Bournemouth is a large coastal resort in the south of England. The town has a population of about 190,000 making it the largest town in the county of Dorset.
Before it was founded in 1810 by Lewis Tregonwell, the area was a deserted heathland occasionally visited by fishermen and smugglers. Bournemouth's growth really accelerated with the arrival of the railway and it became a recognised town in 1870.
Recently voted the country’s best coastal resort by the British public, Bournemouth has plenty to offer, from trendy boutiques and surfing to award-winning gardens and fine dining. Bournemouth's seven miles of stunning sandy beaches combined with some of the warmest, driest and sunniest weather in the UK has made it a popular destination for tourists, attracting over five million visitors annually. The town is also a regional centre of business, home of the Bournemouth International Centre, and has a thriving financial sector.
Just a short distance out of Bournemouth, some of the south of England’s finest rural landscapes can be found. The rugged coastline of The Purbecks and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site are located to the west, whilst the New Forest National Park is located to the east. There is ample opportunity for walking, cycling and challenging outdoor pursuits for all ages and abilities.
Entertainment
The beach is an obvious favourite, providing the perfect place to relax on sunny days. The long promenade is a wonderful option for a walk or a bike ride, while the town's pier is packed with amusements and great views.
Culture vultures can head for the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. Meanwhile, St Peter's Church is a similarly impressive venue, and it is the final resting place of Frankenstein author Mary Shelly.
Bournemouth’s International Centre is the town's largest entertainment venue. It hosts some of the UK's most famous performers so its calendar of events is well worth a look. For lovers of classical music the town is also home to the internationally renowned Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), founded at the end of the 19th century.
For those who like sport, Bournemouth has a good range of amenities. There are two public golf courses close to the town centre, Meyrick Park and Queens Park golf clubs, as well as many more to choose from within a ten to fifteen mile radius. There are also various local football, cricket and rugby clubs who welcome new players.
Eating, Drinking & Shopping
As one of the UK's most vibrant town centres, it is no surprise that Bournemouth is home to a wide range of restaurants, bars and pubs. There are more than 40 nightclub venues and as many as 30,000 people descend on the town each weekend.
Bournemouth is just as popular with diners, with everything from fine cuisine to fish and chips on offer. The Richmond Hill area is known for its European-style restaurants and there are more places to eat in Westbourne and Charminster.
Known as its ‘Shopping Seven', Bournemouth 's shopping offering is split into seven very distinct areas: the town centre, Westbourne, Winton, Castlepoint, Southbourne, Charminster and Boscombe – each offering something different from designer boutiques and high street favourites to antique shops, markets and knick-knacks.
With much of the town centre pedestrianised, it is easy to get from one side of town to the other without having to dodge any traffic. The main shopping streets in the centre of town are just behind the seafront on either side of the River Bourn, and are lined with a wide range of boutiques, stores, jewellers, accessory shops and a number of leading high street stores.
Designer clothes and interior design shops are more commonly found in Westbourne, while Boscombe is famous for its quaint antique shops and a street market that bargain hunters will fall in love with.
Schools & Healthcare
There are dozens of schools in Bournemouth including more than 20 primary schools such as the popular Kings Park, and Winton. There is a similarly impressive list of secondary schools. Bournemouth School is one of the most popular choices with parents and students in the town.
The Royal Bournemouth Hospital provides the town’s heath care and has almost 700 beds. There is also a hospital in nearby Poole.
Transport
Bournemouth is well connected both by road and rail. It has two train stations – Bournemouth and Pokesdown – which are part of the south coast network, making it easy for people to travel to Southampton, Portsmouth and beyond. There is also a direct service to London Waterloo, which takes less than two hours to reach the capital.
Bournemouth has its own airport offering charter and scheduled flights to Europe and destinations further afield such as Egypt, Finland, and Tunisia.
Residential Area Guide
Property prices in Bournemouth are pretty much in line with those in the South East of England, so it is a relatively expensive place to live. Some of the most popular areas of town can be found in Boscombe and Winton – both popular for their 3 and 4 bedroomed semi- and detached houses. Elsewhere, Springbourne, Westbourne and Southbourne are also popular places to live.
Average property prices, unfurnished, per calendar month: