Bournemouth

Dubbed the Gem of the South Coast, Bournemouth is a truly beautiful seaside resort situated on the Dorset shoreline. With seven miles of pristine sandy beaches, an eclectic high street and more bars per square kilometre than Soho, Bournemouth is fast becoming the UK’s Golden Riviera.

Attractions/Activities

Bournemouth is host to so many attractions, you will be spoilt for choice. At the celebrated BIC (Bournemouth International Centre) watch big name bands like Snow Patrol, Basement Jaxx, Status Quo and Jools Holland, or catch a musical, opera or a tribute band.

If it’s a rainy day visit the Oceanarium on the Pier Approach or check out Monkey World just a bus or train ride away.

During the summer months take the ferry from the Quay over to Brownsea Island, a stunning wildlife sanctuary home to deer, peacocks, and the only red squirrels in the UK.

If you’re feeling active then there’s every watersport imaginable on offer – sailing, windsurfing, kitesailing, wake boarding, kayaking, jet-skiing and water-skiing, which can all be taken as a course or hired out individually.

For those who prefer their sport on dry land, Bournemouth has several 18-hole golf clubs like the picturesque Meyrick Park, only a mile from the town centre. Alternatively hit a few balls at the tennis courts in the central Bournemouth Gardens, or try your swing at the mini-golf course, also in the gardens.

For all those old romantics, how about some pony trekking across the heath, or a stroll over the Old Harry Rocks and the Purbeck Hills.

And if you’re a bit of a culture vulture, check out the award-winning Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum on the East Cliff or the rich and lush New Forest, which dates back 900 years.

Shopping

When it comes to shops, Bournemouth enjoys a veritable smorgasbord of variety. All shops are within walking distance and buses will take you to Bournemouth Square, from which you can navigate either up or down the High Street. There are several arcades and various large department stores, and for the weary shopper there is always a quirky café near to hand.

Towards the end of the summer a Bournemouth goes continental with a week-long French Street Market selling all the local produce from across the channel.

Over Christmas the town centre is transformed into a Winter Wonderland with the annual German Street Market – perfect for those last minute presents.

Nightlife

Bournemouth is famous for its colourful nightlife, and the clubbing scene has exploded dramatically over the last few years. The Opera House in Boscombe welcomes a different DJ talent every week, among the likes of Paul van Dyke, Erik Morillo, Tiesto and Judge Jules.

If you prefer the smooth grooves of R n’B, Trevor Nelson and Craig David may often be spotted spinning the decks in Jimmy’s at the Triangle, or the K-Bar on Terrace Road.

If you fancy a flutter, there are several casinos in the town centre, and for all those hot-blooded men, Bournemouth now boasts four stylish and discreet topless bars.

For the after-party there’s the chilled-out Camel Bar on the Old Christchurch Road, where you can smoke a Shisha whilst enjoying some early morning belly dancing.

Tourist Information

Visitor Information CentreWestover RoadBournemouthDorsetBH1 2BU

Tel: +44 (0) 1202 451700Fax: +44 (0) 1202 454799

info@bournemouth.co.ukwww.bournemouth.co.uk

Airport

Bournemouth International Airport is only ten to fifteen minutes from the town centre, and is served by an excellent road network. There are connecting buses that leave from Bournemouth Travel Interchange, and there is plenty of airport parking.