Out & About in Bournemouth

Bournemouth is an incredibly beautiful, large costal resort town in the borough of Bournemouth in Dorset. It is the largest town on the south coast and has a population of 163, 444 (this makes it the largest settlement in Dorset) In 2007 a survey by First Direct Bank found it to be the happiest place in Britain and in late August 2008 another survey found it to be one of the safest places to live, with crime at an all time low. Once thought of as a place to retire, Bournemouth is now a favourite for students, families and a whole variety of people with something to offer for all. Bournemouth's convenient location on the south coast of England also makes it the perfect destination for holiday makers and tourists. Bournemouth has a wide and fascinating history. It was founded in 1810 by Lewis Tregonwell and since that time its' population has accelerated at an amazing rate thanks to the arrival of the railway. By 1870 it was a well recognised town.

Shopping

Whether you are after big brand names or a nice, old fashioned open air market, look no further than the busy high street of Bournemouth. Nestled between your usual high street brands such as Animal and Ann Harvey, you will find many smaller independent stores and boutiques to explore. Beales Shopping Centre is your destination for the big department stores, Hobbs, Coast and Timberland are all here ready for your custom. The centre provides multi-storey car parking and shop-mobility options are readily available.

Food and Drink

Fancy stopping for a bite to eat? Bournemouth has over 250 restaurants to choose from. Whether you are looking for Chinese, Italian, French or just good old fashioned, simple yet tasty fish and chips or even a good pub lunch you can guarantee Bournemouth has it all. You can enjoy great food whilst at the same time enjoying the beautiful scenery and even the starry landscape in Bournemouth by dining in one of their many restaurants located on the sea front. Choose from West Beach restaurant or Harry Ramsdens. If you fancy eating somewhere more central then how about trying one of the restaurants situated in Bournemouth's town centre such as Frankie and Bennys, Ask or Bella Italia

Arts & Entertainment

When evening comes and you want to be entertained look no further than The Pavillion. Showing a mix of classic plays, new work and avant-garde performance, this theatre will have something for everyone. They have many different, varied up-coming shows to watch out for so you will definitely be spoiled for choice! Perhaps you feel like listening to some live music? Mr Kyps is the perfect venue for you. Situated in Poole it is easy to find and considered to be the best touring venue by over 300 live bands. Maybe opera is more your kind of music?> If this is the case then you will want to head straight for The Opera House in Boscomb. There you can listen to some truly exceptional live singers. After a nights entertainment why not finish up with a drink in swanky Bliss or Fruit? Both popular with locals and visitors you will find a concoction to suit any taste. If you are in the mood for a slightly longer night out then why not try some of Bournemouth's many, exciting nightclubs including the very popular Empire Club in Holdenhurst road or The Old Firestation also located in Holdenhurst road.

Hotels and Travel

When bed calls, take your pick of some of the finest hotels around, hotels which have been voted the best accommodation in Britain. Sandbanks is a great example of a wonderful hotel to stay in as it has something for everyone, entertainment for children as well as adults and a beautiful landscape and beach to appreciate. Of course as Bournemouth is such a beautiful place and full of nature it is also the perfect place to go camping. Choose from many different, wonderful campsites such as Downton Holiday Park, Meadow Bank Holidays and Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park. Whatever you do when you get here you can rely on a smooth network of buses and trains to get you into the city and into the heart of Bournemouth quickly and safely. Bournemouth is a pedestrian friendly city, so why not make use of the Park and Ride system in operation each day. Its great value for money and promotes Bournemouth's green ethics. You can even borrow a bike from the various pick up and drop of points around the city - a perfect way to relax while exploring the historic city of Bournemouth.