Bournemouth Stag Do's

Getting around

Heading into Bournemouth

You don’t need to drive for your Bournemouth stag do. It’s just 90 minutes from London Waterloo on the train, and the station is just outside the town centre, so a 10-minute taxi won’t drain the kitty. It's also walkable, with multiple drinking spots on the way down to the seafront, to make the stroll more bearable. 

If you decide to drive, there are plenty of secure, 24-hour car parks in central Bournemouth. And if you need your motors close to hand, ask us about stag hotels in Bournemouth with parking, as we can help. To keep travel costs down, why not look into coach options - there's a drop-off point at the Bournemouth International Centre, which is just five minutes walk from the shops, seafront and pier.

Buses

As far as getting around Bournemouth itself is concerned, it’s a breeze. There are convenient and regular bus services (the main terminals are at the train station and in The Square). You almost certainly won’t need them though, as Bournemouth is pretty walkable.

Taxis

There are also plenty of handy taxi ranks around Bournemouth, including Pier Approach, The Square, The Triangle and Lansdowne in the town centre. If you think you’ll want a cab back to your hotel at the end of the night, we recommend booking one as Bournemouth nightlife is so popular that there can be a long wait when the pubs and clubs close. PRC Streamline and United are the main services. 

Beryl Bikes

For easy beach-hopping, grab yourselves some Beryl bikes. There are a whopping 1,200 of these beauties to choose from and once you’ve downloaded the app they’re just £1 to unlock and 5p a minute to ride. Note however that you’re not allowed to cycle on the prom during July and August, as it’s too far packed with people mooching along in a happy, sun-drunk haze.

Tips and ideas

The Best Stag Do Ideas in Bournemouth 
 

1. Indoor Go Karting

We all know that go karting is a bit of a stag do staple, so if you and the lads have a need for speed, then make sure you add a fast and furious go karting session to your Bournemouth itinerary! Expect a wicked track with all kinds of twists and turns that will put your driving skills to the test. And if you’d prefer doing the driving outside, then the good news is that we also offer a brilliant outdoor go karting track too. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be in for a seriously epic time. Now let’s put the pedal to the mettle! 
 

2. Beer Bike

Get set to check out the top sights of Bournemouth, all while pedalling and powering a portable bar on wheels! If you’ve not ridden a beer bike before then you’re missing out! You and the rest of the stags will jump on board and pedal away as you guzzle down plenty of beer. You can even hook up your phone to the bike’s sound system where you'll be able to provide the soundtrack to your experience. Don't worry about the steering, that'll be done by a professional and sober driver, leaving you and your mates to focus on the important stuff - the beer and the good times - we’ll cheers to that! 
 

3. Bubble Football

Another stag classic, and for good reason too. Bubble football takes a hilarious spin on the beautiful game as you and the rest of the lads don giant, inflatable zorbs, leaving only your legs to run free. Good luck trying to tackle your mates, you’ll be crashing, bouncing and rolling all over the place with this one, where laughs a minute are guaranteed! Your session will be hosted by an activity coordinator, who will dish out the rules and ref the game. Expect to get stuck into a variety of games, including zorb bulldog, last man standing, dizzy penalties and crossbar challenge. 
 

4. It’s a Knockout

Gear up for an unforgettable Bournemouth stag do filled with laughs and daft competitions with this 'It's A Knockout' experience. Expect a whole load of wacky team challenges that will see you tackle bonkers, inflatable obstacle courses, along with hilarious games. Prepare for tons of foam, and gallons of water - it’s gonna be messy and pure hilarity in equal measure. Bring your A-game as you compete for medals, bubbly, and of course, the ultimate bragging rights. It’s time for a side-splitting adventure, where you’ll let loose, have a laugh and well and truly break any ice! 
 

5. Surf Lesson

Get ready for a wild ride, because in one of the UK's top surf spots, you'll be catching endless waves with this epic surfing lesson. If you’ve always fancied trying your hand at this watersport, now’s your chance! Surfing really is the ultimate thrill-seeking adventure, perfect for a few hours of laughs and spills with your mates. Hosted and taught by an experienced and friendly instructor, you and the rest of the stags will be taught the basics of surfing - you’ll be standing on that board in no time! Your two-hour lesson in the art of riding waves is sure to make a splash. All boards will be provided, just make sure you bring your swimmers, a towel and a change of clothing - it’s time to conquer those waves! 
 

