Romance is in the fresh Bournemouth sea air and from the moment you step off the plane you’ll be feeling the love. With long stretches of golden sandy beaches, picturesque buildings and stellar sunsets, this seaside city is the perfect backdrop for your next couples’ getaway. Full of fun date night ideas and plenty of places to spend some all-important quality time, the Dorset coastline is ready and waiting to bring all your rom-com fantasies to life.
Follow our guide to the ultimate romantic weekend away in Bournemouth.
There’s tons of top-notch hotels scattered throughout the region but why not try something different and opt for a spot of glamping? Cosy up in the Bournemouth Beach Lodges and fall asleep to the gentle rhythm of waves lapping against the shore. The ultra-chic hideaways sit right on the Boscombe promenade and are fully kitted out with a modern kitchen, bathroom, balcony and sleep up to four adults. Tuck yourselves away in this little haven and enjoy your morning coffee with an unrivalled sea view stretching across the coastline. With the beach being a mere few feet away, endless strolls along the sandy shores are at your fingertips. Grab the vino, sink into the deck chairs and watch as the sun disappears beyond the horizon – if that doesn’t scream romance, I’m not sure what does!
Whether it’s a fancy dinner you’re after or brunch on a lazy Sunday morning, in Bournemouth you’re spoilt for choice. Around every corner you’re bound to run into a cute café or bougie restaurant making where to go for food a daily battle. In an attempt to avoid inevitable arguments, try NEO. The elegant, bright space sits overlooking the pier and is an ideal date night dinner spot that you’re guaranteed to enjoy. Start the evening with a drink in the downstairs bar and continue the experience with dishes made from local seasonable ingredients on the first floor. The circular shaped restaurant is fronted with floor to ceiling glass windows, taking dinner with a view to new heights. Stylish interiors, friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere make this spot the obvious choice for the ultimate romantic meal for two.
For something a bit more casual but just as delicious, head in to town and take a seat at The Cosy Club. The central eatery is open pretty much all day and is perfect for brunch. An eclectic mix of aristocratic England and the 1920s prohibition era, the décor of this place will make you fall in love before you’ve eaten anything. They have a vegan menu to complement their regular dishes so everyone is accounted for here – get the vegan crumpets with cinnamon butter, you won’t be disappointed!
When you get bored of pottering about and relaxing in the hotel, spend some time getting to know the area’s plethora of exciting attractions.
Russell-Cotes Gallery Art Gallery & Museum - East Cliff Promenade
Aside from it’s incredibly beautiful exterior, the Russell-Cotes gallery has an epic love story behind it making it one of the most romantic spots in the city. The exotic seaside villa was built by Merton Russell-Cotes for his wife Annie and is filled with a personal collection of treasures brought home from their lifetime of travelling the world together. One of the only surviving Victorian structures in Bournemouth, the house was left to the city’s people to enjoy after their deaths in 1921. An experience unlike any other, the gallery is definitely one to add to your list of what to do on date night in Bournemouth.
Oceanarium – Pier Approach
From brightly coloured fish to sea turtles and otter families, the Oceanarium on Bournemouth’s idyllic seafront offers a unique insight into the waters of the world. Stroll hand in hand underwater as striking sharks, stingrays and eels swim overhead and watch the penguins play in their black and white tuxedos. Spend the morning wandering through the twelve naturally themed habitats and top off your experience with a coffee at the Offshore Café.
Mr. Mulligans mini golf - BH2 Leisure Complex
A classic, mini golf is the perfect setting for a few hours of fun with your other half. Get competitive on one of three uniquely themed nine hole courses and grab a cocktail while you’re at it. Mr. Mulligans has a full licensed bar and restaurant so you can enjoy your favourite drink while you battle it out to become victor of the indoor adventure golf series. Boasting some of the most outrageous holes in the country, the interior is a sight for sore eyes and makes for some challenging shots that’ll keep you occupied for as long as you can stand each other!
Beach hikes
Bournemouth is characterised by its long stretches of golden sand and with promenades running along the length of the coastline, it’s no surprise a stroll along the shore is on the list of the best things to do on a date in the city. Take it easy and slowly discover what the coast with the most has to offer as you venture out past the town and see neighbouring Poole and Boscombe. Head off the beaten track and take the road up the cliff face to the quaint village of Canford Cliffs where a pathway circles the flat top and gives way to incredible views. Whatever it is you fancy, there’s a route for you, all you have to do is look for it.
Visiting Bournemouth soon? Tag us in your photos of the best things to do on a date in Bournemouth using the hashtag #ryanairstories for the chance to be featured on Ryanair’s Instagram feed.
Flights to Bournemouth
- Lucy Norris
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