Bournemouth Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History of Bournemouth

    Until the 16th century, Bournemouth’s main visitors were fishermen and gangs of smugglers. It was a remote and barren area until Lewis Tregonwell founded the town in 1810. Tregonwell, a retired army officer, developed his land for holiday lettings by building sea villas for tourists. Bournemouth was recognised as a town in 1870 and became a popular tourist destination in the ...Read more19th Century. The arrival of railway in the town meant a growth in visitors from London and the Midlands. In 1880, Bournemouth’s population was 17,000, but by 1900 due to the new railway and tourist industry, it had risen to 60,000. Read less

  • 2. Now in Bournemouth

    Bournemouth is still a popular tourist destination, with its golden sands and sea that is perfect for a wide range of watersports. The town boasts award winning gardens, fantastic shops and a vibrant nightlife.

  • 3. Events in Bournemouth

    Bournemouth is the host to the Bournemouth Air Festival and The Great Dorset Steam Fair. The town prides itself on its great number of free events that are suitable for all ages.

  • 4. Attractions in Bournemouth

    The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum has a host of 19th century painting that were collected by the Russell-Cotes family from as far afield as Japan and Russia. Take a trip on the Bournemouth Eye, it is a helium filled balloon which has an enclosed gondola that holds up to 30 people. The gondola then floats up to 390ft, providing a stunning view of Bournemouth and the surroun...Read moreding areas. Read less

  • 5. Things To Do in Bournemouth

    Bournemouth is located on the South coast of England, so it is a great place to visit whether you want to sunbathe on the beach or try your hand at some watersports. If you would prefer to stay on land, then Bournemouth has gorgeous parks and gardens where you can enjoy a guided tour.

  • 6. Business in Bournemouth

    Bournemouth’s growth as a town was initially due to the tourism industry, but now Bournemouth has a wide variety of businesses including independent restaurants and cafes. There are a wide range of popular high street shops as well as unique, one-off shops.

  • 7. Transport in Bournemouth

    Bournemouth has a very comprehensive rail network, with two railway stations; Bournemouth and Pokesdown to the east. Bournemouth also has three funicular railways that link the seaside to the cliff tops. They are the East Cliff Railway, West Cliff Railway and Fisherman’s Walk Cliff Railway.

  • 8. Entertainment in Bournemouth

    The Bournemouth International Centre and Pavilion Theatre offer fantastic live entertainment including ballet, comedy, musicals, and children’s shows. The Pavilion Dance Centre has over 40 classes a week, and is a great place to go if you want to learn a new dance style.

  • 9. Famous Landmarks in Bournemouth

    Bournemouth Pier, which was finished in 1880, is made from cast iron and stretches across the Bournemouth and Poole shoreline. One of Bournemouth’s famous sons, Russell Cotes campaigned to get the promenade built.

  • 10. Interesting Facts about Bournemouth

    The beach hut was invented in Bournemouth in 1908, and the town rents out the oldest beach huts in the world.

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Bournemouth Events

  • Bournemouth Air Festival

    The famous Bournemouth Air Festival takes place over four days every August. There will be breath taking air displays from the world famous Red Arrows between Bournemouth Pier and Boscombe Pier with fantastic evening entertainment. Bournemouth is proud to host the UK’

  • Kids Family Fun Festival

    If you are stuck for things to do with the kids during the school summer holidays, head down to Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens. There will be a host of games and fun for all of the family to enjoy, including puppet shows, magicians and clowns. The event aims to keep the

  • Candle Light Nights

    The Candle Light Nights takes place in July -August. In 1896, Princess Eugenie of France visited Bournemouth. Her route through the Bournemouth gardens was lit by candles, and thus the tradition for the flowers by candlelight began. Now visitors to the event light thous

  • Friday Family Fiestas

    The Friday Family Fiestas take place in July/August throughout the summer in the Lower Gardens and Pier Approach in Bournemouth. The fun filled days include street entertainment and fire performances and are finished off with an amazing firework finale. There is a wide

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