As the first daffodils begin to nod their heads along the clifftops, there is a distinct feeling of anticipation in the air. English Tourism Week is just around the corner (13th – 22nd March), a nationwide celebration of the experiences that make holidaying on home soil so rewarding.
While we admit to being just a little biased, we firmly believe the stretch of Dorset coastline covering Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole offers the definitive British experience. It is a place where you can wake up to a sunrise over a calm bay and end the day watching the sunset from a bustling quay.
This week isn't just about marking a date in the diary; it is about celebrating our "Coast with the Most". Here is why we believe this corner of the world deserves the spotlight.
Three Towns, One Unique Story
If you ask a local what makes this region special, they will likely tell you it is the variety. We don’t just have one identity; we have three unique personalities sitting side-by-side.
There is the undeniable energy of Bournemouth. It is the classic seaside evolved - seven miles of golden sand and Victorian gardens that invite you to leave your phone in your pocket and just breathe. It’s a place designed to leave you feeling "happily tired" after a day of fun, whether you’ve been paddleboarding at dawn or simply walking the prom.
Then, just down the road, the pace shifts. Poole is our true "coast of contrasts". As the home of Europe’s largest natural harbour, the water here isn't just scenery; it’s a way of life. From the tales of smugglers in the Old Town to the clinking of glasses on the bustling Quay, Poole balances maritime heritage with a vibrant, modern edge.
And completing the trio is Christchurch, our "hidden gem". Here, rivers meet history in a town that feels quintessentially British. It is the spot for those moments of reflection, where you can wander through Saxon heritage sites or enjoy a quiet moment by the water’s edge before discovering a thriving independent high street.
The beauty of it? You don’t have to choose. You get them all in one trip.
A Gateway to the Wild
We are often known for our deckchairs, but we are equally defined by our wilder side. For the nature lovers among us, this region acts as a gateway to world-class environments.
To our west, the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast begins at the iconic Old Harry Rocks. Inland, the quiet majesty of the New Forest is on our doorstep. And right here, the heathlands of Hengistbury Head offer a sanctuary for wildlife and walkers alike. Whether you are a serious hiker or someone who just needs to reconnect with the elements, this is nature’s playground.
A Plate Full of Dorset
English tourism is increasingly powered by our stomachs, and our local larder is happily overflowing.
The food scene here has moved far beyond the traditional stick of rock (though we still love those). We are talking about fresh seafood landed directly on Poole Quay, artisan spirits distilled in town, and vintage tearooms serving proper Dorset apple cake. Our independent restaurant scene is thriving, supported by chefs who know that the best ingredients are the ones grown, caught, or brewed just miles from the kitchen pass.
Culture by the Sea
There is a vibrant cultural pulse here that punches well above its weight. It flows from the eccentric, beautiful collections of the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and the transformed storytelling at Poole Museum, to the vibrant street art you'll spy across the region. Then there is the shining beacon of Lighthouse Poole, home to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and world-class performances at the Bournemouth International Centre and Pavilion Theatre. It is a reminder that a trip to the seaside can feed the mind and soul just as much as it rests the body.
Be a Tourist in Your Own Town
So, how should you celebrate English Tourism Week?
If you are visiting us, we can’t wait to welcome you. But if you are local, we invite you to look at your home with fresh eyes. Visit that museum you haven’t stepped inside since a school trip. Try that independent café you walk past every morning. Or simply take a walk along the promenade, breathe in the sea air, and appreciate why we really are the Coast with the Most.
Join the conversation and share your favourite spots this week using #EnglishTourismWeek26 and tag us in your photos. Let’s show the world why, truly, we are the Coast with the Most. #LoveBournemouth #LoveXchurch #LovePoole
