Guidebook
Sightseeing
The Isle of Purbeck is beautiful and a wonderful place to start exploring the Jurassic coast.
The Isle of Purbeck is a wonderful day out with beautiful scenery. There are 3 ways to get from Bournemouth to Isle of Purbeck by bus, taxi or car.
Sandbanks Ferry is a vehicular chain ferry which crosses the entrance of Poole Harbour in the English county of Dorset. The route runs from Sandbanks to Studland and in doing so connects the coastal parts of the towns of Bournemouth and Poole with Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck.
It can be busy but its a lovely crossing and its beautiful when you come off at Studland. you can drive to Swanage, Lulworth Cove, Corfe Castle and Durdle Door.
Relax on the beach, explore the South West Coast Path, hunt for dinosaur fossils or just sit back and enjoy the views of the world famous Jurassic Coast. With its coast, countryside and Poole Harbour, the Isle of Purbeck is perfect for birding. Top bird watching spots include the RSPB Arne Nature Reserve, Brownsea Island, Durlston Country Park and Wareham Forest. Browse the great range of shops and markets for everything from sausages for your breakfast to a souvenir of your holiday and there are lots of restaurants, cafés, bistros, pubs and tea rooms in Purbeck.
Why not treat yourself to fab food and amazing views from The Shell Bay Restaurant and finish off with a stroll on shell bay beach.
You can either come back on the ferry or drive back around to Bournemouth.
22 locals recommend
Isle of Purbeck
The Isle of Purbeck is a wonderful day out with beautiful scenery. There are 3 ways to get from Bournemouth to Isle of Purbeck by bus, taxi or car.
Sandbanks Ferry is a vehicular chain ferry which crosses the entrance of Poole Harbour in the English county of Dorset. The route runs from Sandbanks to Studland and in doing so connects the coastal parts of the towns of Bournemouth and Poole with Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck.
It can be busy but its a lovely crossing and its beautiful when you come off at Studland. you can drive to Swanage, Lulworth Cove, Corfe Castle and Durdle Door.
Relax on the beach, explore the South West Coast Path, hunt for dinosaur fossils or just sit back and enjoy the views of the world famous Jurassic Coast. With its coast, countryside and Poole Harbour, the Isle of Purbeck is perfect for birding. Top bird watching spots include the RSPB Arne Nature Reserve, Brownsea Island, Durlston Country Park and Wareham Forest. Browse the great range of shops and markets for everything from sausages for your breakfast to a souvenir of your holiday and there are lots of restaurants, cafés, bistros, pubs and tea rooms in Purbeck.
Why not treat yourself to fab food and amazing views from The Shell Bay Restaurant and finish off with a stroll on shell bay beach.
You can either come back on the ferry or drive back around to Bournemouth.
Sandbanks is a small peninsula or spit crossing the mouth of Poole Harbour on the English Channel coast at Poole in Dorset, England. It is known for its high property prices and for its beach; In 2005 Sandbanks was reported to have the fourth highest land value by area in the world.
Lovely to visit and stroll along the beeches and eat in lovely restaurants.
210 locals recommend
Sandbanks
Sandbanks is a small peninsula or spit crossing the mouth of Poole Harbour on the English Channel coast at Poole in Dorset, England. It is known for its high property prices and for its beach; In 2005 Sandbanks was reported to have the fourth highest land value by area in the world.
Lovely to visit and stroll along the beeches and eat in lovely restaurants.
Walk down the chine from the flat to the beach and in only 15 minutes you will be at the pier, the centre piece of Bournemouth, From there you can meander into town through the lovely gardens.
108 locals recommend
Bournemouth Pier Amusements
West Undercliff PromenadeWalk down the chine from the flat to the beach and in only 15 minutes you will be at the pier, the centre piece of Bournemouth, From there you can meander into town through the lovely gardens.
