What is Bournemouth known for?
A seven-mile sandy beach, a Victorian pier and gardens, mild weather by British standards, a busy food and nightlife scene and a year-round events calendar. The town sits on the Dorset coast beside the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
How do I get to Bournemouth from London?
Direct trains from London Waterloo take about two hours. Driving takes roughly two to two and a half hours via the M3, M27 and A338. National Express coaches run direct, and Bournemouth Airport handles European routes.
Which is the best beach in Bournemouth?
Bournemouth Beach beside the pier has the most facilities and the biggest crowds. Alum Chine and Southbourne are the local choices for a quieter day, and Boscombe is the surf and watersports end. Every one of them is part of the same seven-mile stretch of sand.
Is Bournemouth beach sandy or pebbly?
Sandy from end to end. The seven miles between Alum Chine and Southbourne form one of the longest continuous sandy beaches in Britain.
When is the best time to visit Bournemouth?
June to September gives the warmest weather and the busiest events calendar, while May and late September are quieter and still mild. The microclimate means the beaches and clifftop walks are worth it in any month.
Is Bournemouth good for a family holiday?
Yes. The sand shelves gently, which suits small children, and the pier, Lower Gardens, Oceanarium and seafront are all within a short walk of each other. Add beach huts, ice cream kiosks, crazy golf and the land train and a full day looks after itself.
Where should I stay in Bournemouth?
The West Cliff and East Cliff are closest to the beach and the centre. Boscombe and Southbourne feel more local and quieter, Westbourne is leafy and smart, and the town centre suits shopping and nights out. There is everything from clifftop hotels to serviced apartments and holiday parks.
Are Bournemouth’s beaches dog-friendly?
Some are. Stretches of Alum Chine, Durley Chine and Southbourne welcome dogs all year, while the central beaches ban them from roughly May to September. The promenade signs show the rules for each section.
How many days do you need in Bournemouth?
Two or three days cover the beach, pier, gardens and a couple of attractions. Give it a day or two more for Boscombe, Southbourne, Poole and Christchurch, a boat trip, or a day out on the Jurassic Coast.
What is there to do in Bournemouth when it rains?
More than you would think. The Oceanarium and the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum are both a short walk from the pier, the Triangle and Westbourne have shops and cafés to shelter in, and the seafront hotels do spa afternoons and afternoon tea. Poole and Christchurch add museums and indoor attractions.
Is parking easy in Bournemouth?
The seafront and town-centre car parks are large but fill early on warm summer weekends, so aim to arrive before 10am or use the park-and-ride and the buses. Many hotels and apartments include parking.
