One of the UK's best seaside towns to visit is home to a thrilling pier and one of the biggest beaches in the whole country. The UK has enjoyed a lovely dose of sunny weather, meaning that many Brits are planning their day-trips and weekends away here at home as well as their holidays abroad. Seaside towns and cities like Margate and Brighton often attract a huge number of visitors - but there is another that should be on your list of considerations. 

Bournemouth is located on the UK's southern coast in the scenic county of Dorset. The coastal spot is home to nearly 200,000 people, many of whom are well aware of the many things this place has to offer. But some visitors who have never been to this major coastal town in the south of England may not be aware of the joys that it offers, including the massive beach and the exciting pier. Bournemouth is located just over 30 miles South-west of Southampton and 38 miles east of Weymouth. 

In terms of things to do in Bournemouth, the stand-out attraction is Bournemouth Beach. Made up of sweeping sand and shallow waters, this spot makes for a great place for a family day out when the weather is nice. 

Bournemouth Beach spans a massive seven miles, meaning that you are guaranteed to find a spot to lay down your picnic blanket and beach towels. When you are there, the beach appears to stretch on forever and a standout feature is the pier, which is full of amusements and attractions. 

As well as a slew of regular events on the pier from comedy to music, there are regularly open attractions here that visitors of all ages enjoy including slot machines and other arcade games as well as indoor rock climbing, the outdoor zip line and a number of highly-rated restaurants and cafes. 

Those who have visited Bournemouth Pier have had overwhelminly positive things to say about it. One Tripadvisor user wrote: "The pier offers a fantastic blend of traditional seaside charm and modern attractions, making it a great spot for visitors of all ages. The first thing that struck me was the stunning view from the pier.

"The sweeping panorama of Bournemouth's golden sandy beaches, the vibrant sea, and the iconic cliffs in the distance was simply breathtaking."

As well as the beach and the pier, Bournemouth has a slew of other things to do, making it an ideal spot for a full weekend getaway. Some of those popular attractions are Hengistbury Head Beach, the Oceanarium, Southbourne Beach and Swanage Railway. 

For walkers and hikers, Bournemouth has plenty of coastal walks to do as well as surrounding countryside trails, such as long walks through the New Forest. Meanwhile, the surrounding hills also provide a good fix of adrenaline for mountain bikers. 

Fishers are also spoilt for choice here with the huge stretch of coastline which is dotted with popular fishing spots. There are plenty of tackle and bait shops in the area, so you will be able to get everything you need if you want to try your hand at fishing. 

Additionally, Bournemouth is a popular place for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The town is home to a huge variety of natural habitats including nature reserves, allowing you to get up close and observe some fascinating British wildlife.