Explore in and around Bournemouth

The jewel of the South Coast, Bournemouth, is nestled along a vast and impressive coastline. It offers sweeping panoramic views over the sea from the majestic clifftops, golden sandy beaches, and lush, green rolling hills in the surrounding Dorset countryside.

Bournemouth itself has some remarkable natural assets, as well as quaint suburban areas. But if you’re willing to travel a little further afield, you’ll quickly find yourself in some of the country’s most celebrated beauty spots and historic towns and cities.

History of Bournemouth

From its proud heritage as a spa town popular with Victorian holidaymakers to its prowess as a world-class seaside destination, Bournemouth has a rich and colourful history that’s begging to be explored. Take a journey through time and celebrate Bournemouth’s past and present!

Towns & Cities

Bournemouth has a bustling town centre within walking distance of the seafront, and smaller suburban areas extend to the north, west, and east, buzzing with life and teeming with activity. There are also excellent rail and road networks to neighbouring seaside and inland towns, including Christchurch, Wimborne, and Poole, and even historic cities like Salisbury and Southampton.

Villages

Bournemouth’s own coastal villages - Boscombe, Southbourne, and Westbourne - offer a vibrant mix of sleepy seaside sanctuaries and bustling high street vitality. Off the beaten track, in the depths of rural Dorset and Hampshire, you’ll find picture-perfect countryside gems like Corfe Castle, Ropley, and Cerne Abbas.

Coast

Together, Bournemouth and Poole boast 10-miles of golden sand, and the impressive beaches form part of one of the most celebrated expanses of British coastline. Stretching out to the west towards Devon and Cornwall, the world famous Jurassic Coast is beset with picturesque seaside towns and villages, including Swanage, Weymouth, and West Bay.

Countryside

Easily accessible from Bournemouth in a car, on foot, or by bike, you’ll find yourself in the countryside in no time. Explore the rolling Purbeck hills, an adventurer’s playground in the New Forest, or historic hidden gems inland towards Salisbury.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Bournemouth is close to two AONBs – Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs to the north and Dorset to the west – so you can set off from the comfort of your hotel or B&B in town and explore these nationally celebrated beauty spots.

UNESCO World Heritage

Boasting 95 miles of coastline and 185 million years of history, it’s no wonder Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast has achieved UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s just a stone’s throw from Bournemouth, so you have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure waiting on your doorstep!