Bournemouth is the largest tourist town and resort in Enlgand. The town is also in an area of England with a mild climate and a section of the coast that enjoys some of the warmest, driest and sunniest weather in Britain, especially in the summer. Because of this and the town's proximity to the New Forest, Jurassic Coast, Devon and the Dorset and Hampshire countryside, Bournemouth is a historically popular tourist destination.
Shopping: Bournemouth has plenty of it! Whether you are after big brand stores, quirky boutiques or open-air markets, you’re sure to find something to please. The main shopping streets in the centre of town are just behind the seafront on either side of the River Bourne; indeed footpaths lead down to the sea (from The Square) through the lower section of Bournemouth Central Gardens.
Festivals: Bournemouth has had an annual Literary Festival since 2005. Themes for 2007 are Romance, Love and Erotic Fiction. Events are held throughout the year. 2008 theme is international and will include film, dance and theatre.
Bournemouth Air Festival was launched on the 10th of August 2007 and will be a four day event at the end of the summer of 2008. The show will be centred on the Red Arrows with displays also from Lancasters, Hurricanes and Spitfires.
Eating out: Enjoy eating out in Bournemouth with 250 restaurants to choose from. Whether you want Chinese, Italian or traditional fish and chips, Bournemouth has it all. And not only that, but you can enjoy dining out while being surrounded by gorgeous countryside, fabulous beaches or the historic town centre.
The Beach: Bournemouth is renowned for its excellent tourist attractions, none more so than its beaches. Bournemouth can boast seven miles of golden sands and clear blue water. Available for hire on the beach are deck chairs, sun beds, windbreaks and parasols to make sure you enjoy the day in comfort.
Getting there by Air:
Low cost airlines which operate from Bournemouth include Ryanair and Thomsonfly as well as Flybe from Southampton Airport. Access to London's Heathrow and Gatwick Airports is easy and convenient from Bournemouth by train or by coach.
By Rail:
- South West Trains operates a comprehensive service to London Waterloo with a journey time of as little as 97 minutes. This line also serves Southampton, Winchester and Basingstoke to the East, with Poole, Wareham, Dorchester and Weymouth to the West.
- Virgin Trains serve destinations to the North with direct trains to Reading, Oxford, Birmingham & the Midlands, Manchester and the Northwest, Yorkshire (Sheffield, Leeds, York), Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland.
Photo courtesy of Bournemouth Tourism
