The top five alcohol-free things to do in Bournemouth as a student

Whether you need a break from the club or drinking just isn’t your thing, here’s a list of wholesome, alcohol-free activities that you can do as a Bournemouth University student!

1. Pottery painting

Located in Bournemouth town centre, All Fired Up is an independent coffee shop and paint-your-own pottery studio equipped with various ceramics from mugs and plates to figurines and vases starting at £8. With paints and tools provided, you only need to plan your design (with help from Pinterest, of course). After an additional studio fee of £3 per painter, your masterpiece is glazed and fired in kilns and will be ready to collect one week later. A dog-friendly environment with food and drinks available, All Fired Up is the perfect place to get creative and switch off from your studies without alcohol!

2. Pho Bournemouth

Right next door to All Fired Up, Pho is my favourite dinner spot in Bournemouth! With great value, delicious Vietnamese dishes that are cooked fresh every day and an almost entirely gluten-free menu, Pho is a trendy, atmospheric restaurant with helpful and friendly staff. Offering a range of alcohol-free drinks to enjoy with your meal, you won’t feel left out when sipping on an ice-cold virgin mojito (my drink of choice!). Take my advice and try the baby squid dish, you won’t regret it!

3. Upper gardens walk

Every time I walk through the upper gardens I’m baffled at how quiet it is! With most people staying near the town centre for their lunch break, the upper gardens often go unnoticed. With hidden pathways, a stream and stunning flowers and greenery, the upper gardens are the perfect place for a scenic dog walk or an alcohol-free picnic with friends in the warmer months!

4. Coy pond

Continue on from the upper gardens and you’ll find yourself at Coy Pond! Home to ducks, moorhens, enormous koi fish and even terrapins, Coy Pond is a gorgeous hidden gem and a great place to sit and relax. Swap that bottomless brunch for a classic soft serve from the ice cream van (which usually turns up in the afternoon on weekends) and enjoy the fresh air as you walk through the miniature gardens.

5. Owl and reptile centre

If you love animals, I would highly recommend Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre for a fun, alcohol-free day out! Spreading awareness about the preservation of animal species, Liberty’s is home to an Alaskan Bald Eagle and numerous other rare birds of prey and reptiles. Tickets start at £14.95, giving you access to the cafe, enclosures and several displays where you can see the birds in action and learn more about them up close.

With Freshers’ Week fast approaching, I hope this list breaks down the stigmas surrounding student party culture by proving that you can still have fun without a drink!

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