A rainy day in Bournemouth is not a day lost. The town handles wet weather well, with enough under cover to carry you from a slow breakfast to a warm dinner, all within a short walk of the seafront.
Morning: beneath the waves
Begin at the Oceanarium, the aquarium that sits directly on the seafront. A series of themed zones leads from Poole Bay across to the Great Barrier Reef and on to the Amazon, and once you are through the door the weather no longer matters. Give it a relaxed couple of hours.
Afternoon: paintings and history
Climb up to the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, an ornate villa on the clifftop filled with paintings and curiosities. With its opulent rooms and views out to sea, it is a fine spot to take shelter and let the pace drop.
Late afternoon: tea and shopping under cover
Thaw out over afternoon tea in the town centre, then wander the shops and arcades, which keep you dry while you browse. Waiting for a shower to pass is far more pleasant with a treat in front of you.
Evening: a warm pub
Finish with a filling dinner at a snug pub such as The Goat & Tricycle; a well-kept ale and a warm corner table are exactly what a damp day on the coast calls for.
