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Bournemouth – Reinvented Seaside Resort for Modern Times
While Bournemouth owes its initial popularity to the very proper Victorian gentry who came to the town in hopes of improving their health, it is now known for attracting a very wide spectrum of visitors. Long popular with the retired, both as visitors and residents, recent developments and attractions, especially relating to nightlife, has meant that it now attracts a much wider range of visitors. It is especially well known for its massive pier and historic ‘Pine Walk’, where health seekers have been flocking to breathe the fragrant air for more then 100 years.
Beaches as Far as the Eye Can See
Stretching for an incredible seven miles, the beaches of Bournemouth are perhaps its main attraction in summer. Those closest to the city centre, with its hotels and other amenities, are the busiest, but visitors looking for more peace and quiet can get a bit of relief by walking away from the crowds. The whole stretch of beach is fairly well developed, however, and beachgoers are seldom very far from a beach café or place selling traditional fish and chips. At the western end of the beach, approximately four miles from the city centre, is Sandbanks. Aside from featuring the same gorgeous golden sand beaches, the area is known as being particularly exclusive and having some of the highest property values in the UK. As a result, it sees its fair share of visitors curious to see what it looks like. It also features a marina and docks, providing water access to Poole Harbour. A walk along the beach to the east will eventually lead to Boscomb Pier, a smaller rival to Bournemouth Pier that serves the town’s eastern suburbs.
Bournemouth Pier and Other Seaside Attractions
The tourist centre of Bournemouth is undoubtedly Bournemouth Pier and the areas immediately surrounding this grand Victorian structure. The pier does offer great views out over the sea, but is better known for the leisure and entertainment facilities it provides. These include a games arcade and kiosks selling ice cream and tourist curios. There is also an indoor activity centre that offers rock climbing, zip lining and more. Several boat trips can be arranged from the pier, ranging from the sedate to the high speed - suitable for only the really adventurous. Those looking to keep things a bit quieter, while still having loads of fun, could consider walking into one of the surf schools that have set up shop near the pier. They offer lessons that should be able to get you out on the water and able to execute a couple of moves if you have the time and patience. Situated mere steps from the pier, and also close to the seafront and city centre hotels, is the Bournemouth Oceanarium. A wide variety of sealife is on display here, ranging from scary sharks to adorable sea turtles.
Excellent Nightlife Options in Town
In recent times, Bournemouth has gained a reputation as a top nightlife spot. It is an especially popular town for hen parties and stag nights, with groups often booking at a hotel in the city centre or near the O2 Academy so as to be close to the pubs and clubs. Those watching their pennies could consider hotels further out, like those near Bournemouth Airport, which tend to offer lower room rates. The pubs and clubs in the city centre tend to be smaller and offer a fairly relaxed atmosphere for the most part. Clubbers looking for a really big night out tend to head out of the centre to Boscomb, where the O2 Academy is situated. This mega-club is in a Grade II listed building and attracts a number of top local and international DJ’s, especially in the busy summer season.
Arts, Culture and Festivals throughout the Year
Bournemouth is well known for its festivals. Most of these happen in the busy summer months, but a few are spread out through the year. The Bournemouth Food and Drinks Festival is of relatively recent origin, but nonetheless a very popular event on the calendar. It champions local ingredients and cooking and turns many of the town centre streets into delicious thoroughfares filled with food stalls every June. During August the incredibly popular Bournemouth Air Festival takes place, with the aerial displays being visible from miles of beachfront. Almost unprecedented for UK air shows, night flying and displays, often featuring pyrotechnics, is also on the programme. Hotels tend to get booked up at this time, so advance planning is recommended. It is perhaps not the best time to look for late deals. Cultural attractions include the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery, an eccentric property displaying Victorian art collections and also featuring temporary exhibitions of contemporary works. The BIC is the town’s premiere theatre venue, offering a varied program ranging from stand up comedy to operas. It also serves as the main conference venue.