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Bournemouth: Sunshine and Golden Sands
As far as the existence of a British summer goes, summer in Bournemouth may be as close as it gets. Read more.
Bournemouth: Sunshine and Golden Sands
As far as the existence of a British summer goes, summer in Bournemouth may be as close as it gets. Renowned for its relatively consistent supply of sunshine and golden stretches of beach, the resort town of Bournemouth has long been a favoured vacation destination for British holidaymakers and enjoys a steady stream of international visitors. It would seem the town is rather inspirational too, having been home to J. R. R. Tolkien, Enid Blyton, and Louis Stevenson whilst he penned ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’.
Relax and Enjoy the Seaside Activities on Offer
A visit to Bournemouth has to begin with a trip the seafront. Take in the fresh sea air, stroll along the two historic piers or lounge in a deck chair on the sand with other equally relaxed tourists. Adding to the beautiful aesthetic and seaside ambience are acres of gardens and parkland. The Lower Gardens conveniently link the beach directly to the shopping precinct of Bournemouth and contain a mini golf course, the Pinewalk Art Exhibition and an aviary amongst the immaculate flower beds and wooded areas. The shopping district boasts an excellent selection of independent boutiques and high street brands.
A stop at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, situated in an historic cliff-top house, is the perfect way to delve into the history of the area while admiring some incredible views of Bournemouth beach. Back on the beach there is a range of watersports for all skill levels, including wind-surfing, jet skiing, surf schools and boat chartering. On land, cycling is an extremely popular way to get around town as well as taking on more adventurous day trips to the surrounding hillsides. After some good physical exertion, indulge in a spa or beauty treatment at one of the many superb spa facilities.
How to get to Bournemouth and Beyond
Arriving in Bournemouth by car during peak season can be a trying experience unless you enjoy waiting in traffic. Planning to get into town very early or quite late is advised. The train from London Waterloo and other stations along the South coast is a great option to avoid traffic and can be quite quick if you choose the right service. Cross country trains from Manchester, Nottingham and Newcastle are also available, especially during the summer. A couple of bus lines run from London direct to Bournemouth and Bournemouth Airport services flights from various European cities. Within the city centre, it’s easy to cover most things worth seeing on foot. A frequent local bus service will also get you around, however, be aware there are two companies providing buses and they do not accept each other’s tickets.
Plan Your Stay
As a resort town, Bournemouth has an amazing range of accommodation options from budget to luxurious. There are hotels, camping, guesthouses, hostels, and bed and breakfasts for singles, couples and families - most within a short walk of the beach. You can’t really go wrong for a location when booking your stay, but a room with a view of the coast will definitely enhance your visit.