6. Quad Biking 

We know that a Bournemouth stag do is all about the drinking and partying, but one thing you absolutely can’t miss out on is the daytime thrills! With that in mind, how about an exhilarating quad biking experience? You and your squad will head to a fantastic venue just 22 miles from Bournemouth's town centre (ask our friendly planners if you need to sort return transfers). Get ready to take on Kawasaki Brute 300cc automatic bikes, suitable for rookies and die-hard bikers alike. But before you’re let loose on these beasts, you’ll be given all the necessary kit and a safety briefing from your activity coordinator. So whether you’re looking to blow off some pre-wedding jitters on some beastly bikes or are just looking for an adrenaline fuelled adventure, this activity is the answer!
 

7. Comedy Club

Look forward to an evening of total hilarity with a trip to one of Bournemouth’s best comedy clubs. Here, laughter really is the name of the game! A comedy club is a brilliant option for your stag do, where you and your mates will be treated to a top-notch selection of the comedy circuit’s finest performers. Expect jokes, gags and a whole lot of side-splitting material that will leave you crying with laughter! This really is the perfect addition to a brilliant night out in Bournemouth. So grab a drink, take a seat, and prepare to be entertained by some of the funniest folks in the business. 

8. Bar Crawl

Unfamiliar with Bournemouth's top haunts for your stag weekend? Then we’ve got just the thing for you and your group! Join one of our guided bar crawls and get ready to discover some of the hottest bars and party venues around! On the day, you'll meet your seasoned guide, who’ll take you to a variety of top watering holes, before finishing things off at one of the town’s best night clubs. Whether you’re after a public crawl or a private crawl, we’ve got plenty of great options for you and boys to enjoy. 

9. Lap Dancing 

Whether it’s a stag stitch up or a surprise treat, the groom won’t need much convincing to watch some sizzling hot dancers do their thing! If you’re up for taking part in this quintessential tradition, then you’ll be pleased to know that Bournemouth is home to some brilliant gentlemen’s clubs. It’s the perfect way to keep the good times rolling and give the groom some lovely sights on his last night of freedom! 
 

10. Whisky & Beer Pairing Masterclass 

If you’re looking for something slightly more laid back for your big stag weekend in Bournemouth, then make sure you check out our whisky and beer pairing masterclass! This activity will be sure to add some class and sophistication to the stag do, and will show you how to expand your palate. Look forward to discovering a variety of delicious and distinct whiskies, which will be expertly matched with craft beers by a friendly connoisseur. You’ll be taught about the brewing and distilling process and learn exactly how to pair drinks for any future events! You’ll also be provided with some nibbles and a hearty main meal to soak up that booze!

More Bournemouth Stag Do Tips 

Famously, Bournemouth also has seven miles of golden beaches that arc around Poole Bay, many of them with Blue Flag status. Bournemouth beach itself is the busiest of course, but a mile and a half east you’ve got Boscombe which has activities such as bouldering and beach volleyball available, as well as plenty of cafes offering tasty grub and fresh seafood. From Bournemouth town centre, you simply wander down Pier Approach through the scenic Lower Gardens, to find the historic Victorian pier, bustling promenade and beach right in front of you. The promenade is about 10 miles long, and mostly flat, so it’s ideal for cycling along - outside of July and August, when bikes are banned. 

There’s also Bournemouth Pier of course. It’s a family-friendly place with cafes, shops and a bar and grill. There’s also a Zip Line, but if you like monkeying about then you may prefer to do a High Ropes Course, where you get a lot more bang for your buck. 

And of course, you’re going to need some great places to eat. There are loads of venues suitable for hungry stags here, including sports bar Walkabout and cocktail bar Revolution Along Old Christchurch Road. Both have tons of space, lively atmospheres, and you can stick around for as long as you want after eating to get the drinks in. There’s also Da Mario, a family-run pizzeria which serves up filling and authentic Italian wood-fired pizzas to line the stomach before a big night out.

Nightlife

Bournemouth’s nightlife scene is booming and whatever kind of thing your group is into, you can be assured of a good night out. You can also be reasonably sure of bumping into the odd hen party making the rounds as well! We’ve outlined the best areas of stag groups to head in this great destination, so read on for our top pointers!

Old Christchurch Road

Most Bournemouth stag groups tend to look towards the Old Christchurch Road area, where you’ll find loads of stag-friendly bars, pubs and clubs. The George Tapps is a good place to begin your evening hi-jinks. It’s a lively sports pub with comfy seating, a sunny terrace and several plasma screens, so if your team is due to be playing during your stag weekend, this is the place to be. 

Just a ten minute walk away is the Mary Shelley, named after the writer of Frankenstein, who was buried in Bournemouth (Shelley, not Frankenstein. He’s not real.) The Mary Shelley is a good-sized Wetherspoons, so you know exactly what to expect - decent beer and basic grub at very reasonable prices.

