Bournemouth - A gem on the South Coast

“Experience the fun and frolics that the Great British seaside has to offer in Bournemouth, one of the UK’s most vibrant coastal towns.”

Set on Britain’s sunny South Coast and boasting no less than seven miles of soft, golden, sandy beach, Bournemouth has always been seen as a great place to retire. As such, it still retains an elegant atmosphere and relaxed pace of life. Recently, the city has experienced a bit of a renaissance. The rebirth of the Great British seaside and large-scale investment by big corporations has attracted a younger generation and Bournemouth is fast becoming one of Britain’s most vibrant and dynamic seaside towns. Nostalgic touches, such as the illustrious pier, combine effortlessly with the town’s more modern facilities. Offering great shopping, pulsating nightlife, exquisite gardens and cutting-edge restaurants, it’s easy to see why more and more people are visiting Bournemouth.

Beaches

‘Oh I do like to be beside the seaside. Oh I do like to be beside the sea.’ So goes the famous British song…and it won’t be long before you’re singing the praises of the South Coast too! Whether you want to sink your toes into soft, golden sand, take a refreshing dip in the sea, treat yourself to some good old-fashioned fish’n’chips, take a stroll along the pier or simply laze the day away in a traditional striped deckchair, Bournemouth’s famous coastline is sure to entice you. Boasting over seven miles of fine, sandy beach, you’re guaranteed to find a spot all of your own so you can stretch out in style and snooze away an afternoon listening to the call of seagulls as they sail through the skies on warm air currents. Nearby Sandbanks is considered by many to be one of the best beaches in Britain. For the past twelve years it has held a Blue Flag, testament to its cleanliness and safety. Made up of fine, golden sand, Sandbanks gently shelves into the clean waters and so is a firm favourite for families with children. There are plenty of watersports here to keep you entertained including windsurfing and sailing. A short ferry ride from Sandbanks takes you to another of the South Coast’s gems, Swanage. Like its neighbour, Swanage beach is the proud winner of a prestigious Blue Flag award and has mile upon mile of golden sands.

Shopping

For a totally comprehensive shopping experience, all under one roof, head to the Castlepoint shopping centre. Opened in 2003, Bournemouth’s multi-million pound out-of-town shopping mall is one of the largest in the UK. Bringing together some of Britain’s biggest and best-loved High Street names, clothes shops sit alongside supermarkets, record stores and DIY warehouses. Set over two levels, the centre comprises 40 shops and restaurants so whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Castlepoint. If window-shopping in a more leisurely and traditional setting is more your thing, Bournemouth’s attractive town centre is the place to be. Small, individual boutiques and cafés nestle comfortably alongside well-established department stores and the pedestrianised shopping zone makes it easy to hop from shop to shop.

Eating out

There’s more to Bournemouth than just the ubiquitous seaside favourite of fish’n’chips. The town brims with pleasant cafés and tea rooms where you can sip frothy cappuccinos or indulge in English cream teas with scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam. Bournemouth is bursting at the seams with eateries, too. From Indian to Chinese, from Italian to French, there are over 250 restaurants and bistros to choose from. Summertime al fresco dining is particularly nice – dine out under the stars while listening to the sound of waves along the seafront in one of the many waterside establishments.

Nightlife

While Bournemouth is traditionally popular with people seeking peace and quiet, it also has a vivacious nightlife geared towards its student population and is deservedly known as the entertainment capital of the South Coast. Normally on the tour circuit for many top bands and DJs, Bournemouth has a late night capacity of upwards of 20,000 revellers. Its many clubs and bars cover the musical spectrum from cheesy pop and acid jazz to funky house and soulful R’n’B. For fun and laughs, head down to the the BIC Pavillion and Pier Theatres where you can sit back and enjoy a show with entertainment from top comedians, off-the-wall plays and leading names from the world of music and show business.

