A Guide to Bournemouth

Welcome to our Bournemouth Guide, a useful guide that provides you with a glimpse into the unique sights, shopping and nightlife available in this beautiful city. With an array of world class attractions, great beaches and a vibrant city centre the fantastic city of Bournemouth has plenty for you to discover on your short break.

Getting there

A large coastal town in the south, the picturesque city of Bournemouth is very accessible, whether travelling to Bournemouth via road, air or rail. If coming from the east then you can even take the drive through the New Forest. With several roads running into the city, and good connections to the M27 and M3, travelling to Bournemouth by road is simple and direct. If you are travelling by air, then Bournemouth Airport is only a 30 minute drive to Bournemouth itself. The railway station is easily accessible from the city centre and offers direct links to London, Reading, Manchester and more.

Getting around

Bournemouth’s compact town centre is easy to navigate. From the beautiful beaches to the Victorian Gardens there is plenty to explore. With superb bus services and picturesque bike paths getting out and about couldn’t be easier.There are plenty of beautiful cycle routes to enjoy in Bournemouth. From the beach promenade to the New Forest and the Poole Heritage Cycle Route there are plenty of reasons to get on your bike.

Bournemouth attractions

From the great Weymouth sea life centre, with over 1,000 aquatic creatures from Giant Sea Turtles to Bonnethead sharks, Japanese Spider crabs and Humboldt Penguins Weymouth Sea Life park is a great day out for all the family. Then there is Bournemouth’s iconic Eye, it is a spherical helium-filled balloon with an enclosed gondola that carries up to 30 passengers. Tethered by a high tensile steel cable, the passenger gondola rises to a height of 390 ft giving a great view of the city and coastline.

Must do’s by day:

1.Take a stroll on the award winning beaches, 11 miles of golden sand makes for a great day out at the beach.2.Explore the New Forest & its picturesque villages3.See a band playing on the bandstand in the Lower Gardens

Must do’s by night:

1.Take in a show at one of the town’s theatres2.Experience fresh local food at a choice of fantastic restaurants3.Stay up late in the pubs and clubs of Bournemouth

Nightlife

A great array of pubs, clubs, theatres and bars are at your disposal, the nightlife in Bournemouth is thriving. From live music and comedy to the best touring musicals, and an selection of pubs and bars in all shapes and sizes, this brilliant city caters to all your needs. Why not experience the great local fresh food at some of Bournemouth’s top restaurants, freshly caught fish can be on your plate in mere hours. Experience the beach side restaurants at night, a whole new perspective of the city and its beach.

Live Entertainment

For live entertainment there’s plenty going on with music, shows and comedy at the Bournemouth band stand, Pavilion theatre, and live acts in pubs and clubs. With a range of pubs offering late licenses, including popular bar chains, and a selection of clubs to choose from you can stay out until the sun comes up, if that’s what you want. Hosting two cinemas, showing the latest films, Bournemouth can be the place for all your viewing needs. If you are into air shows then every year Bournemouth holds its “air festival” over four days.

Shopping!

The main shopping streets in the centre of town are just behind the seafront on either side of the River Bourne (also known as the Bourne Stream); footpaths lead down to the sea from The Square through the lower section of Bournemouth Central Gardens.The shopping streets are mostly pedestrian and lined with a wide range of boutiques, stores, jewelers and accessory shops. There are modern shopping malls, Victorian arcades (including the Victorian Arcade between Westover Road and Old Christchurch Road), and a large selection of bars, clubs and cafés.

Shopping!

About a mile to the west of the town centre, in the district of Westbourne, there is a selection of designer clothing and interior design shops. About a mile to the east, in the district of Boscombe, there is another major shopping area including many antiques shops and a street market. North of the centre there is an out-of-town shopping complex called Castlepoint shopping centre with supermarkets, DIY stores and larger versions of high street shops. A new extension to Castlepoint, called Castlemore, is set just South West of the main complex, which features more large retail stores. So all your retail needs are met.

Have a browse on Superbreak’s website to book your Bournemouth Hotels as well as for great offers and ideas for weekend and weekend breaks.