The Triangle Commercial Area

The Goat & Tricycle in The Triangle commercial area is Bournemouth's self-proclaimed most iconic ale house. It offers an excellent range of real ales and a friendly, buzzy atmosphere. And just nearby you’ve got Smokin’ Aces, a stylish cocktail bar and whiskey lounge with a refreshingly informal entrance policy. If you and the guys enjoy a wee dram once in a while, stop in here. Then there’s Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar, a CAMRA award-winning real ale pub, with an ace south-facing beer garden. Come here on sunny afternoons to make the most of it, because it's just that little bit further along the coast in Boscombe.

Beachfront 

For a more laid back atmosphere, try Aruba, which is a Caribbean-themed beachside restaurant and club on top of the Bournemouth Pier. Boogie the night away whilst looking out at stunning panoramic views, stretching from Sandbanks to the Isle of Wight. You can also catch a solid roster of club nights and live music at the O2, which is not quite on the scale of its London namesake, but has been known to attract some big names over the years.

Lap Dancing 

If you feel like treating the groom (and yourselves) to a lapdance, then we’re sorry to say that Spearmint Rhinos is no more. Whether that has anything to do with it being sued by one stag partyer who was allowed to blow seven-and-a-half grand there while drunk, we don’t know. Happily, you’ve got the aptly named Wiggle on Old Christchurch Road still, which has lots of drink offers in case you need any further enticement. Or our Event Planners can set you up with entry to one of our top clubs, where you'll find stunning babes and a fully stocked bar!

Nightclubs

Club-wise, Bournemouth really is rocking. Popular stag spots include Cameo, which is reckoned to be the biggest club on the south coast. Why not find out for yourselves? There are four rooms each playing a different type of music in high-tech surroundings, all guaranteed to get you shaking your funky stuff on the dancefloor. Let us sort you out with booth reservations and VIP service so you can lord it over everyone else.

The clubs on Exeter Road include the fantastic Halo, which is located in an old church with balconies around the dancefloor and DJs pumping out R&B, hip hop and dance. There’s also Bar So, a super-stylish place with a covered terrace, atrium conservatory cocktail bar and basement dancefloor. Make sure you dress to impress for this one! 

FAQ

Is Bournemouth good for a stag do?

Bournemouth is an absolutely cracking destination for a stag do, with an action-packed nightlife scene, and stacks of great activities both inland and off the coast to enjoy. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that this might be the best stag do destination on the south coast (don’t tell Brighton). 

Can we wear fancy dress in Bournemouth?

Ye-eees. Certainly there are plenty of stag-friendly bars, clubs and restaurants across Bournemouth that accept that some groups of lads will turn up in fancy dress. But if you want to get into places with no problem, better to keep it quite low-key. No giant schlong costumes.

What are the best Bournemouth stag do bars?

We’d recommend sticking to the bars and clubs around Exeter Road and Old Christchurch Road in the evenings, as these tend to be the most stag do-friendly areas of Bournemouth. Pubs-wise you’ve got the popular sports pub The George Tapp, and the Mary Shelley which is a classic ‘Spoons. We also really like the beer garden at Chaplins & the Cellar Bar, and especially the easygoing ambience at Smokin’ Aces whiskey bar. 

If you have any other questions about where to go on your Bournemouth stag weekend, our party planners are ready and waiting to answer them with their first-hand knowledge. Or, why not opt for a Guided Pub Crawl, the best way to get your bearings on the nightlife with personalised routes according to your group’s interests.

Do you sell Bournemouth stag weekend packages?

Keep it simple with one of our off-the-peg stag packages, designed to do the heavy work for you. We have a range of stag weekend packages for Bournemouth that include your accommodation and a selection of activities, sometimes with an evening meal included. You can add further activities to them if you want, of course, but these packages offer great value as is, and they’re based on our experience of the best stag activities in Bournemouth.

Where is your Bournemouth stag do accommodation located?

The last thing you want is to be too far out of town, which is why all of our Bournemouth stag hotels are located within a 10-20 minute walk of the town centre. Whether you want to be close to the bars and clubs along Old Whitechurch Road, or to the golden sands of Bournemouth beach, just let us know as we’ve got something to suit every budget.

We’ve been organising Bournemouth stag weekends since 2004, and over the years we’ve built up good relationships with many hotel chains across the town, so as well as convenience we can offer you excellent rates.

Ideas for Bournemouth stag do activities

What makes Bournemouth so special is that you’ve got 10 miles of beach, with stacks of great watersports to enjoy along it, as well as all of your classic stag activities inland to boot. So on top of ever-popular experiences such as Paintballing, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Quad Biking, you can add wild Boat Parties, Coasteering and even Multi Activity Watersports packages. Just let us know what you’d like to book and we’ll take care of everything else, as well as convenient door-to-door transfers, if you need them.