Faced with the burden of having to save for a wedding next year (man, those things are spenny) we had to sacrifice the summer holiday abroad and instead spend a week getting to know our own fair shores. And you know what? Yeah, so, the sun wasn’t beating down 24/7, but it was brilliant, it was beautiful and we saved ourselves loads of cash. Plus that much sun’s bad for your skin anyway.
Bournemouth itself has a bit of a reputation for being full of retirees and stag dos. And while I must admit that the town centre isn’t anything to write home about (unless you want to play on the arcade games or go on the zip wire, which we did by the way and it was kind of awesome). But wander a few miles further and you hit Westbourne, Branksome, Sandbanks, and over the chain ferry – Studland, Swanage, Wareham, Lulworth – all absolutely stunning.
My favourites
Do…
Walk/cycle everywhere
Knoll beach and the nudist beach, Studland
Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door
Boat hire in Wareham
Corfe Castle
Jet Ski Safaris (full post on this to follow)
The Zip Wire
The bric-a-brac and vintage shops on Christchurch Road near Pokesdown St
Eat brunch at…
Branksome Beach, Branksome
Spectacular sea views and good sausage and eggs.
Jazz Café, Sandbanks
Nice coffee, nice Eggs Benedict and a nice vibe.
Coffee Club, Westbourne
Good sized portions and great service. BF gave the full English a 9/10.
South Deep Café, Parkstone Bay Marina
A hidden marina gem. Sit outside if it’s warm enough. Try the bacon eggy bread.
Lunch/dinner/coffee/wine at…
Shell Bay, Studland
Best. Restaurant. Ever. Views, service, food, drink, ambience – just wow.
The Pig on the beach, Studland Bay
This place will blow your tiny mind. Seriously amazing everything.
The Libertine, Westbourne
Laid-back gastropub with excellent steak, wine and staff
Basilico, Westbourne
A tiny little family-run Italian with amazing and authentic food.
The Old Granary, Wareham
Lovely gastropub located on the riverside.
Chez Fred, Westbourne
Award-winning fish and chips. Cheap as chips with it.
Drink/party at…
Aruba, Bournemouth Sea front
Bar So, Bournemouth Center
1812, Bournemouth Center
Sixty Million Postcards
This post was originally written in 2016. Do you love Dorset? Have any updates for us? We’d love to hear your suggestions on where to go, eat, stay, and see. Comment below with your favourites x
