-
101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Hengistbury Head
Five miles west of Bournemouth, the bay ends at Hengistbury Head. This stunning headland, culminating at Mudeford Sandbank, has the English Channel to the south and Christchurch Harbour to the north. The area is a designated nature reserve and also a Stone and Iron Age archaeological site. It is a beautiful place to spend some…
-
101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Bourne Free
Bourne Free is Bournemouth’s annual LGBTQ+ Pride celebration. I lived in Bournemouth for several years before actually going to Bourne Free, mainly because I used to live in London, where the Pride Parade is so massive that I felt that anything else could only be an anti climax. The festival consists of three separate events…
-
101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Hire a Beryl Bike/Scooter
The perfect way to get around Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is to hire a Beryl Bike or Beryl Scooter. The 1150 bikes and scooters reside mostly in bays (marked by green painted rectangles) of which there are 355 across the three towns. But they could, theoretically, be anywhere. Just locate the nearest bike or scooter…
-
101 Things to do in Bournemouth – St Peter’s Church (Mary Shelley’s Grave)
St Peter’s Church may be 800 years younger than its counterpart in neighbouring Christchurch, but its 62 metre high spire dominates the Bournemouth landscape. The Grade I listed church itself is worth a visit. However, its main claim to fame is as the final resting place of Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein. How to get…
-
101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Bournemouth Bus Rally
Bournemouth Bus Rally is an annual celebration of all things bus which takes place in Kings Park, Boscombe on the outskirts of Bournemouth. There are around 50 vehicles in attendance for visitors to admire, plus heritage rides around Bournemouth and stalls selling mainly bus related products. How to get to Bournemouth Bus Rally Kings Park…
-
101 Things to do in Bournemouth – Pier to Pier Swim
As Bournemouth has two piers just 1.4 miles apart, a popular challenge is to swim from one pier to another – either just for the sake of it or as part of an organised event. Each year, the British Heart Foundation puts on the Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim. Billed as one of Europe’s biggest…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
Jane's Midlife Journey 