Bournemouth is sandwiched between the "Jurassic Coast", a 95 mile section of beautiful and largely un-spoilt coastline recently designated a World Heritage Site, and the New Forest, designated a National Park in 2005.
There are approximately 10 beaches within close proximity to Bournemouth and 6 of these are award winning, Bournemouth Pier beach, Boscombe Pier beach, Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne, Durley Chine and Alum Chine. 8 out of the 10 beaches have lifeguard cover and 4 beaches have no dog restrictions. Sea fishing or boat trips are readily available.
Bournemouth is among the UK’s top 25 shopping centres and the main shopping streets in the centre of town are just behind the seafront, offering a magnificent choice of glittering shops. Modern shopping malls and Victorian arcades house a mixture of boutiques blended with high street favourites and department stores set on wide pedestrianised boulevards. North of the centre there is a new out-of-town shopping complex called Castlepoint. Why not plan your trip to Bournemouth around our French & Continental Markets in mid July, late September/early October. The market will boast 25 high quality stalls with produce from France, Belgium, Spain and Italy. The markets will include home-cured sausages and hams, freshly cooked crepes, a huge selection of continental vegetables, traditional strings of garlic, fresh French baguettes, wines from Bordeaux and much more.
Relax and enjoy the superb cuisine at one of the town’s 250 restaurants and bistros where you can taste a range of gastronomic experiences. You’ll find bars and restaurants offering al fresco dining, family favourites, traditional English fare or choose from the surprisingly varied range of cuisine from around the world. The town has many nightclubs, theatres and shows, so plenty of choice for evening entertainment.
There are plenty of things to see and do around the town including the Bournemouth Oceanarium. The Aquarium of Discovery...from piranhas to puffer fish, crabs to turtles, the Oceanarium is home to some of the planets most amazing animals. The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum has recently reopened after major refurbishment and provides an insight into the lifestyle of Victorian’s Sir Merton & Lady Russell-Cotes and their extraordinary cornucopia of possessions. Or why not view Bournemouth from a different vantage point and take the Bournemouth Eye, a tethered balloon flight to 500ft, giving spectacular views of the coastline, town and countryside for over 20 miles. A superb variety of golf courses, outdoor sports, tennis facilities and indoor bowls are available and for the more adventurous then try Paint balling, surfing, clay pigeon shooting or even greyhound racing!