locals and tourists crammed together like sardines in a can. To avoid the crowd but still get the best view of the Supermarine Spitfires, Firebirds, and my personal favourite, the Eurofighter Typhoon, head to the Westcliff to overlook the events from above! With benches for a picnic and stunning views of the water, the Westcliff is the perfect place to enjoy the Air Show this year!

-> They even have fireworks, so be sure to check out our piece on Dorset’s best summertime displays.

5. ODEON BH2 cinema

Need a break from sun-drenched activities? Bournemouth’s ODEON BH2 cinema is the perfect place to nurse your sunburn and enjoy a Tango Ice Blast.

From the latest releases to returning favourites, ODEON has it all (and great air con, too). Adult tickets start at £14.49, with a 25% discount for students available through Student Beans. For film nerds like myself, you can purchase ODEON’s myLIMITLESS for £14.99 a month and visit the cinema as often as you like. Whether you watch a new film each time or return to see Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers three times (guilty!), myLIMITLESS is incredible value for money for film lovers, with an additional 10% off all cinema food and drink and exclusive invites to see films before their official release date. If you want to spend more time immersed in the magic of the big screen this summer, myLIMITLESS is a no-brainer!

Whether you’re a local like me or just here for uni, I hope this list has inspired you to step out of your comfort zone and make new memories this summer.