The Lower Gardens in Bournemouth are only a five minute walk from the main shopping centre, the beach and the pier. Walk through the gardens and be amazed by the beautiful floral displays that combine a range of colours, textures and scents. The Gardens also have plenty of activities including music at the Pine Walk bandstand, an aviary, mini golf course and an art exhibition during the summer. It's a beautiful setting to just sit and watch the world go by with a coffee or have a delicious picnic with friends and family as well as a welcome haven from the hustle and bustle of the town. During the winter there is the fantastic Christmas Tree Wonderland which features a beautiful trail of Christmas trees and seasonal activities and attracts thousands of visitors every year. There is also a large rock garden which was built in the 1930s.
9 locals recommend
Bournemouth Gardens Classic Mini Golf
Lower GardensThe Lower Gardens in Bournemouth are only a five minute walk from the main shopping centre, the beach and the pier. Walk through the gardens and be amazed by the beautiful floral displays that combine a range of colours, textures and scents. The Gardens also have plenty of activities including music at the Pine Walk bandstand, an aviary, mini golf course and an art exhibition during the summer. It's a beautiful setting to just sit and watch the world go by with a coffee or have a delicious picnic with friends and family as well as a welcome haven from the hustle and bustle of the town. During the winter there is the fantastic Christmas Tree Wonderland which features a beautiful trail of Christmas trees and seasonal activities and attracts thousands of visitors every year. There is also a large rock garden which was built in the 1930s.
Poole Harbour and Island Cruise from Poole -70 minutes
Having booked with www.citycruisespoole.com (other companies also do the same cruise) we drove to Poole Quay and parked in the multi storey car park 2 minutes from the Quay.
It is a lovely was to spend time on a traditional fishing boat exploring Europe’s largest natural harbour from Poole. Enjoy the spectacular views of the famous Sandbanks, the Blue Lagoon, and Corfe Castle. Listen to illuminating commentary from your expert guide as you sail from the picturesque town of Poole to Brownsea Island. Hear of how Poole Harbour was formed in the last ice-age and absorb the tranquility of the ocean before returning to Poole Quay.
8 locals recommend
Poole Harbour
Barbers PilesPoole Harbour and Island Cruise from Poole -70 minutes
Having booked with www.citycruisespoole.com (other companies also do the same cruise) we drove to Poole Quay and parked in the multi storey car park 2 minutes from the Quay.
It is a lovely was to spend time on a traditional fishing boat exploring Europe’s largest natural harbour from Poole. Enjoy the spectacular views of the famous Sandbanks, the Blue Lagoon, and Corfe Castle. Listen to illuminating commentary from your expert guide as you sail from the picturesque town of Poole to Brownsea Island. Hear of how Poole Harbour was formed in the last ice-age and absorb the tranquility of the ocean before returning to Poole Quay.
Hengistbury Head is a lovely walk when the sun is out and a bracing walk when its not with the stunning headland measuring around 30 metres high between Bournemouth and Mudeford. The head offers breath-taking views, is a nature reserve and it separates Poole Bay and Christchurch Bay.
There are several country walks over the head, many of which were resurfaced a number of years ago to allow wheelchair access.
A cafe is available at the bottom of the head on the Bournemouth side and you can take the land train to Mudeford spit from the car park at the head. There is also another cafe/restaurant on the spit itself.
The beach at Mudeford Spit is sandy and it is here that you will find some of the most expensive beach huts in Britain! From here you can also catch the Mudeford Ferry, a small passenger ferry which operates between Mudeford Sandbank and the quay on the other side of the entrance to Christchurch Harbour
264 locals recommend
Hengistbury Head
Hengistbury Head is a lovely walk when the sun is out and a bracing walk when its not with the stunning headland measuring around 30 metres high between Bournemouth and Mudeford. The head offers breath-taking views, is a nature reserve and it separates Poole Bay and Christchurch Bay.
There are several country walks over the head, many of which were resurfaced a number of years ago to allow wheelchair access.
A cafe is available at the bottom of the head on the Bournemouth side and you can take the land train to Mudeford spit from the car park at the head. There is also another cafe/restaurant on the spit itself.
The beach at Mudeford Spit is sandy and it is here that you will find some of the most expensive beach huts in Britain! From here you can also catch the Mudeford Ferry, a small passenger ferry which operates between Mudeford Sandbank and the quay on the other side of the entrance to Christchurch Harbour
Travel down the Jurassic Coast and see the stunning sights of Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door.
