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Parks & Gardens

Bournemouth proudly maintains 1000 hectares of glorious parks and gardens – that equates to 20% of the entire borough!

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has been awarded 23 Green Flags which recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces. In addition Hengistbury Head have also achieved the much-coveted Green Heritage Site Accreditation for its management of the historic features. More information can be found in the news release.

At the heart of the resort is a 1.5-mile stretch of historic Green Flag, grade II listed gardens, which retain much of their Victorian character and charm. Split into three distinct sections, they start at the Lower Gardens, which have the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award 2021 and lead through the Central Gardens onto the Upper Gardens which end in Poole.

There are 17,000 trees lining the streets of Bournemouth and 30,000 in our parks and gardens! The Bournemouth Tree Trail is a circular, flat walk that highlights some of the most beautiful species. Download or pick up a copy of the tree trail map at the Tourist Information Centre.

The Lower Gardens are renowned for their floral bedding displays throughout the year, which are designed to bring together brilliant colours, subtle textures, height variations and scent. They also play host to many events and attractions during the summer months including the Aviary, Art Exhibition and concerts at the Bandstand.

Alum Chine boasts an award-winning tropical garden which was laid out with paths, borders and dry stonewalls in the 1920s to create a terrace garden overlooking the bay. There are now many unusual exotic plants in the gardens for people to discover and they also offer a viewing point for fabulous views of the bay.

Take the land train from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Chine Gardens, which features a children’s water play area, mini golf and café. A variety of trees grow on the banks of the chine and the gardens provide habitats for a range of wildlife. There is a wildlife quiz trail along the pathway all about the plants and animals found in the gardens. While you’re in the area visit the Italianate Gardens just off Boscombe Cliff Road.

Bournemouth has ten sites which are officially designated Nature Reserves. Our green spaces are important havens for local wildlife and offer a wide range of habitats.

For wildlife lovers, Hengistbury Head – at the eastern end of this stretch of coastline – is teeming with life and you can get help with your explorations from the Visitor Centre (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award 2021) . Or head inland and visit one of the area’s more localised nature reserves – Stour Valley, Kinson Common and Turbury Common.

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Beaulieu National Motor Museum

New Forest

In the heart of the New Forest National Park, Beaulieu is a marvellous day out that can be enjoyed together.
Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre

Bournemouth

A day at Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve is truly a great day out, even outside of the summer. It is still full of wildlife, rare plants, and of course, the thousands of years of important archaeological history.
Upton House Concerts

Poole

Three days of great music set in the beautiful grounds of Upton Country Park.
Compton Acres

Poole

Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven with spectacular themed gardens, relax in the charming Café, browse creative gifts or delve into the exciting world of plants within the Plant Centre, there's a surprise at every turn.
Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe, Christchurch

Highcliffe Castle is a Grade 1 listed building situated on the cliff top overlooking Christchurch Bay.
Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre

Bournemouth

Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre is the gateway to the Stour Valley Nature Reserve. It is run in partnership between BCP Council and the Bournemouth Parks Foundation.
We recommend stopping in before you head out down to the river. This true…
Alum Chine Play Park

Bournemouth

The Alum Chine playground is an amazing play space inspired around ‘Treasure Island’ and features a number of adventurous play elements.
New Forest Wildlife Park

Nr Ashurst, Southampton

Enjoy a wildlife adventure in this lovely park, set in 25 acres of unspoilt woodland.
Boscombe Chine Gardens

Bournemouth

Boscombe Chine Gardens were developed originally from a ‘chine’ of heath and mire into a splendid Victorian garden, a central part of the then thriving Boscombe resort.
Alum Chine Tropical Gardens

Bournemouth

A chine is a steep dry river valley and Alum Chine is the largest of four Chines within Bournemouth.
Ramsdown

Christchurch

Ramsdown is an area of scenic walks through heathlands and coniferous forest. It is the perfect place to take walks with your dog and from the top of the hill you can view out over the heathland over towards Bournemouth.
Red House Museum

Christchurch

A former Georgian workhouse, the Red House is now a museum exploring the story of Christchurch from before the Ice Age to modern times.
Bournemouth Lower Gardens

Bournemouth

The Lower Gardens in Bournemouth are only a five minute walk from the main shopping centre, the beach and the pier.
Hengistbury Head

Bournemouth

Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt and south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs.
Upton Country Park

Poole

Whatever the season, there's something for everyone - enjoy the wildlife along the shoreline, try the Woodland Play Trail, visit an exhibition at The Gallery, try one of the many events – or simply find a quiet spot to admire the grounds and…
Turbary Common

Bournemouth

Turbary common is the largest area of heathland in north Bournemouth and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Bournemouth Upper Gardens

Bournemouth

The Upper Gardens hold many unusual tree species including a North American Giant Redwood (believed to be the largest in the country) and a group of mature Persian Ironwood trees.
Boscombe Cliff Gardens

Bournemouth

Originally opened in 1900, Boscombe Cliff Gardens merges into the Boscombe Overcliff Local Nature Reserve. The outward looking Cliff Gardens; leading through to the more sheltered Italianate Gardens both overlook beautiful cliffs grazed by a small…

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