Timebomb Piercing & Tattoos is a tattoo studio in Bournemouth town centre, at 109 Old Christchurch Road (BH1 1EP), two minutes from the Square. Timebomb opened in London in 2003, and our Bournemouth studio offers custom tattoos, walk-ins and free consultations, with over 700 Google reviews. The studio is registered with BCP Council (registration no. MAU215369), and every tattoo uses single-use needles.
Walk in Monday–Saturday, 11am to 5pm (last walk-in tattoo at 5pm) if an artist is free, or send us your idea for a quote. We only tattoo over-18s, so please bring original photo ID.
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Tattoo prices at a glance
| Small tattoos | From £50 for simple linework. Larger pieces are quoted on size, detail and placement. |
| Half day | £250 |
| Full day | £450 |
| Deposit | £50 to book an appointment, taken off the final price |
| Included | Second Skin film dressing. Whitfields aftercare balm is available for £8 (RRP £12). |
| Age | 18+ only, original photo ID required |
| Walk-ins | Monday–Saturday from 11am, last walk-in 5pm, when an artist is free |
| Quotes | Free, by WhatsApp on 07752 913846, by the online form, or in person |
Check our current offers for half-day and full-day discounts.
Our tattoo artists
Our resident artists are Ray, Carmen, Cal and Roux. Between them they cover every style on this page, so tell us what you have in mind and we'll match you with the right artist.
Guest artists who tattoo at the studio include @diegotatts (Chile), @zms_tattoo (Hungary), @alexlondontattoo (Russia) and @romidarkline (Chile). Follow @timebombbournemouth to hear when guest spots open.
Fine line tattoos
Delicate fine-line work: small florals, script, symbols and minimal linework. Fine lines need a steady hand and sensible sizing, because lines placed too close together can blur as they age. We'll tell you honestly if a design needs to be a little bigger to last.
Traditional and old school tattoos
Bold outlines, a limited colour palette and classic flash: swallows, roses, daggers, panthers and ships. Traditional tattoos age well because of their strong lines and solid colour. Pick from flash or have a custom piece drawn.
Black and grey and realism
Smooth shading built up in black and grey wash, from soft roses to realistic portraits of people and animals. Realism needs good reference photos and enough size for detail, so bring the best images you have.
Colour tattoos
Saturated colour work, from bright neo-traditional to colour realism. We'll advise on how colours hold up on your skin tone and in your chosen placement.
Script and handwriting tattoos
Names, dates, quotes and the handwriting of loved ones, reproduced from a photo or scan of the original note or card. We check spelling, sizing and line spacing with you before any stencil goes on.
Ornamental, blackwork and dotwork
Mandala-inspired patterns, filigree, geometric designs and dotwork shading, designed to follow the shape of the body.
Small and matching tattoos
Small tattoos start from £50 and are ideal for first-timers, couples, friends and family groups. Many small designs can be done as walk-ins on the day. Ask about matching tattoos for two or more people.
Sleeves and large projects
A sleeve starts with a consultation to plan the theme, flow and number of sessions. Large pieces are usually booked as half days (£250) or full days (£450). Sleeve tattoos in Bournemouth →
Cover-ups and reworks
Not every old tattoo can be covered. Dark, dense ink sometimes needs fading with laser first. We don't do laser removal, but we can tell you when it's worth it. Bring the tattoo in for a free assessment, and we'll tell you honestly whether a cover-up, a rework or fading first gives the best result.
How to book
- Walk in. If an artist is free, small pieces can often be done the same day. The last walk-in is at 5pm.
- Get a quote. Send your idea, size (cm), placement and a reference image by WhatsApp or the online form. We usually reply within 24 hours.
- Book your session. A £50 deposit secures your appointment and is taken off the final price.
Before your tattoo
- Eat a proper meal beforehand (what to eat before a tattoo) and stay hydrated.
- No alcohol for 24 hours before.
- Bring original photo ID.
- We won't tattoo you if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Aftercare in short
Every tattoo leaves the studio under a Second Skin film dressing, included in the price. Once it's off, keep the tattoo clean, moisturised and out of the sun, and avoid swimming for 2–3 weeks. Whitfields aftercare balm is available in the studio for £8 (RRP £12). Full tattoo aftercare guide →
FAQs
- Do you tattoo under-18s? No. UK law (the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969) prohibits it, even with parental consent.
- Can I bring my own design? Yes. Our artists can tattoo it as it is, or adapt it into a custom piece.
- How much will my tattoo cost? Small tattoos start from £50. Half days are £250 and full days £450. Send your idea for a free quote.
- Do you take walk-ins? Yes, Monday to Saturday from 11am until 5pm, when an artist is free.
- Do you do tattoo removal? Not at the moment. If an old tattoo needs fading before a cover-up, we'll advise you.
Find us
Timebomb Piercing & Tattoos Bournemouth
109 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH1 1EP · 01202 900050
Open Monday–Saturday 11am–6pm (last walk-in tattoo 5pm), closed Sunday.
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