Bournemouth
Bournemouth is superbly situated on the sunny south coast overlooking seven miles of glorious golden sands. It is internationally renowned for its natural beauty as well as its cultural vibrancy and diversity. Situated amongst magnificent gardens and backing onto golden sands, Bournemouth town centre is lively and cosmopolitan with a smattering of foreign tongues adding to the Continental atmosphere.
It is marked by pedestrian boulevards and street cafes. In high summer there is free entertainment, including candle illuminations, firework evenings and live music from the garden bandstands, as well as magnificent concerts from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. To see the resort from a different aspect, why not take a cruise from the pier, or try the 'Bournemouth Eye', a tethered balloon which rises to 160 metres over the Gardens, giving a bird's eye view of the town. Bournemouth lies in close proximity to a number of intriguing landscapes, towns, villages and magnificent cultural sites.
The Dorset coastline, marked by its Jurassic rock forms, has been made a World Heritage site whilst the New Forest, an area protected by the National Trust, provides a home for wild ponies, deer and cattle. Salisbury not only boasts one of the oldest and most majestic cathedrals in the country, but the surrounding plain is also home to vast expanses of rolling countryside and of course, the enigmatic Stonehenge.
Hotels
We use the Devon Towers Hotel, which is a Leisureplex Hotel and also the Mayfair Hotel, which is located close to the East Cliff promenade.
Town Centre
The Avenue shopping centre is home to a number of department stores and High Street names, whilst Westover Road, affectionately known as the 'Bond Street of Bournemouth', has a selection of quirky boutiques and smaller retailers nestled beside each other along a stylish tree-lined boulevard.
Beach and Gardens
Bournemouth offers seven miles of clean, safe Blue Flag bathing beaches. Bournemouth's award-winning gardens amount to around 200,000 acres of sub-tropical Mediterranean plants and trees, from February catkins and sweet gum trees to palm trees and alpine rock plants. Boscombe's Italianate Gardens, with Roman-style colonnades and the Alum Chine gardens, which occupy a superb cliff-top position, are both worth a visit.
Activities and Attractions
Tourist Information Tel:0906 802 0234
www.bournemouth.co.uk
OceanariumTel:01202 311993
An array of marine creatures from every continent. There are extensive interactive displays and exhibitions relating to various species.
www.oceanarium.co.uk
Bournemouth Eye Tel:01202 399939
A tethered balloon which hovers at 500ft providing panoramic views of the resort.
www.bournemouthballoon.com
Bournemouth International Centre Tel:01202 456400
A world-class venue with theatres, museums and leisure facilities staging a range of year-round events.
www.bic.co.uk
Tower Park Complex Tel:01202 723671
This entertainment complex in nearby Poole offers all-weather facilities for the whole family, including bingo, bowling and a multiplex cinema.
www.towerparkcentre.co.uk
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1893, the orchestra has worked with many famous composers, conductors and musicians.
www.bsolive.com
Museum of Electricity Tel:01202 480467
In nearby Christchurch, the museum is set in a genuine Edwardian power station and houses a fascinating collection of 19th and 20th century electrical appliances as well as a number of vehicles, including a fully restored Bournemouth electric tramcar.
www.scottish-southern.co.uk
Highcliffe Castle Tel:01425 278807
The 19th century mansion house contains partially restored state rooms featuring a range of exhibitions and galleries. The extensive grounds were originally laid out by 'Capability' Brown.
www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
Tel:01202 451858
National exhibitions by outstanding British and international artists.
russell-cotes.bournemouth.gov.uk
Events
Bournemouth Carnival At the end of July, this internationally renowned event is a mixture of processions, parades, competitions and concerts.
www.bournemouthcarnival.org.uk
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Enjoy the orchestra's annual concert in their home town.
www.bsolive.com
Bournemouth Live Tel:01202 451195
In June, this is eight days of music from blues to brass.
www.bournemouthlive.info
Bournemouth Air Festival Held in August, the festival provides four days of thrilling entertainment, including aerobatic displays, Forces demonstrations, street entertainment, military brass bands and a hot air balloon show - and it's all free!
www.bournemouth.co.uk
Wimborne Folk Festival Annual event featuring traditional folk music and dance.
www.wimbornefolkfestival.co.uk
Flowers by Candlelight is held Wednesday evenings at dusk throughout August in Bournemouth Gardens and features the lighting of over 15,000 coloured candles and a children's procession.
Great Dorset Steam Fair is an annual gathering of steam engines and vintage machinery.
www.gdsf.co.uk
Seafront Fireworks Every Friday night in summer there is a spectacular fireworks display on the beach front.
Excursions from Bournemouth
The details below are intended as a general guide only. For specific tour details, first check Availability and then follow the link from the Tour Description.
Weymouth is one of Britain's oldest resorts, made famous by George III, whose statue graces the promenade. The town boasts a beautiful sandy beach, attractive seafront and spectacular Jurassic coastline.
www.visitweymouth.co.uk
Poole A short distance from Bournemouth, Poole has a magnificent natural harbour and stunning beaches. Enjoy the sights aboard the land train, which leaves on a 50 minute journey from the Quay.
www.pooletourism.com
Stonehenge Shrouded in mystery, this intriguing circle of bluestones is believed to date from around 500BC - a must see for everyone!
www.stonehenge.co.uk
Beaulieu is home to the National Motor Museum, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey. Also, take time to explore the beautiful gardens, including the 18th century Informal Wilderness Garden and the Victorian Kitchen Garden.
www.beaulieu.co.uk
Salisbury Visit the historic cathedral and enjoy panoramic views across the famous Plain.
www.visitwiltshire.co.uk
Wimborne Minster is dominated by the magnificent twin towers of the Minster Church of St. Cuthburga, founded in the 8th century. The fascinating Priest's House Museum and Gardens is worth a visit and Wimborne Market is one of the largest open-air markets in the south of England.
www.aboutbritain.com
New Forest is an enchanting region of ancient woodlands, picturesque villages and historic houses.
www.thenewforest.co.uk
Christchurch is renowned for its fascinating heritage, intriguing history and magnificent 11th century Priory church. It also boasts a spectacular natural harbour and over four miles of beautiful sandy beaches.
www.visitchristchurch.info
Dorchester boasts an abundance of attractions including the Dorset County Museum, Maiden Castle and Roman Town House.
www.visit-dorchester.co.uk