Head towards the coast of Dorset, England and you’ll find yourself in a quaint town known as Bournemouth. The city stretches along seven miles of some of the most beautiful coastline in all of England.

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The town, described by some as a cosmopolitan mecca, has a wide variety of attractions designed to entertain or relax visitors from all over the world.

Where to Eat in Bournemouth

Believe it or not there are over 250 unique restaurants and eateries scattered throughout Bournemouth. Visitors and locals alike appreciate the option of a traditional fish and chips meal, but others prefer international cuisine as well. You’re bound to find dozens of incredible options, no matter what your tastes.

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One of our favorites is The Print Room’s Charcuterie. The food here is designed with authentic European tastes in mind and carefully blends some of the finest wines, antipasto, meats and cheese from throughout the region. All of the produce is local and all of the baked goods are prepared fresh on the premise. Eat in or take-out, you won’t be disappointed.

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If you’re looking for a true romantic experience you’ll want to head towards one of the incredible beachfront establishments. Simply stroll along the beach and you’ll find a wide variety of dining options ranging the gamut when it comes to cuisine styles. Two popular restaurants are the Westbeach Restaurant and Bistro on the Beach – each with relaxing terraces and views of the beautiful beaches.

Exploring Historic Bournemouth

Bournemouth is not without its own unique history and you won’t regret immersing yourself in a bit of culture while you’re visiting. Start your exploration with a trip to the RussellCotes Art Gallery and Museum. The museum itself is part of the Russell-Cotes “complex” and is surrounded by a beautiful Japanese Garden and several other attractions. The eclectic collections within were compiled by both Lady Russell-Cotes and Sir Merton and include historic artifacts, Japanese artwork, and more.

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St. Peter’s Church is another incredible historic destination. Inside the church’s cemetery you’ll find the tombstones of a number of historic figures. These include Mary Shelley (the author of Frankenstein), Percy Blysshe Shelley (her husband), and Captain Lewis Tregonwell (founder of Bournemouth).

Spectacular Bournemouth Attractions

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There are a number of other entertaining attractions scattered throughout Bournemouth as well. One you absolutely won’t want to miss is the Bournemouth Oceanarium. Inside you’ll find a collection of aquatic wildlife like you’ve never seen before. There are dozens of exhibits featuring fish, turtles, and creatures from all around the globe.

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Looking for a bit of adventure? Why not visit the Bournemouth Surf School? It’s the only surf school approved by the government (BSA) on the South Coast and offers courses for beginner, intermediate, and advanced surfers of all ages. You can join a group class or take a private lesson. No matter what you choose, you’re guaranteed to have an exciting ocean experience.

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Dorset Cruises offer a number of incredible day trips to areas off the coast of Bournemouth as well. There are day trips to the 500 acre Brownsea Island and 30-minute bay cruises – each designed to cater to your needs. Those looking for an adrenaline rush will enjoy a 15 minute ride on the incredible Shockwave speedboat.

Visiting the Beach at Bournemouth

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No trip to Bournemouth is complete without spending some quality time on the beautiful beaches. The beaches themselves are the area’s most popular tourist attraction, and the locals take great pride in caring for their beaches and their visitors.

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A number of safety precautions have been put in place, including a colored flag system, to ensure safety on the beaches at all time. If you see a flat that has a red top and yellow bottom you are at a beach that is zoned for swimming. Black and white checkered flags, on the other hand, are reserved for surf boarders and kayakers and are not open for swimming. A solid red flag indicates danger (wherein you should not swim), while an orange windsock represents a windy day in which you should not use inflatable tubes or watercraft that could be easily blown around.

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The beaches at Bournemouth have won awards for both cleanliness and safety. The beach is broken into different sections, each with different attractions (land trains, restaurants, water sports, etc). With over seven miles of beach to explore, you’re bound to find something to do – or a safe place to sunbathe – in Bournemouth.

The coast of England has a lot to offer vacationers this year, and Bournemouth is just the beginning. Whether you visit for a weekend or a week, we’re sure you’ll enjoy exploring the local attractions, dining on decadent cuisine, and lounging on the beaches. You do, after all, deserve a break!

Intro image credit: Mark Cummins