Although we may not be able to get abroad this year, that doesn’t mean our dreams of fun in the sun have to be cancelled. 

There are plenty of things you can do to recreate your holiday, all you’ll need is yourself and some family members or friends to come along for the ride. 

Whilst your home town may not always feel like a holiday haven, it’s time to put on those rose tinted sunglasses and get out there. 

With an open mind recreating your longed-for break couldn’t be any simpler. 

Here's how to have a fabulous summer holiday in Bournemouth: 

1. Go to the beach 

Every summer holiday starts and ends with visions of sunning yourself on a sandy beach somewhere exotic.

It’s time to pack your beach bag and slip into your favourite fashionable swimwear, don’t worry if it’s strappy - a benefit of holidaying in the UK is that you probably won’t get tan lines. 

If you’re looking for something a little less crowded try heading away from the piers and going down to Hengistbury Head or Southbourne. 

Whilst the kids play make sure to pack the latest gossip magazine or a crime thriller for a bit of holiday reading.

2. Experience some of the culture Bournemouth has to offer

Bournemouth Echo:

No holiday is complete without dragging yourself on a little sightseeing tour and this summer holiday doesn’t have to be any different - in for a penny, in for a pound? 

You can hop on the open top Purbeck Breezer bus for a trip along the beautiful coast from Bournemouth to Swanage, for prices and times visit the website

For something a bit closer to home, head to the Upside Gallery in Bournemouth Gardens for some culture and art. 

Don a pair of socks and sandals and you’ll really feel like a Brit abroad.  

3. Sample some local delicacies 

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Image courtesy of Jon Sullivan (Wikimedia Commons).

One of the most exciting parts of a summer break for any food lover is sampling some of the weird and wonderful local delicacies. 

Make sure you stop off at Bosconova or Urban Reef for some Dorset apple cake.

For something a bit more daring, head to Renoufs on Poole Road to sample some Dorset Blue Vinny.

For the full holiday experience book in to one of our wondeful fresh seafood restaurants, Bournemouth has plenty to choose from. 

Some of the best rated fish restaurants include The Crab, Sea Bass Restaurant and the Cockle and Clam. 

4. Go for a bike ride 

A fun activity for all the family, especially if it ends with a picnic or pub lunch. 

A benefit of holidaying at home means that if you have your own bikes you won’t need to hire one.

If you don’t own any bikes fear not as the Beryl bike app allows you to hire a bike anywhere in Bournemouth from five pence a minute. 

5. Get competitive with a round of mini golf

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It’s time to get competitive and let the holiday feud begin, who will be mini-golf champion? 

Minigolf in the gardens by the beach front is bound to give you that summer feeling and is open daily from 10am.

If it's raining why not try Mr Mulligans crazy golf at BH1 - they've often got food and drinks deals so be sure to check online before you go there. 

6. Book a slot at the New Forest Waterpark  

There’s nothing funnier than watching your friend or loved one fall off the back of a banana boat or off the edge of an inflatable.

To recreate one of the most memorable parts of a holiday you can get wet and wild at The New Forest Waterpark with floating obstacle courses and a variety of activities to try including wake boarding. 

The waterpark is open from 12-8 Monday to Friday and 10-8 at the weekends. 

7. Go souvenir shopping and pick up a postcard 

Bournemouth Echo:

Although we may not have hair braids and henna tattoos everyday in the town centre, we do have a few lovely gift shops. 

Support your local businesses and pick up a magnet of Bournemouth to display in pride of place on the fridge to remind you of your favourite holiday forever more. 

Whilst you’re out don’t forget to get a postcard to send to Gran!  

8. Sample some of the finest Mediterranean food Bournemouth has to offer 

Bournemouth Echo:

Image courtesy of Luxor. 

Why not book a table at Luxor on Charminster high street. 

With classic cuisine such as hummus, mezze's and fresh seafood on offer it will feel as if you had hopped on that plane after all. Probably.

9. Have cocktails at sundown 

Lots of people’s favourite part of their trip involves picking out a special holiday outfit, having some Lays and heading out to a beach side cocktail bar. 

Luckily with our beautiful sandy beaches recreating this iconic holiday moment is a breeze.

With bars such as Westbeach and Aruba offering the sea view of dreams -  why not get your holiday crew together and head out for some sunset drinks this summer. 

10. Holiday romance 

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Finally, no holiday is complete without a holiday romance, so if you're single be sure to spend some time on your favourite dating apps.

If we’ve missed anything off the list, comment below: