Get involved! Low-cost activities in the local area during summer

Many students opt to stay in Bournemouth during the summer months, so you won't be alone if you're staying local this year. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy everything Bournemouth has to offer, from its sunny beaches to community events. There are plenty of low-cost activities and places to visit, so be sure to check them out below.

We have also shared what university services are available during the summer break (21 June - 23 September) on our website. Please refer to this if you plan on visiting campus during the break, or need support.

Summer evening fireworks and entertainment

Many nearby towns arrange fireworks, music and evening entertainment throughout July and August. The fireworks are free to attend and run throughout the week, so a great excuse to go for a walk and enjoy the brighter evenings alone or with friends.

  • Bournemouth beach - Fireworks run every Friday throughout August (Friday 2, 9, 16 and 23 August) beween 10pm and 10:15pm.
  • Poole Quay - Poole Quay's Summer Spectacular Fireworks bring the party atmosphere to Thursday nights (Thursday 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 August) with free live music, entertainment and fireworks.
  • Wareham - A short train or bus journey from Bournemouth, Wareham offers free music, entertainment and fireworks on Wednesdays throughout August (7, 14, 21 and 28 August). Find out more.

Explore Dorset

The summer is the best time of year to explore Dorset and the Jurassic Coast. BU student, Hannah, shares her suggestions of where to visit for a day trip and how to get there including The New Forest, Old Harry's Rocks, Durdle Door and more.

Free festivals and community events

There are many low cost events and festivals planned closer to Bournemouth, which may be of interest to you:

  • Take memorable pictures on the Bournemouth and Poole Selfie Wall Trail between Sandbanks and Southbourne.
  • The Bournemouth Air Festival takes place from Thursday 29 – Saturday 31 August 2024 – expect a fun-filled few days with fairground rides, stalls, fireworks, vintage displays and demonstrations from the Armed Forces. 

Market shopping

Explore the range of stalls or treat yourself to something at one of the many recurring markets that run in the local area. The markets are a good excuse to visit somewhere new, or to explore closer to home.

Stay healthy 

SportBU are running some great summer activities, including surfing, paddleboarding, badminton, social football and touch rugby – drop in or call to find out more. You can also sign up for their Summer Blast membership offer - for only £50, you can join SportBU and use their facilities as often as you like, up until 30 September 2024.

If you have kids to entertain this summer, SportBU run a series of Kids' Holiday Clubs which are available for children aged 5-14 years old that are packed full of different activities, sports and games. There is also a 50% discount for BU staff and students, find out more about how to benefit from this on the BU website.

Join the regular Parkrun every Saturday in King’s Park and Park Yoga every Sunday in parks around Bournemouth.