Interesting Places To Visit In Bournemouth And Boscombe

06

January

Bournemouth’s seven miles of sandy beaches and more than seven hours of summer sunshine (on average) makes it one of the most popular resorts to visit in the UK.

But surprisingly, this was still a spot for smugglers and fishermen up until the beginning of the 19th century, when a retired army officer thought it might take off as a sea-bathing town and built some villas for holidaymakers.

Once the railways arrived, there was no stopping Bournemouth – and now it’s the largest seaside resort in Dorset, retaining much of its Victorian charm.

With chalk cliffs, natural beauty spots, a massive stretch of golden beach and some of the best pubs and clubs in the country, you could make it a day trip, but you’ll probably want to stay for the weekend or week.

Bournemouth has four “chines”, each of them offering something a little different.

Take the Tree Trail through Boscombe Chine Gardens and see if you can spot the nine different trees the squirrels like to play in.

These Victorian gardens have been lovingly restored, and you can see many of the original features including their award-winning bloom beds, along with newer attractions like mini golf.

See some exotic flowers in the tropical gardens at  Alum Chine, the largest chine in Bournemouth. You can also get a birds eye view of this natural attraction from one of the three bridges that cross it (Winston Churchill is alleged to fallen off one in 1892, while playing as a child – fortunately he was ok).

 Get closer to nature on the coast

The Jurassic Coast is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with 185 million years of history, including dinosaur discoveries. For stunning views, take the short train ride to the dramatic Hengistbury Head, which teems with wildlife and archaeological discoveries.

For non-extinct reptiles, visit Turbary Common, which is is home to all the native British species: adders, grass snakes, smooth snakes, sand lizards, common lizards and slow worms.

Visit the Isle of Purbeck and the idyllic village of Studland, best known for its National Trust beach, nature reserve and views of the white chalked Old Harry Rocks.

It’s also the venue for Britain’s most popular naturist beach.

The Russell-Cotes Museum & Art Gallery has a great location a top the Bournemouth cliffs.

The interior of this dreamy Victorian villa is pretty good too – look above as you walk into the main hall to see a detailed glass dome, decorated with owls, stars and comets.

If you want to buy or browse some contemporary art, head to the independent Westover Gallery.

For aeroplanes, the Bournemouth Aviation Museum might be worth a visit.

Learn about Bournemouth’s literary links

Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkein spent his latter years in retirement in Bournemouth, after spending childhood holidays in the area.

Children’s classic novelist, Enid Blyton, also lived in Bournemouth, while Studland became the inspiration for Toytown, where Noddy lived.

It was in his home in Westborne, that Robert Louis Stevenson wrote The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Boscombe Manor was built for Mary Shelley, the author of the gothic horror novel, Frankenstein, but sadly she died before the house was completed.

Despite having never visited the town, she wanted to be buried in Bournemouth in the family plot in St Peter’s churchyard, alongside her parents and the heart of her husband, the poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley.

The church spire is a local landmark, and you can visit the headstone in the grounds.

Coming more up-to-date, author Bill Bryson spent time at the Bournemouth Echo newspaper, and the town is mentioned in his breakthrough book, Notes from a Small Island.

#LoveBournemouth

Great place to live , work and holiday. 

How about you? Do You fancy a trip to the seaside? visit our website and sign up for VIP membership and get great deals. What are you waiting for?