Bournemouth Guide

Great days out by train

Bournemouth is a large coastal resort with seven miles of golden sands and a large surfing community. This, the latest in our series of destination guides, explores the possibilities open to those passengers who jump on the Bournemouth train.

A bustling, cosmopolitan town, Bournemouth offers a variety of shops, restaurants and holiday accommodation. You can enjoy the buzzing nightlifeor the endless countryside with beautiful award-winning gardens, while no Bournemouth guide would be complete without highlighting the veritable cornucopia of water sports on offer.

Bournemouth beach

Bournemouth’s award-winning beach has consistently won the plaudits of destination guides for the quality, cleanliness and safety of its seven golden miles. The sheltered Bay offers beautiful vistas. On a clear day you can easily see the Needles on the Isle of Wight and Old Harry's Rocks over in the Purbecks.

The Bournemouth Eye

A spherical, helium-filled balloon with an enclosed gondola, the Bournemouth Eye is designed to carry 25-30 passengers. The Balloon, which is tethered by a steel cable, will gently float 500 feet above the beautiful Lower Gardens. As the highest public observation point in Bournemouth, the Eye helps you to make to most of your days out by train with enchanting views of the English Channel and up to 20 miles of spectacular countryside. Operating from Easter until October, the Eye is just a short walk from Bournemouth train station.

Oceanarium

Bournemouth is not all about its beach. Much beloved of tourists, locals and even Bournemouth guide writers is Oceanarium, the Bournemouth Aquarium. Here you will find all your favourite marine creatures, coming face to face with graceful stingrays, colourful clownfish, stunning sharks and breathtaking sea turtles.

Bournemouth Pier and Theatre

Bournemouth Pier and Theatre comprises a pleasant stroll where you will find places to eat, an amusement arcade featuring all the latest games, bars, pier theatres and children's entertainments. Traditional deck chairs are also available, for watching the world go by and soaking up the sun.

Boscombe Surf Reef

Boscombe Surf Reef is located east of Boscome Pier, within reach of Bournmouth train station and about a 25 minute walk from Bournemouth. The Reef forms part of the £11million regeneration project to improve the quality of the waves for surfers and body boarders.

Bournemouth International Centre

From large rock and pop concerts to multi hall conferences and smaller more intimate meetings, the Bournemouth International Centre can be the venue for a wide range of different days out by train.

Learn to surf

Learn to surf and join expert surfers with Bournemouth Surf School, which offers surfing and paddling throughout the year. Catch one of the regular buses to the town centre Bournemouth train station, and then it is just a five-minute walk.

Shopping in Bournemouth

Shopping in Bournemouth supplies a great choice of independent stores, pedestrianised areas and boutiques. Take a stroll to the very popular Westover Road, also known as the Bond Street of Bournemouth, you’ll be spoilt for choice with restaurants, cafes and coffee shops when it is time to rest your feet.