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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Poole Quay
The historic Poole Quay, which was once used to moor ocean-going ships, is now the home of harbour cruisers and pleasure boats. The half mile log stretch running west to east from the Lifeboat Station at one end to the Old Lifeboat Station at the other is a popular tourist destination. Lined with bars and…
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101 Things to do Bournemouth – Hurst Castle
Hurst Castle is a fortress situated on the end of a shingle spit off the English coast, less than a mile from the Isle of Wight. The 16th Century castle has a long and interesting history plus spectacular views. As part of the castle collapsed during storms in 2021, only the Tudor Castle is currently…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is the name of both a castle and a village in the Purbecks near Wareham, just across Poole Harbour from Bournemouth. The village and its thousand year old castle are either 15 miles from Bournemouth (if you cross Poole Harbour by ferry) or 20 miles away (if you drive round the harbour). How…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Stompin’ on the Quomps
The rather unusually named Stompin’ on the Quomps is Christchurch’s annual smooth jazz festival. It takes place in the park on the edge of Christchurch Harbour, known locally as The Quomps. The one day event is mainly about the music, but there is also food, drink and other entertainment in the beautiful harbourside setting. All…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Westbourne
Today I have a tour guide; a friend has offered to show me round the suburb of Westbourne. So far I’ve only been to Westbourne to eat or drink. And to weigh myself – but that’s another story. Westbourne has a reputation for being rather genteel. The main (Poole) road is lined with cafes, restaurants…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Durlston Country Park
Just across Poole Harbour on the outskirts of Swanage is Durlston Country Park; a park and nature reserve in the grounds of a castle. Durlston Castle sits perched on the cliff top overlooking Durlston Bay with stunning coastal views. How to get to Durlston Country Park From Bournemouth there are two main ways to reach…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Watch a Firework Display
If you’re a fan of pyrotechnics, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a free firework display in the Bournemouth area, particularly during the summer holiday season. And, of course, around 5th November for Guy Fawkes. Here are some dates for 2025. All of the events listed are free with the exception of Littledown Fireworks…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Bournemouth Natural Science Museum
Bournemouth Natural Science Museum has been in existence for over a century. Located in a grand Victorian Grade II listed building on the outskirts of Bournemouth, I had driven past it many times without noticing its existence. Tucked back from the road, most of the year the museum is only open once a week, but…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Bobby’s
There was a period of time when shops in Bournemouth town centre were closing left, right and centre and the place was at risk of becoming a ghost town. Luckily, places like Bobby’s Department Store have helped to ensure that the town centre remains a fun place for a bit of retail therapy, as well…
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101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Live @ The Square
For the past few years, Summer Live has taken place each summer in Bournemouth Square, offering a fun bar with plenty of insta-worthy selfie props, food, shopping and a daily range of free entertainment for adults and children. Since 2024, Live @ The Square has been contracted in their place. The venue, branding itself as…
Jane's Midlife Journey 