The huge 326 acre Common park, just a short walk from the city centre, is a haven for flora and fauna and has been designated as UNESCO site of special scientific interest. The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the local ecology and wildlife.

The Dales is one of the Island's iconic sites and one of the few places with permanent flowing water and stunning wet areas, providing significant habitat for endemic blue crabs and impressive stands of Tahitian chestnut trees. The drive through the Dales leads through rainforest to a scenic and tranquil area, which has two walking trails starting from the Dales 4WD car park. The first trail is mostly a boardwalk, leading to Hugh's Dale Waterfall, about 1 kilometre each way from the car park. Signage along the trail offers information on the island's plants and animals. For the adventurous, the second trail leads on from Hugh's Dale for about 800 metres to Anderson's Dale, a small gorge with a stream that flows to the sea.

The Southampton Hall of Aviation (Solent Sky) depicts the history of aviation in the Solent area with a collection of authentic aircrafts dating back primarily to the 20th century. It houses a Spitfire and a Sandringham Flying Boat, among others. Many exhibits were produced locally.

Transformed from meadows into formal gardens in the 1860s, the Bournemouth Central Gardens are a true reflection of Victorian aesthetic ideals. Today, this verdant oasis at the town's core serves as a hub for all sorts of summertime pursuits.