While Bournemouth's beaches are legendary, the town is also a proud "green city" boasting an incredible 2,000+ acres of glorious parks and gardens – that's 20% of the entire borough! These meticulously maintained green spaces offer tranquil havens for relaxation, active exploration, and enriching family fun, all completely free of charge. With Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council having been awarded 23 Green Flags, you can be assured of their exceptional quality and management.
Explore Bournemouth's Historic Green Heart
At the very core of Bournemouth lies a 1.5-mile stretch of historic, Grade II listed gardens, retaining much of their Victorian charm. These gardens, part of the scenic Bourne Valley Greenway, are split into three distinct sections:
The Lower Gardens
Running from Bournemouth Pier to the town centre, these gardens are famous for their vibrant floral displays that change throughout the year.6 They also host the country's longest-running open-air art exhibition and feature a bandstand. Don't miss the free-to-visit Bournemouth Aviary bird sanctuary, a delightful spot for children to get up close with various bird species.
The Central Gardens
Here you'll find formal plantings, a charming pergola, and a children's play area complete with swings and slides, perfect for little ones to burn off energy.
The Upper Gardens
Offering a quieter, more natural ambiance, the Upper Gardens are home to diverse European, Asian, and North American plant species, including the impressive Giant Redwood, believed to be the largest in the country. Picturesque red bridges cross the stream, and an old folly now serves as a bat habitat.
Note: The path towards the end can be unpaved and boggy, so it's less suitable for wheelchair users.
Educational & Engaging Free Activities
A highlight within these lower, central and upper gardens is the self-guided Tree Trail. This circular, flat walk takes approximately two hours and offers a unique blend of free recreation and informal education, allowing visitors to learn about different tree species while enjoying nature. It's ideal for combining with a picnic on the grass, providing a truly enriching experience without cost.
Beyond the Central Hub
Alum Chine Tropical Gardens
These award-winning gardens, laid out in the 1920s, feature unusual exotic plants, shaded pathways, and offer fantastic panoramic views of the bay.
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Boscombe Chine Gardens
Explore a variety of trees and discover habitats for wildlife. There's even an engaging wildlife quiz trail along the pathway, all about the plants and animals found in the gardens.
Italianate Gardens
Part of Boscombe Cliff Gardens, and just off Boscombe Cliff Road, these gardens offer another picturesque and free spot to visit.
Tips for Your Green Escape
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the abundant lawns, seek out quiet spots for relaxation or photography, and keep an eye out for notice boards that provide fascinating details about the gardens' history, plants, and wildlife. Bournemouth's parks and gardens are a testament to its natural beauty, offering endless opportunities for free summer enjoyment.
