Bournemouth, the largest town in Dorset, is well-connected to its neighbouring counties and has a direct train line to London. Thanks to its picturesque landscapes, the town is a treasure trove of natural beauty and amenities. Covering an area of 46.18 km2, Bournemouth falls under the jurisdiction of the BCP local authority, sharing the Jurassic coastline with its neighbours, Christchurch and Poole.
The town’s beach was crowned the best in the UK at the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024, making it a prime attraction for those moving to Bournemouth. However, there are many more local treasures waiting to be discovered. As a former resident, I can vouch for the lesser-known spots that are worth a visit.
As you move away from the bustling shopping district, the path becomes gradually quieter, leading you to Coy Pond in about 28 minutes.
Coy Pond is a charming spot nestled within a residential area, home to ducks and vibrant flowers growing on its banks. The route is easy to navigate on foot or by bike, offering a picturesque walk on a sunny day.
Returning to the town centre, you’ll pass through the Lower Gardens, situated between the seafront and the busy square. In the summer months, these lawns become a popular spot for sunbathers.
There’s often a large screen showing Wimbledon, making it an ideal picnic location.
Access to Bournemouth Beach from the Lower Gardens is straightforward, although this tends to be the busiest entrance. A better option is to walk past the Bournemouth International Centre up West Cliff Road until you reach the Alum Chine car park.
Take some time to explore the underrated tropical gardens before heading to the beach.
The golden sandy stretch extends all the way west to Sandbanks in Poole. This mid-section is typically much quieter than the main part of Bournemouth Beach, which is located near the Oceanarium and bars.
One of the top coastal cycling routes is to pedal from Bournemouth Beach to the Sandbanks Chain Ferry, where a modest car park offers stunning views of the ferry port.
The route from Alumn Chine to the ferry takes a mere 20 minutes along a flat path, passing through Branksome Chine Beach and Canford Cliffs.
The chain ferry departs in front of The Haven Hotel, but the sunset-viewing spot remains relatively quiet on cooler evenings.
Bournemouth offers a wide range of food and drink options, including all the major restaurant chains in the town centre.
Venture from the town centre to where The Triangle meets Commercial Road and you’ll discover Ojo Rojo, an independent Mexican restaurant serving authentic street food and Mezcal tequila cocktails in a rustic setting, complete with a spacious outdoor hacienda.
Just around the corner, you’ll find Lolas Spanish Tapas Restaurant, a local favourite offering delicious small plates at reasonable prices. For dinner with a view, Brasserie Blanc at the Marriott Highcliff Hotel is the best in town.
Although part of the hotel, the French eatery is open to non-residents and is a must-visit for a special meal or even just a drink on the terrace with stunning sea views.