403 locals recommend
Durdle Door
Travel down the Jurassic Coast and see the stunning sights of Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door.
Neighbourhoods
The local town of Westbourne has lovely independent shops and restaurants to enjoy
Upmarket Westbourne has a thriving shopping district, with independent fashion boutiques, thrift stores, cafes, and pubs on Poole and Seamoor roads, which are linked by a Victorian covered arcade. It’s also popular for quiet strolls, thanks to its chines – dry, wooded gorges that run to the sandy beach, passing clifftop green spaces like Argyll Gardens. Alum Chine is spanned by a quaint suspension bridge.
62 locals recommend
Westbourne
Upmarket Westbourne has a thriving shopping district, with independent fashion boutiques, thrift stores, cafes, and pubs on Poole and Seamoor roads, which are linked by a Victorian covered arcade. It’s also popular for quiet strolls, thanks to its chines – dry, wooded gorges that run to the sandy beach, passing clifftop green spaces like Argyll Gardens. Alum Chine is spanned by a quaint suspension bridge.
Golf Courses
For all Golf lovers Bournemouth and the surrounding areas have great courses.
Treat yourself to a weekend or longer trip and play a few of the magical courses.
On your drive down come through the New Forest and play at Bramshaw or Brokenhurst Manor, then in Bournemouth take a look at Parkstone Golf Club, Ferndown, Broadstone and why not hop across the chain ferry at Sandbanks to the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club. The Dorset Golf & Country Club is worth a visit and Hamptworth is fabulous with a new clubhouse.
You wont be disappointed.
11 locals recommend
Parkstone Golf Club
49A Links RdFor all Golf lovers Bournemouth and the surrounding areas have great courses.
Treat yourself to a weekend or longer trip and play a few of the magical courses.
On your drive down come through the New Forest and play at Bramshaw or Brokenhurst Manor, then in Bournemouth take a look at Parkstone Golf Club, Ferndown, Broadstone and why not hop across the chain ferry at Sandbanks to the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club. The Dorset Golf & Country Club is worth a visit and Hamptworth is fabulous with a new clubhouse.
You wont be disappointed.
Food scene
Local Restaurants
The beautiful new Rockwater Restaurant and bar at Branksome is fabulous. Breakfast, brunch and dinner in a sophisticated environment with stunning views. Look at for the grand opening in Sandbanks in July.
Rockwater Branksome
The beautiful new Rockwater Restaurant and bar at Branksome is fabulous. Breakfast, brunch and dinner in a sophisticated environment with stunning views. Look at for the grand opening in Sandbanks in July.
Walking distance from the flat, this lovely Italian is really nice.
Westbourne Gossip Cicchetti, Pizza, Pasta, Bar
Walking distance from the flat, this lovely Italian is really nice.
Romanzo is the local Greek in Westbourne and its a 10 minute walk from the flat.
Romanzo Greek Taverna
87 Poole RdRomanzo is the local Greek in Westbourne and its a 10 minute walk from the flat.
Very famous local Fish & Chips, eat in or take away, walking distance from the flat into Westbourne.
48 locals recommend
Chez Fred
10 Seamoor RdVery famous local Fish & Chips, eat in or take away, walking distance from the flat into Westbourne.
Walk down middle chine from the flat and enjoy a cafe with a view. Breakfast & lunch.
10 locals recommend
Chineside
Off W Overcliff DrWalk down middle chine from the flat and enjoy a cafe with a view. Breakfast & lunch.
Italian on the beach, what more could you want. An Aperol spritz or beer with a pizza or pasta, outside seating.
31 locals recommend
Vesuvio
Alum Chine Car ParkItalian on the beach, what more could you want. An Aperol spritz or beer with a pizza or pasta, outside seating.
The Pig on the beach, my favourite place to be, the views are amazing and so is the food. Special occasion then is the place.
165 locals recommend
The Pig on the Beach
Manor RoadThe Pig on the beach, my favourite place to be, the views are amazing and so is the food. Special occasion then is the place.
A short 5 mins ferry ride and you arrive on the Isle of Purbeck and the Shell Bay restaurant. Amazing views and if you love fish, this is for you.
