natural wonder
Old Harry Rocks
Iconic chalk sea stacks marking the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, standing as sentinels against the English Channel.
9 km · about 15 min drive
England, United Kingdom · Europe
Bournemouth works well as a base: 10 minutes from Parkstone, 9km from Old Harry Rocks.
Bournemouth is a city located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 163,600, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Bournemouth sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Bournemouth to your route.
Bournemouth ( BORN-məth) is a coastal resort town and civil parish in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole unitary authority area, in the ceremonial county of Dorset, on the south coast of England. At the 2021 census, the built-up area had a population of 196,455, making it the largest town in Dorset.
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an uninhabited heathland, visited only by fishermen and occasional smugglers, a health resort was founded in the area by Lewis Tregonwell in 1810. After the Ringwood, Christchurch and Bournemouth Railway opened in 1870, Bournemouth grew into an important resort town, which today attracts over five million visitors annually for its coastline and nightlife.
The town is a population centre within the South East Dorset conurbation and is known for its seven-mile stretch of golden sand, with well-known spots including Alum Chine Beach, Durley Chine Beach, and Bournemouth Central Beach. The shoreline continues westward and gradually merges into the affluent Sandbanks area and Poole. Alongside tourism, financial services now play a significant role in the local economy.
The town centre is notable for its Victorian architecture. St Peter's Church features a 202-foot (62 m) spire and is one of three Grade I listed churches in the borough. The town has an events venue and a concert hall, the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) and Pavilion Theatre respectively. Bournemouth is also home to the Premier League football club, AFC Bournemouth, and to Bournemouth University, which has a growing reputation in fields such as media, business and health.
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Bournemouth offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Bournemouth is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 50.7205 latitude, -1.8795 longitude.
Bournemouth has a population of approximately 163,600 people, making it a city in United Kingdom.
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Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United Kingdom8 notable places within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
Iconic chalk sea stacks marking the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, standing as sentinels against the English Channel.
9 km · about 15 min drive
landmark
A remarkable collection of rare and unique motorcycles in the New Forest assembled by legendary trials rider Sammy Miller.
13 km · about 25 min drive
castle
Atmospheric ruins of a thousand-year-old royal castle perched on a hilltop, dramatically slighted during the English Civil War.
15 km · about 30 min drive
natural wonder
Three distinctive chalk sea stacks rising from the sea off the western tip of the Isle of Wight, topped by a red-and-white striped lighthouse.
22 km · about 25 min drive
national park
Ancient royal hunting ground where wild ponies and deer roam freely through 219 square miles of heathland, woodland and coastal marshes.
26 km · about 30 min drive
natural wonder
Almost perfectly circular cove formed by the sea eroding through Portland limestone, creating one of the world's finest examples of coastal geology.
28 km · about 35 min drive
natural wonder
Iconic natural limestone arch jutting into the sea on Dorset's Jurassic Coast, one of the most photographed landmarks in Britain.
30 km · about 35 min drive
museum
Set in the grounds of a historic abbey, it houses over 250 vehicles telling the story of motoring from 1893 to the present.
34 km · about 40 min drive
April to October
Other places to explore near Bournemouth.
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