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Bournemouth
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Bournemouth is an elegant, pine-fringed coastal
resort in a south facing sheltered bay with seven miles
of golden sands on the south coast of England.
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The town is set in the attractive Dorset countryside
designated as an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty",
with the Dorset Heritage Coast and The New Forest within
easy reach.
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There are several no-smoking
beaches, four miles of dog free sands and zoned
watersports.
Bistros, bars and family
diners are much in evidence along the mainly
traffic free promenade.
The area has attractions for
visitors of all ages.
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The town's mainly Victorian
architecture is complemented by a lively
cosmopolitan street scene, interesting shops and
a variety of nightlife and theatres.
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The award
winning pleasure gardens flank the Bourne stream
for two miles and provide a pine scented stage
for some of the many free festivals and events
taking place in Bournemouth 100 days of the
year. |
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More than £60m has been invested in leisure
developments, including 2D and 3D IMAX complex, and a
new look square laced with palm trees and Edwardian
street furniture, giving the town a more continental
feel.
Bournemouth is made up of several distinct districts,
each with its own style and pace. All the areas are
within easy reach of the town centre and can be reached
by bus or promenade train.
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TOWN CENTRE. EAST & WEST
CLIFFS
The town centre is situated in a valley between
East and West Cliffs. There is extensive
shopping, leisure and nightlife options,
including clubs, bars, theatres and restaurants.
There are extensive gardens,
tennis centre, balloon rides, seafront, pier and
amusements.
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The East Cliff has the award
winning Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum,
and the West Cliff has wide grassy cliff top
walks.
Both are within easy reach
of the town centre. |
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ALUM CHINE AND WESTBOURNE
Alum Chine has been created around a wooded chine
leading to the sea. It has a village-like atmosphere
with mostly family owned accommodation.
There are lovely cliff top views, sandy beach, paddling
pool and children’s area. In Westbourne there is quality
shopping, Victorian Arcade, nice tea-rooms, pubs and
restaurants.
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BOSCOMBE
Boscombe has wide sandy beaches, pretty flower
filled gardens and wooded chine to the seafront.
The town has antique shops, street market,
shopping mall and nightclubs.
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SOUTHBOURNE
Southbourne is a lovely, quiet, out of town
location with easy access to the town centre.
It
has a Blue Flag beach and is close to the
riverbank and countryside area of Hengistbury
Head. |
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The rolling patchwork
countryside of rural Dorset can be appreciated from
viewpoints at Bulbarrow Hill, Minterne and Hambledon
Hills.
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The relentless power of the
ocean and dramatic rock formations combine to
stunning effect on the Dorset heritage Coast at
Durdle Door, Kimmeridge, Lulworth Cove and
Man-o’-War Bay.
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Nearby places of interest
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The rolling patchwork countryside of rural Dorset can be
appreciated from viewpoints at Bulbarrow Hill, Minterne
and Hambledon Hills.
The relentless power of the ocean and dramatic rock
formations combine to stunning effect on the Dorset
heritage Coast at Durdle Door, Kimmeridge, Lulworth Cove
and Man-o’-War Bay.
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The New Forest is a rich
mosaic of woodland and wilderness heath which,
900 years ago, became the hunting forest of
Kings.
Many ancient traditions are
continued today, and you can learn about the
unique practices of the forest verderers,
agisters, keepers and commoners at the New
Forest Visitor Centre.
There are miles of safe cycle routes in the New
Forest which can also be explored on foot or
horseback.
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POOLE
Poole Harbour’s 80 mile circumference makes it the
second largest natural harbour in the world. Poole’s
history dates back to the 15th century, and today it is
a thriving port with an active quayside where new
leisure attractions blend with historic landmarks and
architecture.
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BROWNSEA ISLAND
Brownsea Island is the largest of five islands in Poole
Harbour. Its 500 acres is home to a pride of 100
peacocks, the rare red squirrel and a bird sanctuary. It
is also famous for the first Scout Camp set up by Lord
Baden-Powell in 1907.
