Amanda’s guidebook
Bournemouth and Poole Beaches
This is the nearest beach to the flat. It's a 5-10 minute walk to the end of Knole Rd, cross over and take the scenic 10 -15 minute walk through Boscombe Gardens to the beach. You can leave the car at the property as during the busy season it's hard to park anywhere nearer to the beach.
34 locals recommend
Boscombe Beach
This is the nearest beach to the flat. It's a 5-10 minute walk to the end of Knole Rd, cross over and take the scenic 10 -15 minute walk through Boscombe Gardens to the beach. You can leave the car at the property as during the busy season it's hard to park anywhere nearer to the beach.
A 15 minute drive from the property. Picturesque beach with Branksome Beach restaurant and a take-away next to it for soft drinks and fish and chips etc. Head here early enough in the morning and you can park for free along Lakeside Road.
29 locals recommend
Branksome Chine Car Park
Pinecliff RoadA 15 minute drive from the property. Picturesque beach with Branksome Beach restaurant and a take-away next to it for soft drinks and fish and chips etc. Head here early enough in the morning and you can park for free along Lakeside Road.
The most picturesque beach of all Bournemouth and Poole beaches in my opinion. Park in the car park opposite Rick Stein Restaurant (a great restaurant for a really special meal). Once on the promenade, turn right for the dog beach backed with sand dunes and expensive homes. The beach is made up of small coves which is great for swimming. Opposite you have the view of Studland Beach and the beautiful Purbecks. Turn left at the promenade for the non dog beach and plenty of facilities - toilets, cafes etc.
121 locals recommend
Sandbanks Beach
Banks RoadThe most picturesque beach of all Bournemouth and Poole beaches in my opinion. Park in the car park opposite Rick Stein Restaurant (a great restaurant for a really special meal). Once on the promenade, turn right for the dog beach backed with sand dunes and expensive homes. The beach is made up of small coves which is great for swimming. Opposite you have the view of Studland Beach and the beautiful Purbecks. Turn left at the promenade for the non dog beach and plenty of facilities - toilets, cafes etc.
This is a little bit different from the other Bournemouth Beaches in that it can be a little less busy and is very natural. Park at the Hengistbury Head Car Park and either walk or take the the land train down (when in season) through the beautiful wooded walk, passing the harbour as you go. It will take you down to Mudeford Spit which has a great beach and many expensive beachuts. There are amenities here such as a bar, food and conveniences.
8 locals recommend
Hengistbury Head Land Train
This is a little bit different from the other Bournemouth Beaches in that it can be a little less busy and is very natural. Park at the Hengistbury Head Car Park and either walk or take the the land train down (when in season) through the beautiful wooded walk, passing the harbour as you go. It will take you down to Mudeford Spit which has a great beach and many expensive beachuts. There are amenities here such as a bar, food and conveniences.
Food scene
Cool place for lunch, dinner and breakfast. Casual. Good for families. Outside seating and overlooking the beach.
149 locals recommend
Urban Reef - Seafront Restaurant in Bournemouth
Undercliff DriveCool place for lunch, dinner and breakfast. Casual. Good for families. Outside seating and overlooking the beach.
Same group as Urban Beach. Nice pub for lunch, dinner or breakfast.
38 locals recommend
Urban Beach - Boutique Hotel
23 Argyll RdSame group as Urban Beach. Nice pub for lunch, dinner or breakfast.
Ludo Lounge
34 Southbourne GroveCasual eaterie for coffee, snacks and meals.
Well know local restaurant specialising in fish but there are other alternatives for non-fish lovers. It's a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner overlooking Bournemouth beach and pier. Smart casual restaurant if you're looking for a something a bit more special.
42 locals recommend
WestBeach
Well know local restaurant specialising in fish but there are other alternatives for non-fish lovers. It's a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner overlooking Bournemouth beach and pier. Smart casual restaurant if you're looking for a something a bit more special.
Koh Thai
Very popular Thai restaurant, specialising in Thai Tapas.
Great place to have a drink and bite to eat in Christchurch with great views over the harbour and green.
120 locals recommend
The Boathouse
Quay RoadGreat place to have a drink and bite to eat in Christchurch with great views over the harbour and green.
French brasserie situated in a hotel so you can use the hotel bar area for coffee or drinks after and before. Outside seating with a view over The sea.
13 locals recommend
Brasserie Blanc - Bournemouth
105 W Cliff RdFrench brasserie situated in a hotel so you can use the hotel bar area for coffee or drinks after and before. Outside seating with a view over The sea.
Casual eaterie with varied menu to suit different appetites and budget. Lots of outside seating overlooking Bournemouth gardens
30 locals recommend
Urban Garden
Exeter CrescentCasual eaterie with varied menu to suit different appetites and budget. Lots of outside seating overlooking Bournemouth gardens
A previous guest recommended this place for casual good food and very welcoming service.
