Looking for family-friendly things to do in Bournemouth over half term, I found a Cat Café near where we were staying. Everyone enjoys a trip to the Cat Café (except the dog, obviously), so we booked a slot in advance so we could sit and relax for an hour during a busy day.

Exploring Bournemouth for the first time

We’d never visited Bournemouth before, but we spent a few happy hours on Bournemouth pier, in the seaside arcade, and a bit of retail therapy. We even found a branch of Scribbler tucked away on a side street and treated ourselves to new Jellycats – Bashful Red Love Heart Bunny for Little Sis and an Amuseables May Macaron in Lavender for me.

First impressions of Pause Cat Cafe

Pause Cat Café can be fund at 119 Old Christchurch Road at the top of the town and looks after 14 cats across two floors. After a quick introduction to how the Cat Café works, we were shown to our table, where we ordered tea and cake. Then it was time for use to explore and meet the cats.

It was quite busy because of half term, but there were more than enough cats to find and fuss.

Meeting the residents

You can’t pick up the cats but many of them enjoyed a tickle. Some slept the whole time, while others wandered around the café. We loved the walkways and ladders built for them – they clearly have a lot of fun.

A peek behind the scenes

The cats all live permanently at Pause Cat Café, so this isn’t an adoption-based cafe. Apparently, they each have their own bedrooms with microchip entry – so this place is basically a feline hotel.

Food, drinks, and a safe setup

The menu offered a good range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and cakes. Food is prepared separately from the cats and served in boxes, just in case any of the residents get curious. Our hour went quickly but we had other places to explore so said goodbye to our new feline friends.

Tips for visiting Pause Cat Café

If you’re planning a trip, here’s what we’d recommend:

• Top tip – book in advance and pay the entry fee online
• Drop-ins are sometimes available
• Allow an hour – it goes quickly
• The cover charge is £5 per person, per hour

Would we visit again?

Absolutely. Our hour went by quickly, and spending time with the cats was a peaceful break from the day. Bournemouth impressed us, and Pause Cat Café made the visit even more memorable.

If you’re looking for a unique Bournemouth family activity, a relaxing vegan café, or simply love cats, this is a beautiful spot to add to your list.

Looking for more cat café recommendations? Explore our other blog posts about the best cat cafés to visit in the UK:

Whiskers & Cream Cat Cafe London

Kiko’s Cat Cafe Rye

The Cats Whiskers in York

Java Whiskers Cat Lounge, Marylebone

Andover Catfe

Paws For Thought, Romsey

Paws Cafe, Shrewsbury