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WIMBORNE
The ancient town of Wimborne Minster is steeped in
history from the 8th century. The twin towered Minster
Church contains a chained library and a 14th century
astronomical clock.
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Knoll Gardens have an
impressive collection of over 4,000 botanical
specimens presented in a garden for all seasons.
Stapehill Abbey, originally
home to a silent order of Cistercian Nuns, now
houses a craft centre, agricultural exhibition
and a display showing the work of the religious
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You can view the Wimborne of yesteryear in
miniature by visiting the Wimborne Model Town
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HARDY COUNTRY
In the glorious unchanging countryside of Dorset, the
famous author and poet Thomas Hardy gleaned much
inspiration for his strong characters and intense story
lines. The thatched cottage at Higher Bockhampton near
Dorchester is where, in 1840, the great writer was born.
Memorabilia, including the original script of The
Woodlanders, recently filmed on location in Dorset and
Hampshire, is on display in the Dorset County Museum in
Dorchester.
Athelhampton House, restored after a devastating fire in
1992, (Hardy’s ‘Athel Hall’) is a fine example of an
early Tudor mansion.
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CHRISTCHURCH
The Saxon charm and fascinating heritage
combined with beautiful floral displays and safe
sandy beaches make Christchurch an ideal
location for a short break, day trip or as a
base to discover the delights of rural Dorset
and the New Forest.
Nestling in the shadow of the magnificent priory
Church, the older part of the town is full of
old world charm with beautiful river walks,
traditional and exclusive shops and a good range
of restaurants, cafes and public houses.
The bustling High Street and
modern Saxon Square shopping centre provide a
variety of interesting and well known shops and
a market takes place every Monday. |
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Award winning attractions such as The Alice in
Wonderland Family Park, the Christchurch Ski-centre and
Motor Museum and the Knights of Christchurch are worth a
visit. The Red House Museum, Southern Electric Museum
and the Bournemouth Aviation Museum can guarantee a
fascinating few hours whatever the weather.
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HIGHCLIFFE
Highcliffe is a popular sea-side town with clean, sandy
beaches. Highcliffe Castle is a unique, Grade 1 listed
mansion that is being restored.
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MUDEFORD
Mudeford is famous for it's picturesque quay with safe,
sandy beaches and natural harbour it is the prefect spot
for water sport enthusiasts and for small children who
love crabbing from the quayside.
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Tourist Net UK would like to
thank Christchurch Borough Council and Bournemouth
Tourism Department for providing much of the information
and photography in this section.
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Tourist
Information Centres:
BOURNEMOUTH
Bournemouth, Dorset
Tel: 01202 451700 Fax: 01202 454799
E-mail:
info@bournemouth.gov.uk
or
reservations@bournemouth.gov.uk
CHRISTCHURCH
23 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AB
Tel: 01202 471780 Fax: 01202 476816
E-mail:
tourism@christchurch.gov.uk
Poole
Enefco House, Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HJ
Tel: 01202 253253
E-mail:
tourism@pooletourism.com
Useful
Links:
www.bournemouthbynight.com - An informative night
guide for Bournemouth
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Boscombe Hotels |
Boscombe Bed &
Breakfast |
Boscombe B&B |
Boscombe Self catering
cottages, apartments, flats |
Bournemouth Hotels |
Bournemouth Bed &
Breakfast |
Bournemouth B&B |
Bournemouth Self catering
cottages, apartments, flats |
Christchurch Hotels |
Christchurch Bed
& Breakfast |
Christchurch B&B |
Christchurch Self
catering cottages, apartments, flats |
Christchurch
Camping sites, camp grounds, caravan sites |
Highcliffe Hotels |
Highcliffe Bed &
Breakfast |
Highcliffe B&B
| New Milton Self catering
cottages, apartments, flats |
Poole Camping sites, camp grounds, caravan sites
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