Camel Bar is a nightclub located in Bournemouth Town Centre, offering a lively nightlife experience on the Dorset coast. This venue is part of the town’s vibrant entertainment scene, drawing a crowd with its music, drinks, and late-night atmosphere. This page covers what to expect at Camel Bar, how it compares to other nightlife options in Bournemouth, practical details for visiting, and who the venue suits best.
What Camel Bar is like as a nightclub in Bournemouth
Camel Bar is situated on Old Christchurch Road, a key nightlife area in Bournemouth Town Centre. The venue features multiple floors with a mix of dance floors, seating areas, and bars. It plays a variety of music styles, from chart hits to club classics, catering to a broad audience. The bar serves a wide range of drinks including cocktails, spirits, beers, and non-alcoholic options.
The atmosphere is energetic and social, with a focus on dancing and mingling. Camel Bar often hosts themed nights and special events, which can include guest DJs and live performances. The venue typically opens from late evening until the early hours, making it a popular destination for those seeking late-night entertainment.
Camel Bar’s location on Old Christchurch Road places it within walking distance of many other bars, restaurants, and clubs, making it easy to combine a visit here with a wider night out in Bournemouth Town Centre.
How Camel Bar compares to other nightclubs in Bournemouth
Bournemouth has a diverse nightlife scene with several nightclubs offering different atmospheres and music genres. Camel Bar is known for its lively party vibe and central location. It competes with venues such as Bar So, Bar Republiq, and Bear’s Bar & Venue, each with its own distinct character.
| Venue | Music Style | Atmosphere | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camel Bar | Chart, club classics | Energetic, social | Old Christchurch Road |
| Bar So | House, electronic | Upscale, trendy | Royal Exeter Hotel |
| Bar Republiq | Cocktail bar, nightclub | Intimate, Manhattan-style | Old Christchurch Road |
| Bear’s Bar & Venue | Rock, alternative | Live music, casual | Holdenhurst Road |
Camel Bar is generally more accessible for a broad audience, with a mix of popular music and a casual party atmosphere. It is less niche than Bear’s Bar & Venue, which focuses on rock and alternative music, or Bar Republiq, which has a more exclusive cocktail lounge feel. Bar So offers a late-night club experience with house music and VIP areas.
Getting to Camel Bar in Bournemouth Town Centre
Camel Bar’s central location makes it easy to reach from various parts of Bournemouth. The venue is approximately a 10-minute walk from Bournemouth railway station, which has regular train services to London, Southampton, and other regional centres. The walk takes you through the town centre, passing shops, cafes, and other nightlife spots.
For those arriving by car, there are several public car parks nearby, including the Lansdowne and Gervis Place car parks, both within a five-minute walk. Visitors should be aware that parking charges apply and can vary depending on the time of day and week.
Public buses also serve the town centre, with stops on Old Christchurch Road and nearby streets. The local bus network connects Bournemouth with surrounding areas such as Poole and Christchurch.
Typical costs and admission details at Camel Bar
Camel Bar usually charges an entry fee on weekends and special event nights. Prices vary depending on the event but typically range from £5 to £10. Entry is often free on weekdays or early in the evening before 10pm.
Drinks prices at Camel Bar are in line with other Bournemouth nightclubs, with standard beers costing around £4 to £5, cocktails from £7 to £10, and soft drinks approximately £3. The venue offers a range of promotions, including happy hours and group deals, which can reduce costs.
It is advisable to check Camel Bar’s official website or social media channels for the latest information on opening hours, admission fees, and any age restrictions. The venue usually enforces a minimum age of 18 years for entry.
What kind of visitors Camel Bar suits best
Camel Bar attracts a diverse crowd, including local residents, university students, and visitors to Bournemouth looking for a lively night out. The venue’s music and atmosphere appeal to those who enjoy mainstream club music and a social environment.
Groups of friends often choose Camel Bar for its central location and variety of spaces to gather, dance, or relax with drinks. The bar’s multiple floors allow for different experiences within the same venue, from energetic dance floors to quieter seating areas.
Camel Bar is less suited to those seeking a quiet evening or niche music genres such as jazz or indie. It is also not primarily a live music venue, so visitors looking for concerts or gigs might prefer other locations like Bear’s Bar & Venue.
Nearby nightlife and things to do after Camel Bar
After visiting Camel Bar, there are numerous options nearby to continue the evening. Old Christchurch Road hosts several other bars and clubs, such as Bar Republiq and Bar So, both within a few minutes’ walk. For a more relaxed setting, there are many pubs and cocktail bars in the Triangle area, about a 10-minute walk away.
For those interested in daytime or early evening activities before heading to Camel Bar, the town centre offers shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The Bournemouth Pier and seafront are around a 15-minute walk, providing a scenic contrast to the nightlife.
Visitors can explore more of Bournemouth’s entertainment options in the Things to Do section of this guide, which includes details on beaches, attractions, and events.
