Bournemouth in Winter

Winter brings the Christmas Tree Wonderland light trail, festive markets and bracing walks along beaches with almost nobody on them. The mild coastal climate keeps the harshest weather away, and with quieter streets and low-season prices it is a good time for a restful break out of season.

Yes, there is no charge for the Christmas Tree Wonderland. Every December the town centre and gardens fill with a trail of lit-up trees and light displays, and walking it is a popular way for families to spend a winter evening.

The coastal climate here is fairly mild, so Bournemouth winters are softer than in much of inland Britain. Days by the sea can be cool, and sometimes wild and windy, but the sheltered position of the town blunts the worst of it, and the clifftop walks are all the more dramatic.

Yes. Low-season prices, a slower pace and festive events such as the Christmas Tree Wonderland make winter a rewarding time to come. Expect near-empty beaches, brooding clifftops and some of the finest sunsets of the year over Poole Bay.

Try the seasonal markets in the town centre, Westbourne's Victorian arcades and the independent shops in Boscombe. Between them you will find gifts, crafts and something warm to eat and drink, well away from the chain stores.

The town centre, the cinemas and the indoor attractions run as normal, and the restaurants inland that residents use all year keep going. Along the seafront, many kiosks close and some attractions cut their hours, so check before making a special trip.

It suits one well. Prices are at their lowest, the climate is milder than inland, and the empty beach and promenade are on the doorstep every day. The one busy spell is the run-up to Christmas, when accommodation tightens, so book ahead if your dates overlap.