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Explore our beautiful parks and gardens

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Parks & Gardens

Bournemouth proudly maintains 1000 hectares of glorious parks and gardens – that equates to 20% of the entire borough!

At the heart of the resort is a 1.5-mile stretch of historic, grade II listed gardens, which retain much of their Victorian character and charm. Split into three distinct sections, they start at the Lower Gardens, close to the sea, and lead through the Central Gardens onto the Upper Gardens which end in Poole.

There are 17,000 trees lining the streets of Bournemouth and 30,000 in our parks and gardens! The Bournemouth Tree Trail is a circular, flat walk that highlights some of the most beautiful species. Download or pick up a copy of the tree trail map at the Tourist Information Centre.

The Lower Gardens are renowned for their floral bedding displays throughout the year, which are designed to bring together brilliant colours, subtle textures, height variations and scent. They also play host to many events and attractions during the summer months including the Aviary, Pine Walk Art Exhibition and concerts at the Bandstand. Pine Walk in the Lower Gardens was originally referred to as ‘Invalids’ Walk’ by the Victorians, when the aroma from the pine trees was considered beneficial for chest complaints.

Alum Chine boasts an award-winning tropical garden which was laid out with paths, borders and dry stonewalls in the 1920s to create a terrace garden overlooking the bay. There are now many unusual exotic plants in the gardens for people to discover and they also offer a viewing point for fabulous views of the bay.

Take the land train from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Chine Gardens, which features children’s water play area, mini golf and café. While you’re in the area visit the Italianate Gardens just off Boscombe Cliff Road. Boscombe Gardens has undergone a £2 million project restoring them to their former glory – a true reflection of the resort’s Victorian past. The gardens at Boscombe really are a secret hideaway and a beautiful setting next to the sea.

Just adjacent to these is the rock garden. Constructed in 1930, it’s one of the largest municipal rock gardens in the country. Based upon a series of terraces, planting pockets have been created to facilitate the growth of alpine and rock plants from around the world.

For wildlife lovers, Hengistbury Head – at the eastern end of this stretch of coastline – is teeming with life and you can get help with your explorations from the Visitor Centre. Or head inland and visit one of the area’s more localised nature reserves – Stour Valley, Kinson Common and Turbury Common.

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The Blue Pool

Wareham

A unique Pool which varies in colour from green to turquoise is surrounded by 25 acres of pine trees, gorse and heather. A haven for families to enjoy and explore.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
464 reviews
Stour Valley Nature Reserve

Muscliffe Lane, Bournemouth

This idyllic riverside Reserve forms part of the Stour Valley Way and provides a wall following a 2 mile stretch of the river Stour. It is perfect for walking, relaxing or exercising in the fresh air.
Alum Chine Tropical Gardens

Bournemouth

A chine is a steep dry river valley and Alum Chine is the largest of four Chines within Bournemouth.
Bournemouth Upper Gardens

Bournemouth

The Upper Gardens hold many unusual tree species including a North American Giant Redwood (believed to be the largest in the country) and a group of mature Persian Ironwood trees.
Upton Country Park

Poole

Whatever the season, there's something for everyone - enjoy the wildlife along the shoreline, try the Woodland Play Trail, visit an exhibition at The Gallery, try one of the many events – or simply find a quiet spot to admire the grounds and…
Compton Acres

Poole

Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven with spectacular themed gardens, relax in the charming Café, browse creative gifts or delve into the exciting world of plants within the Plant Centre, there's a surprise at every turn.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
903 reviews
Red House Museum

Christchurch

A former Georgian workhouse, the Red House is now a museum exploring the story of Christchurch from before the Ice Age to modern times.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
127 reviews
Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre

Bournemouth

Spend the day at Hengistbury Head, to take in all that this stunning site has to offer. Enjoy panoramic views of Christchurch Harbour and Poole Bay, discover the rare plants and wildlife of this stunning nature reserve and learn about the important…

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
218 reviews
Bournemouth Lower Gardens

Bournemouth

The Lower Gardens in Bournemouth are only a five minute walk from the main shopping centre, the beach and the pier.
Boscombe Chine Gardens

Bournemouth

Boscombe Chine Gardens were developed originally from a ‘chine’ of heath and mire into a splendid Victorian garden, a central part of the then thriving Boscombe resort.
Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre

Bournemouth

Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre is the gateway to the Stour Valley Nature Reserve – the perfect day out for all the family. Discover the stunning riverside and encounter otters in the early morning, or the blue flash of Kingfishers during the day at…
Beaulieu National Motor Museum

New Forest

At the heart of the New Forest, Beaulieu is a multi-award winning family day out with something for everyone.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
5828 reviews
Boscombe Cliff Gardens

Bournemouth

Originally opened in 1900, Boscombe Cliff Gardens merges into the Boscombe Overcliff Local Nature Reserve. The outward looking Cliff Gardens; leading through to the more sheltered Italianate Gardens both overlook beautiful cliffs grazed by a small…
Bournemouth Central Gardens

Bournemouth

The Central Gardens extend from the town centre to Coy Pond. They are now the home of the tennis courts, a children’s playground and a war memorial with beautiful rose borders, a Rhododendron Walk and heather beds.
Corfe Castle Model Village

Wareham

Corfe Castle Model Village is situated in the heart of Corfe Castle village

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2570 reviews
Hengistbury Head

Southbourne, Bournemouth,

Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt and south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs.
Sherborne Castle & Gardens

Sherborne

Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and home to the Digby family since 1617, the Castle’s staterooms display glorious art, furniture and porcelain collections from the great periods of English history.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
481 reviews

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