Located in the county of Devon, Bournemouth is a cosmopolitan coastal town in England’s Southwestern area. It is located 105 miles (169 km) southwest of London. The town adjoins Christchurch in the east and Poole in the west, with a combined population of 385,000. Getting there by train or coach is easy from London’s Gatwick and Heathrow airports. Low cost airlines offer discounted flights directly into Bournemouth airport.

Surrounding Bournemouth’s 7-miles of golden beaches and crystal seas are piers, beach huts, and excellent water sports. In fact, nearby Boscombe boasts the world’s first artificial surf reef.

Bournemouth is rich with parks and gardens for the nature lover. The Bournemouth Garden is divided into three sections. The lower garden by the sea hosts many events and concerts during the summer months. This is also where you can find the Aviary and the Open Air Art Expedition.

Meyrick Park, a 2000-acre green space, offers an 18-hole golf courses and hosts International outdoor bowling tournaments.

The upper, central and Lower Gardens have retained much of their Victorian character. From the seafront, you can walk through the gardens for 1.5 miles, and be delighted by the flora from around the world, planted to contain year-round interest.

Alum Chine offers an award-winning tropical garden, set off by fantastic vistas of the Bay.

Visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum for an eclectic mix of treasures from around the world.
Stroll from pier to pier between the Boscombe and Bournemouth Piers, stopping to enjoy a bite of drink at one of the many cafes and restaurants along the way.

Bournemouth actually invented the beach hut in 1908, and you may enjoy hiring one for the day.

Summer, however is not the only season to visit Bournemouth. You have undoubtedly heard about the plentiful Christmas markets in Europe-notably in Germany and Italy, but have you ever heard of the Bournemouth Christmas Market? Fashioned after the traditional German markets, the Bournemouth has existed for five years, but underwent a complete overhaul in 2009.

From 18 November until 2 January, this family-centered market is dubbed “A festive shopping experience from around the world”. The entire town square and surrounding streets are decked-out in the seasons finest, with lights, a carousel, snowy ornaments and 30 decorated alpine chalets offering seasonal gifts and foods from around Europe.

Accommodations in Bournemouth are plentiful and range from tent and trailer camping to bed and breakfasts to high-quality hotels.
No matter what your interest, Bournemouth has something to offer everyone.