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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Self Guided Walking Tour of Christchurch
The Saxon town of Christchurch is steeped in history. Nestled between the coast and the New Forest, and between the Rivers Avon and Stour, it is a pretty town with plenty to explore, including a 1000 year old priory, Norman castle, picturesque harbour and even some medieval instruments of torture. I love to visit Christchurch…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Shake & Stir
Shake & Stir is a two day music festival with a vintage theme, which takes place annually in the Bournemouth suburb of Southbourne. Although Shake & Stir bills itself as a vintage music festival, there are also vintage vehicles, vintage and artisan craft stalls, food and drink and fairground rides. In 2024, the festival drew…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Poole Old Lifeboat Museum
Poole has a long and colourful maritime history, which is in evidence as you walk along the Quay. There has been a lifeboat based at Poole for over 150 years, with the current and former lifeboat stations located at either ends of the Quay. On the eastern end, sits Poole Old Lifeboat Museum. The building,…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Boscombe Arts Trail
Most people come to Boscombe for the beach. And why not? It’s a beautiful beach. But there is more to Boscombe than just the seaside. If you can be tempted away from the golden sand, take the half a mile walk up the hill into the centre of Boscombe. This will bring you past the…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Harry Paye Day
Every June, Poole Quay is awash with pirates whilst the sound of cannons and sea shanties drifts across the harbourside for the annual celebration of Harry Paye Day. Around 10,000 visitors descend upon the quay annually, many in fancy dress, to enjoy the festivities and maybe partake of a rum or two. The day starts…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Go Shopping at a Market
I love wandering around a street market checking out the merchandise. Whether it’s in some exotic far flung location or doing my weekly shop on a Monday morning at Christchurch Market Selecting the plumpest, juiciest strawberries while a cheery stallholder tells me they were grown in Lymington, just 10 miles up the road. In fact,…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Race for Life
Race for Life is a series of charity fundraising running/walking events in aid of Cancer Research UK. Events takes place annually in locations across the UK. There are two locally; one in Bournemouth and one in Poole. Race for Life Bournemouth The Bournemouth Race for Life starts on Pier Approach in the centre of Bournemouth…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival
Three food festivals in three weeks – don’t mind if I do! For a bit of variety, this one has some art thrown in. Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival takes place annually in the main road through Highcliffe (Lymington Road) and on the adjacent Recreation Ground. How to get to Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is situated in the former home of Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes. The Russell-Cotes were Victorian travel bloggers. The couple travelled the world writing about their trips and collecting souvenirs along the way. I have been making scrapbooks of my travels since the age of 10 and am quite proud…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Castlepoint Shopping Park
Had enough of the beach? Weather not great? Love shopping? Then Castlepoint Shopping Park is well worth a visit. This shopping centre, branded as one of the UK’s largest shopping parks, contains 35 retailers, a selection of dining options, as well as other facilities, such as travel agents, a library, even a church. How to…
Jane's Midlife Journey 