Cosy restaurant and bar offering a variety of home cooked food, for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Sourdough pizza's are handmade to order and available evenings and they serve a great Sunday Roast. Plus amazing coffee, speciality shakes or cocktails, wines, draught lager or cider. Enjoy a drink in the new garden.
Darcy's Bar & Kitchen
1089 Christchurch RoadA previous guest recommended this place for casual good food and very welcoming service.
Cosy restaurant and bar offering a variety of home cooked food, for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Sourdough pizza's are handmade to order and available evenings and they serve a great Sunday Roast. Plus amazing coffee, speciality shakes or cocktails, wines, draught lager or cider. Enjoy a drink in the new garden.
Amazing Thai food at this restaurant in vibrant Poole Quay. It has a fab outside area too where you can just have a cocktail or drink. Highly recommend.
NUSARA | Thai Fire Kitchen
40-42 High StreetAmazing Thai food at this restaurant in vibrant Poole Quay. It has a fab outside area too where you can just have a cocktail or drink. Highly recommend.
All Round Entertainment
Great leisure complex for everyone. Lots of local food chains including Prezzo, Pizza Express, Nandos etc. Cinema complex and Mulligans indoor crazy golf. Perfect for all the family.
5-10 minute drive from the property or 30 minute walk. Car parking in complex.
29 locals recommend
BH2 Leisure Complex
Exeter CrescentGreat leisure complex for everyone. Lots of local food chains including Prezzo, Pizza Express, Nandos etc. Cinema complex and Mulligans indoor crazy golf. Perfect for all the family.
5-10 minute drive from the property or 30 minute walk. Car parking in complex.
Casual Drinks
Based under the Hilton Hotel in Bournemouth Town Centre. Great for couples and friends to have a drink or two. Outdoor seating.
8 locals recommend
Tonic Social
Exeter RoadBased under the Hilton Hotel in Bournemouth Town Centre. Great for couples and friends to have a drink or two. Outdoor seating.
Sightseeing
This is great day out for everyone especially families. Take one of the pleasure boats from Sandbanks Ferry terminal across to this beautiful island inhabited by lots of wildlife including peacocks and the rare red squirrel. Lovely for walks and picnics. Dogs are not allowed on the Island though.
204 locals recommend
Brownsea Island
This is great day out for everyone especially families. Take one of the pleasure boats from Sandbanks Ferry terminal across to this beautiful island inhabited by lots of wildlife including peacocks and the rare red squirrel. Lovely for walks and picnics. Dogs are not allowed on the Island though.
Studland is a great place to visit for beaches, and walks and a stop at the local Bankes Arms for a bite to eat. You can pay for parking here and take a long walk across the stunning Purbecks with incredible views across Poole Bay and Old Harry Rocks.
72 locals recommend
Studland Bay
Studland is a great place to visit for beaches, and walks and a stop at the local Bankes Arms for a bite to eat. You can pay for parking here and take a long walk across the stunning Purbecks with incredible views across Poole Bay and Old Harry Rocks.
A lovely town to walk around with beautiful the beautiful Priory, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
198 locals recommend
Christchurch
A lovely town to walk around with beautiful the beautiful Priory, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
Hop on the ferry, by car or by foot, across to Studland where there are beautiful and less touristy beaches. Or take a walk on the Purbecks and stop for refreshments or lunch at the Bankes Arms Pub.
12 locals recommend
Sandbanks Terminal station
Hop on the ferry, by car or by foot, across to Studland where there are beautiful and less touristy beaches. Or take a walk on the Purbecks and stop for refreshments or lunch at the Bankes Arms Pub.
A vibrant and buzzing quay with many eateries from casual coffee shops to upmarket restaurants and plenty of pubs and wine bars.
110 locals recommend
Poole Quay
The QuayA vibrant and buzzing quay with many eateries from casual coffee shops to upmarket restaurants and plenty of pubs and wine bars.
Eating Further Afield
Perfect to stop for lunch and drink if you have taken the ferry across from Sandbanks. Fab views across Poole Bay. Pay for parking here and take a breathtaking walk across the Purbecks
36 locals recommend
Bankes Arms Inn Studland
Manor RoadPerfect to stop for lunch and drink if you have taken the ferry across from Sandbanks. Fab views across Poole Bay. Pay for parking here and take a breathtaking walk across the Purbecks
Family attractions
About a 40 min drive from Bournemouth, this is a theme park that offers lots of fun rides to adults and younger children alike. Set in lovely grounds with plenty of space for picnicking.
360 locals recommend
Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World
About a 40 min drive from Bournemouth, this is a theme park that offers lots of fun rides to adults and younger children alike. Set in lovely grounds with plenty of space for picnicking.