Sightseeing

Oceanarium
From colourful clown fish darting in and out of anemones to elaborately crested lionfish protecting their territories, Bournemouth’s oceanarium lets you discover life beneath the waves as never before. Bringing you face to face with marine life from the Great Barrier Reef, the Amazon, the Ganges, the Mediterranean and Hawaii, you’re sure to be enchanted by the vast array of species. Walk through the underwater tunnel and gaze at blue spotted rays ‘flying’ through the water while graceful turtles look at you curiously through the glass. Fully interactive with documentaries, talks and feeding demonstrations, the oceanarium is a colourful experience that’s great for all ages.

Bournemouth Gardens
Stretching from the outskirts of the town, Bournemouth Gardens spill down through the town centre to the beachfront. Flowerbeds overflow with colourful English blooms and neatly laid out emerald lawns are ideal if you just want to stretch out in the sunshine.

Chines
Get back to nature and enjoy an invigorating walk or a leisurely bike ride through Bournemouth’s famous Chines - deep, narrow ravines swathed in pine-scented woodlands that lead gently down to the sea. Make the most of the stunning scenery and take a wicker picnic hamper with you to enjoy a traditional English feast of cucumber sandwiches, real lemonade and scones.

Hengistbury Head
If you’re looking to get away from it all, take a relaxing stroll up to Bournemouth’s famous cliff, Hengistbury Head. Crowning the promontory are the remains of an Iron Age fort, complete with earthwork defences. At the end of Hengistbury Head you’ll find a quiet and secluded beach with attractive beach huts.

Alice in Wonderland Park
Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic novel, the Alice in Wonderland Park makes for a great family day out. Set in attractive, landscaped gardens, the park is packed with fun-filled games and amusement rides. Lose yourself in the Alice-themed hedge maze, take a look in on the farmyard animals or hold on to your hat on the spinning teacup ride.

Alpine Ski Centre
With forests of pine stretching out as far as the eye can see, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in Val d’Isere standing atop Bournemouth’s alpine ski slope. Boasting the widest run in the UK, it can be used throughout the year due to its special surface. Whether you want to go skiing or snowboarding, or perhaps even have a go at ski bobbing, there’s plenty to keep you busy at the Alpine Ski Centre.

Browsea Island Nature Reserve
A short boat trip from Bournemouth takes you across to Brownsea Island Nature Reserve. The island is renowned for its wildlife, especially red squirrels and seabirds. Although set in the middle of a busy harbour, the island stills remains unspoilt and secluded, enabling you to feel really close to nature. It’s little wonder that Lord Baden-Powell chose it as the location for the very first scout camp back in 1907.

Christchurch
For a slice of quintessential England, head to the Medieval town of Christchurch. Nestled between Bournemouth and the New Forest, Christchurch’s roots stretch back in history as far as the Iron Age. Today, a Norman house, an 11th-century castle keep, a ducking stool and an old mill offer reminders of Christchurch’s colourful past.

Useful links

www.bournemouth.co.uk
www.thisisbournemouth.co.uk
www.bournemouth-info.com
www.enjoydorset.co.uk

Annual Events

		July/August
		2CR FM Skyshow Towards the end of July and on into August, every Friday night is marked by a spectacular firework display. Bournemouth’s famous pier and seafront is lit up with a kaleidoscope of colour as rockets explode in the night sky.
		August
		Proms in the Park Each year the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra stages two outdoor summer performances in Meyrick Park. The concerts usually take place at the beginning of August. RAF Red Arrows Display Around the second week of August, the Red Arrows take to the skies to perform daredevil fly-pasts and aerobatic displays along Bournemouth’s seafront. Thousands of people throng to the cliff tops to watch the synchronised aircraft tumble, loop the loop and fill the skies with colourful plumes of smoke. http://www.braa.org.uk/ http://www.raf.mod.uk/
		September
		Harley Davidson Rally Get your motor running! Each year, in September, Bournemouth’s pier approach is filled with American Harley Davidson motorbikes as over 500 members of the Harley Owners’ Club take to the streets in a show of leather and steel.
		November
		Bournemouth Firework Display Remember, remember the 5th of November…or thereabouts…as the Littledown Centre in Bournemouth plays host to its annual Bonfire Night celebrations. Boasting no less than two firework displays, live DJs and games, it’s a fun-filled evening for the whole family.