92 locals recommend
Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant
Ferry RoadA short 5 mins ferry ride and you arrive on the Isle of Purbeck and the Shell Bay restaurant. Amazing views and if you love fish, this is for you.
Lovely local Indian, eat in or take away. 10 minute walk from the flat into Westbourne.
10 locals recommend
Dilli Haat
33 Seamoor RdLovely local Indian, eat in or take away. 10 minute walk from the flat into Westbourne.
Cosy, upscale nook offering wine, gin & a vast range of cheeses & charcuterie, served on boards. 10 minute walk from the flat into Westbourne.
34 locals recommend
Renoufs Cheese and Wine Bar
48 Poole RdCosy, upscale nook offering wine, gin & a vast range of cheeses & charcuterie, served on boards. 10 minute walk from the flat into Westbourne.
The best place to eat sushi. The food is lovely, the price is great and the restaurant is cosy. Consistently great food and I highly recommend. 10 minute walk from the flat in Westbourne.
Mi Ya Bournemouth
128 Poole RdThe best place to eat sushi. The food is lovely, the price is great and the restaurant is cosy. Consistently great food and I highly recommend. 10 minute walk from the flat in Westbourne.
Da Mario Wood Fired Pizza
12 Queens RdThe pizza at Da Mario is the best, eat in or take away.
Light-filled beachfront restaurant, open all day, specialising in local seafood and steaks. Down middle chine & 15 minute walk along the front.
42 locals recommend
WestBeach
Light-filled beachfront restaurant, open all day, specialising in local seafood and steaks. Down middle chine & 15 minute walk along the front.
At the end of the pier, Informal venue with outdoor seats and global food including fish and chips, burgers and hotdogs. Perfect for breakfast, snack and a drink, with great views.
Key West Bar & Grill
At the end of the pier, Informal venue with outdoor seats and global food including fish and chips, burgers and hotdogs. Perfect for breakfast, snack and a drink, with great views.
Upscale chain brasserie serving a classically French menu devised by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc.
13 locals recommend
Brasserie Blanc - Bournemouth
105 W Cliff RdUpscale chain brasserie serving a classically French menu devised by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc.
Contemporary establishment serving Chinese cuisine with a twist amid spacious surrounds. Walking distance from the flat.
1805 Restaurant
Beacon RoadContemporary establishment serving Chinese cuisine with a twist amid spacious surrounds. Walking distance from the flat.
The Nici has been fully renovated. Fab place to sip cocktails out on the suntrap of a terrace or snack on light bites by the pool. summer. South Beach Restaurant & Bar is open for relaxed all-day drinking and dining with an excitingly diverse menu of indulgent breakfasts, wholesome salads, local seafood and choice cuts.
South Beach Restaurant & Bar
The Nici has been fully renovated. Fab place to sip cocktails out on the suntrap of a terrace or snack on light bites by the pool. summer. South Beach Restaurant & Bar is open for relaxed all-day drinking and dining with an excitingly diverse menu of indulgent breakfasts, wholesome salads, local seafood and choice cuts.
Has outdoor seating · Serves vegetarian dishes · Has live music.
10 minute walk to Westbourne.
7 locals recommend
Camden
46 Seamoor RdHas outdoor seating · Serves vegetarian dishes · Has live music.
10 minute walk to Westbourne.
The Harvester is a short walk down to the beach from the flat, down middle chine.
Simple, child-friendly chain restaurant serving grilled meat, salads, pasta & seafood
The Durley Inn Harvester
Durley ChineThe Harvester is a short walk down to the beach from the flat, down middle chine.
Simple, child-friendly chain restaurant serving grilled meat, salads, pasta & seafood
Funky, contemporary pub serving charcoal-oven steaks, wood-fired pizzas and other bites. 10 minute walk into Westbourne.
9 locals recommend
Libertine Westbourne
1 Alumhurst RdFunky, contemporary pub serving charcoal-oven steaks, wood-fired pizzas and other bites. 10 minute walk into Westbourne.
City advice
Getting around
The area can best be explored by walking
You can walk for miles along the beach both ways. To Sandbanks and Poole and all the way to Southbourne and Hengistbury Head the other way.