Pictures of Bournemouth

in the county of Dorset

Bournemouth Pictures
Bournemouth Hotels
Submit a history of Bournemouth
Bournemouth Attractions
Nearby Towns
Submit Pictures
Bournemouth Map
Add to favourites

About Bournemouth

Bournemouth has been a place of international acclaim since Edward VII brought his mistress Lillie Langtry here in 19th and 20th-centuries. The other major event in the making of the resort was the railway which reached here in 1890, hither-there-to, the town was mainly residential.

Seven miles of glorious golden sands, fringed by the bluest of seas lapping the shore, make Bournemouth a firm favourite for family holidays. The beach is backed by wide promenades, and tree-clad cliffs which are descended by zigzag paths. It is an attractive town, made more beautiful by huge floral displays and wonderful sub-tropical plants whose year round growth is encouraged by Bournemouth's mild climate. In summer, the town has an average of 7.7 hours of daily sunshine, thus it compares favourably with other European resorts, and draws sun-worshippers from all over England and beyond. It is also an idyllic place for enthusiastic builders of sand castles, the resort prides itself on how well it caters for children and is especially proud of its pioneering KidZone scheme. During the holiday season Bournemouth hosts a Summer Festival for Families, running for six weeks, the festival has activities and attractions to suit children of all ages and abilities. There is a Kids Free Entertainment tent, and beach GameZones offers a programme crammed with activities ensuring fun-filled days for every child. With a new Wacky Warehouse as well, children visiting Bournemouth are spoilt for choice! The festival offers plenty for adults to enjoy and admire. Friday opens up the weekend with a spectacular fire-work display and Flowers by candlelight makes a wonderland of the lower gardens that simply leaves you breathless at such a stunning transformation. The wonders of the deep are on display at Oceanarium and for some this is a safer bet than deep sea fishing! The festival caters for music lovers, groups from all over the world perform at Bournemouth's Music Makers festival where all musical tastes are provided for.

The town is fortunate to have retained its sedate air of exclusiveness. By day, its shops offer a fascinating display of merchandise which ranges from designer clothing, costly paintings and antiques to sea-side souvenirs. Whatever you want, you are sure to find it here. The fashionable new shopping square blends well with old Bournemouth, its mosaics and outstanding camera Obscura centrepiece, gives an atmosphere of chic usually reserved for continental towns. When night falls, another transformation takes place and Bournemouth throbs to the music of the night in theatres, night-clubs and pubs. Hotels too, offer dinner dances and cabaret style entertainment.

The splendid gardens and cliffs make a superb back-drop for the many international sea-sport events held throughout the summer of which the UKOBA Powerboating Grand Prix and Beach volleyball Grand Prix are just two. Sailing is popular, with the sea often looking as though it is a forest of colourful sails. Fishing trips and day trips to view the natural beauty of the coastline from the comfort of a boat can be arranged.

This is the home of the world famous Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, so visitors are assured of a rich diversity of cultural experiences, these include ample museums and heritage centres telling of the historical and cultural advancement of the town. The Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum shows a range of works of art that should not be missed.

Sadly, one of Bournemouth's most magical venues, scene of entertainment, tea-dances and glittering occasions is no more. The famous Winter Garden Theatre and Ballroom which opened its doors in 1875 is no longer. The opening of the Bournemouth International Centre finally brought about its demise but the new centre with its exceptional acoustics makes an attractive venue for many world famous stars, who always play to a packed house.

With so much to offer and given its wonderful south coast location bordered by the harbours of Christchurch and Poole, and the close proximity of the Isle of Wight and New Forest, it is not surprising to find Bournemouth is now one of England's premier tourist destinations - you should come, bring the family, you will not be disappointed.

Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Bournemouth

The Bournemouth Eye	(0.2 miles, 0.4 km)	Pictures
Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum	(0.6 miles, 1.0 km)	Pictures
Compton Acres Gardens	(2.0 miles, 3.2 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Brownsea Island	(3.8 miles, 6.1 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Alice in Wonderland Maze, Hurn	(4.2 miles, 6.8 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Christchurch Priory	(4.8 miles, 7.8 km, direction E)	Pictures
Christchurch Castle	(5.5 miles, 8.8 km, direction E)	Pictures
Hengistbury Head	(5.7 miles, 9.2 km, direction E)	Pictures
Upton House & Country Park	(5.7 miles, 9.2 km, direction W)	Pictures
Studland Beach & Nature Reserve	(5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Stapehill Abbey	(6.1 miles, 9.8 km, direction N)	Pictures
Arne RSPB Reserve	(6.6 miles, 10.7 km, direction W)	Pictures
Isle of Purbeck	(7.7 miles, 12.3 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Highcliffe Castle	(7.7 miles, 12.4 km, direction E)	Pictures
Avon Heath Country Park	(8.3 miles, 13.4 km, direction N)	Pictures

