Slowly, surely, and safely the seaside towns of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are opening as national restrictions ease. In common with the rest of England, self-contained and self-catering accommodation, outdoor attractions and hospitality venues with outside space are all back in business, alongside retail outlets, gyms, and swimming pools. That uplifting familiar buzz of excited visitors and residents having fun is gradually getting louder!
Outdoor attractions that can be enjoyed from this week at Bournemouth’s seafront include Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, The Big Wheel and of course the iconic Bournemouth Pier. These can all be accessed via the extraordinary Grade II Listed Gardens which stretch inland through the town centre and onwards. The neighbourhoods of Westbourne, Southbourne and Boscombe all offer quirky and unusual shopping and dining experiences as well as being situated close to the miles of wide sandy beaches. The new BCP Beach Check App allows you to monitor where the crowds are and plan your trip accordingly.
Historic Poole Quay is always busy with no shortage of alfresco spots to eat drink and marvellous views of the National Trust’s Brownsea Island, also welcoming back visitors very soon to enjoy the peacocks, red squirrels and peaceful, calming woodland walks. The wide and impressive Poole Harbour is home to a huge variety of seabirds and is perfect for fishing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, kitesurfing, stand up paddling, power – boating and many other water sports. Also, in Poole, Upton Country Park and Compton Acres both provide beautiful fresh air enjoyment, floral delights, and relaxation throughout the year.
Meanwhile, the town of Christchurch is steeped in history and flanked with glistening golden sands on one side and the green vistas of the New Forest on the other. The majestic 11th Century Priory and Victorian Highcliffe Castle grounds should not be missed when visiting this pretty harbour town.
The whole region is perfect for cycling, walking, running, hiking and every type of water sports. There are many trails and routes for two legs or two wheels along the award-winning beaches and promenades, through the glorious gardens, around bustling harbours, along winding rivers and across areas of stunning natural beauty such Hengistbury Head.
Further afield visitors can now enjoy the varied delights of Corfe Castle, Monkey World, Swanage Railway, Wimborne Model Railway and Sherborne Castle in west and north Dorset or the wildly popular Paulton’s Park and Peppa Pig World in the New Forest.
Some types of holiday accommodation are now also open and in high demand. Visitors can choose, amongst many others, between the incredible seafront Bournemouth Beach Lodges, the something -for – everyone, family – friendly Hoburne Park or The Houseboat , a high – end, architecturally impressive property situated on the banks of Poole harbour.
Getting around the whole conurbation sustainably and cleanly is easy to achieve via the remarkable community cycle scheme, Beryl Bikes or via Front Bike Hire. To avoid driving there is an extensive network of local buses and all three towns are served by regular and efficient train and coach services from London and all over the country.
Welcome back …!
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