This seaside resort has seen steady development since it began to be a popular spa town in the 19th century, with the cream of Victorian society mainly from London enjoying its mild climate and the health-giving aromas of its coastal pine trees. The ‘Mont Dore’ cure, offered by the town’s first spa hotel, was said to be healing water whose fame heralded the beginning of the influx of tourists to the town’s landscape of luxurious villas.
Loved in its day by such famous authors as Thomas Hardy and D.H. Lawrence, the town has in recent years transformed its image as a dormant haven for retired pensioners to become one of the coolest cities in the UK, with a firm emphasis on quality of life. Apart from seven miles of clean golden beaches, it offers top conference facilities, a campus university, an excellent range of accommodation, great cafés and restaurants and lies within easy reach of the New Forest, the Jurassic Coast, Devon, and the Dorset and Hampshire countryside.
At night the town comes alive with a vibrant pub and club scene, with many stag and hen parties celebrated here. Check out the 1812, Crank, Landmarc, The Ballrooms and 2XS for a great night out.
The famous author Mary Shelly who wrote ‘Frankenstein’ is buried in the churchyard of St Peter’s Church along with the heart of her husband the Romantic poet, Percy Bysshe Shelly.
- West Cliff/ Central West – Easy access to all amenities and sought after views of the bay. Award-winning beaches a short walk away, plus the great boutiques of Westbourne, the Bournemouth International Conference Centre, the Prom and the Oceanarium.
- East Cliff/ Central East – Stunning sea views and close proximity to more lovely beaches, the Russell-Coates Art Gallery and the East Cliff Railway that saves the walk up the hill from the beach.
- Lansdowne – an integral part of central Bournemouth, near the Coach and Railway stations and featuring the clock tower of the Bournemouth and Poole College as its best-known landmark.
- Boscombe – currently being transformed as a ‘Spa Village’ in 50s retro style, featuring another pier, a wide range of holiday accommodation, the refurbished seafront Overstrand building, the world’s 58 funkiest beach huts, and an innovative artificial surf reef. It’s all happening!
- Southbourne – Superb sandy beaches, a clifftop children’s play park, cafés and fabulous views sweeping from the Isle of Wight across Poole Bay to the Isle of Purbeck. Visit Hengistbury Head fort or have a round of golf.
- The Chines – Branksome Chine and Alum Chine are attractive wooded suburbs of Bournemouth from which you can easily stroll, take a train or hop on a bus along the Prom in order to reach central Bournemouth, or continue in the other direction to reach Sandbanks and Poole.
- Talbot Village – Close to the University of Bournemouth campus, only 5 mins by bus or a 25 min walk down into the town.
- Bournemouth International Airport – The busiest and most important airport in the region offers a choice of scheduled and charter services to a broad range of short and long haul destinations, just 15 mins drive from the town centre.
- Christchurch – Host to the annual Food Fest, a quaint picture postcard town located at the confluence of the River Avon and River Stour, with lovely beaches near Friars Cliff, a Norman priory church, and gorgeous riverside walks along Town Quay.
- New Forest – Peace, tranquility, beauty and intact ancient woodlands and heathlands set aside by William the Conqueror as a special area of protected countryside nine centuries ago. A paradise for nature lovers and ponies.
- Isle of Wight – Within easy reach by ferry, visit for fun, for the festivals or for the fossils.
- Salisbury – One of Wiltshire’s most remarkable sites is the stunning 13th century cathedral, but don’t forget Stonehenge, Longleat and Stourhead gardens.
- Isle of Purbeck – The Sandbanks ferry will take you directly to Swanage, and the gorgeous countryside and historic villages of Corfe, Wareham and Lulworth that form this idyllic corner of Hardy’s England.