Sophie’s guidebook
Nature spaces
Walk to the top and you'll find a peaceful and extensive heathland with amazing views out to sea and the Christchurch harbour. Walk right to the to the end and down steps to the colourful beach huts at Mudeford Spit. Walk to the Beach House for some refreshments. Walk back along the woodland road and stop at the Hengistbury Head Visitors Centre to find out about the history of the area. Alternatively, with little ones, there's a land train that runs from the Hikers Cafe to Mudeford Spit (and back again!).
264 locals recommend
Hengistbury Head
Walk to the top and you'll find a peaceful and extensive heathland with amazing views out to sea and the Christchurch harbour. Walk right to the to the end and down steps to the colourful beach huts at Mudeford Spit. Walk to the Beach House for some refreshments. Walk back along the woodland road and stop at the Hengistbury Head Visitors Centre to find out about the history of the area. Alternatively, with little ones, there's a land train that runs from the Hikers Cafe to Mudeford Spit (and back again!).
Wonderful heathland and beaches in Studland over the chain ferry. Can be a long queue for the ferry in peak season.
51 locals recommend
Knoll Beach Studland
Wonderful heathland and beaches in Studland over the chain ferry. Can be a long queue for the ferry in peak season.
Brownsea Island
Magical National Trust island with red squirrels and peacocks.
Special nature area with wild ponies, water birds and views of Mudeford Spit. Like a little New Forest by the sea!
14 locals recommend
Stanpit Marsh
Special nature area with wild ponies, water birds and views of Mudeford Spit. Like a little New Forest by the sea!
Restaurants & Bars
Not the usual place you might expect from a seaside town! An ambitious and thoughtful menu with knowledgable and attentive staff in a great setting. Do check out hidden gem of The Library upstairs for a pre or post dinner cocktail. Fantastic and quirky ambience. You'll need to book.
77 locals recommend
The Larder House
4 Southbourne GroveNot the usual place you might expect from a seaside town! An ambitious and thoughtful menu with knowledgable and attentive staff in a great setting. Do check out hidden gem of The Library upstairs for a pre or post dinner cocktail. Fantastic and quirky ambience. You'll need to book.
Moroccan and Lebenese street food restaurant and take away. Great food.
22 locals recommend
Makla Deli
217 Seabourne RdMoroccan and Lebenese street food restaurant and take away. Great food.
A great clifftop location that has gained popularity recently with post-lockdown Friday and Saturday night live music events and DJ sets outside when the weather is good. As close to Ibiza vibes as you're going to get in Southbourne!
29 locals recommend
Cafe Riva
Boscombe Overcliff DriveA great clifftop location that has gained popularity recently with post-lockdown Friday and Saturday night live music events and DJ sets outside when the weather is good. As close to Ibiza vibes as you're going to get in Southbourne!
Loaf and Coal
12 Southbourne GroveMasterchef professional serving quality food.
Relaxed dining and bar with views of Christchurch Quay. A short drive or taxi ride.
120 locals recommend
The Boathouse
Quay RoadRelaxed dining and bar with views of Christchurch Quay. A short drive or taxi ride.
The Jetty
95 MudefordGreat food and location. A taxi or drive to get there.
Cafes
Best sourdough around and British sourdough winner! Great range of croissants, buns and pastries.
15 locals recommend
M's Bakery
805 Christchurch RdBest sourdough around and British sourdough winner! Great range of croissants, buns and pastries.
A good local spot to get bread and bites. They make a delicious coffee too.
8 locals recommend
Bakehouse 24
154 Seabourne RdA good local spot to get bread and bites. They make a delicious coffee too.
Velo Domestique
176-180 Seabourne RdTasty brunch bites and coffees and WiFi amongst the bike repairs.
Cafe Boscanova
650 Christchurch RdExcellent coffee and brunch menu. A Boscombe gem.
Kids stuff
Fun dinosaur themed crazy golf course for the kids. Driving range and golf course. Nice pizzas in the club house too.
Playgolf Bournemouth
Riverside AvenueFun dinosaur themed crazy golf course for the kids. Driving range and golf course. Nice pizzas in the club house too.
Fun in the sun. You can get over to Christchurch Quay from Tuckton Gardens on a little ferry boat for £1. Quaint.
12 locals recommend
The Quomps Splashpark
39A Wick LnFun in the sun. You can get over to Christchurch Quay from Tuckton Gardens on a little ferry boat for £1. Quaint.
Lots of kid friendly beaches with lifeguards in the summer at Fishermans Walk and Southbourne. And icecreams of course.
60 locals recommend
Southbourne Beachfront
Lots of kid friendly beaches with lifeguards in the summer at Fishermans Walk and Southbourne. And icecreams of course.
Sightseeing
A lovely historic village with plenty of old pubs on the High Street such as The Ship and Ye Old George. Ancient castle ruins, The Quomps water play area in the Quay and the Boathouse for a bite to eat, and leafy river walk around The Priory church are all nice things to do. Hire a boat or go paddeboarding.
198 locals recommend
Christchurch
A lovely historic village with plenty of old pubs on the High Street such as The Ship and Ye Old George. Ancient castle ruins, The Quomps water play area in the Quay and the Boathouse for a bite to eat, and leafy river walk around The Priory church are all nice things to do. Hire a boat or go paddeboarding.
Events
Bournemouth Air Show
Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival
Fisherman's Walk