-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Boscombe
The suburb of Boscombe, a mile to the east of its more illustrious neighbour Bournemouth, doesn’t always get a good press – in the past it’s been voted one of the ten worst places to live in Britain. Most visitors head straight for the beach and don’t get to see what else Boscombe has to…
-
101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Beautiful World Festival
Beautiful World Festival (formerly World of Love Festival) is an annual cultural festival celebrating diversity and inclusion, which, in 2024, celebrated its 5th birthday. The festival features music, dance, food and other activities from a range of different countries. How to get to Beautiful World Festival The festival takes place at King’s Park, Boscombe, which…
Jane's Midlife Journey 