All attractions in Bournemouth
All attractions in Dorset
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Bournemouth

Sandbanks, in the county of Dorset (3.6 miles, 5.8 km, direction SW)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Southbourne, in the county of Dorset (3.9 miles, 6.3 km, direction E)
Southbourne is a sedate coastal resort lying close to the mouth of the River Stour, just a few minutes drive from its more famous...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Poole, in the county of Dorset (4.4 miles, 7.1 km, direction W)
Three miles of golden beaches extending from Sandbanks to Brankesome Dene Chine and on towards Bournemouth, ensure an enjoyable time for families and sun-worshippers alike.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Hurn, in the county of Dorset (4.7 miles, 7.6 km, direction NE)
This is a pretty Dorset village with pleasant period buildings from the 18th-century.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Christchurch, in the county of Dorset (4.8 miles, 7.7 km, direction E)
Christchurch is one of Dorset's "gems" it is set on the confluence of two rivers, the Stour and the Avon. In Saxon times it was...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Studland, in the county of Dorset (6.0 miles, 9.7 km, direction SW)
Beyond the woods, heaths and downs of Dorset lies a fascinating coastline with a hinterland of precious little villages, such a village is Studland which sits close to the wide sweep of picturesque Studland Bay, which belongs to the National Trust.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Stapehill, in the county of Dorset (6.1 miles, 9.8 km, direction N)
Stapehill, in the beautiful Dorset countryside is best known for its romantic Abbey gardens which are an absolute joy for every visitor including gardening enthusiasts.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Ferndown, in the county of Dorset (6.1 miles, 9.9 km, direction N)
This town lies amidst noted countryside between Wimborne Minster and Ringwood.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Mudeford, in the county of Dorset (6.2 miles, 10.0 km, direction E)
Picturesque holiday resort nestling at the point where the River Avon rushes into the sea at Christchurch Bay.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Ripley, in the county of Hampshire (6.9 miles, 11.2 km, direction NE)
One could be forgiven for thinking that this Yorkshire village has a faintly French air for Ripley was indeed remodelled in 1827 along the lines of a typical French village of Alsace Lorraine.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Wimborne Minster, a Historic Market Town in the county of Dorset (7.1 miles, 11.5 km, direction NW)
Wimborne Minster is a magnificent Georgian town in the valley of the delightful River Stour.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Highcliffe, in the county of Dorset (7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction E)
Highcliffe village is surrounded by sweeping beaches backed by gorse-clad low cliffs from which the visitor can enjoy superb vista's of rolling frothy waves tumbling into Christchurch Bay.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Swanage, in the county of Dorset (8.5 miles, 13.7 km, direction SW)
The town is wedged between towering downs that result in lofty cliffs at both ends of the bay, from these high vantage points there are spectacular views across the sea.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Langton Matravers, in the county of Dorset (9.2 miles, 14.9 km, direction SW)
This is an interesting old village with access to one of the loveliest stretches of the Dorset coast.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Corfe Castle, a Picturesque Village in the county of Dorset (9.4 miles, 15.2 km, direction SW)
Below the castle, the village of Corfe shows picturesque stone houses of the 17th-century.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

All towns in Dorset
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Bournemouth Station	(1.2 miles, 1.9 km, direction NE)
Branksome Station	(1.4 miles, 2.2 km, direction NW)
Bournemouth Airport	(5.0 miles, 8.0 km, direction NE)
M27 Junction 1	(19.0 miles, 30.6 km, direction NE)
M27 Junction 2	(22.1 miles, 35.6 km, direction NE)
Southampton Airport	(28.3 miles, 45.5 km, direction NE)
Bournemouth to London	(94.0 miles, 151.2 km, direction NE)

Hotels & Accommodation in Bournemouth

Hotel Name	Approximate distance from Bournemouth center
The Maemar Hotel	(0.1 miles, 0.1 km)
Glendevon Hotel	(0.1 miles, 0.1 km)
Tralee Hotel	(0.1 miles, 0.1 km)
Claremont Hotel	(0.1 miles, 0.2 km)
The Hedley Hotel	(0.1 miles, 0.2 km)
Best Western Connaught Hotel	(0.1 miles, 0.2 km)
Durley Grange Hotel	(0.1 miles, 0.2 km)
Connaught Lodge	(0.1 miles, 0.2 km)
The Wessex Hotel	(0.1 miles, 0.2 km)
Kings Langley Hotel	(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)
All hotels in Bournemouth