Villages in and around Bournemouth

Discover Bournemouth's coastal villages

Southbourne, Boscombe, and Westbourne are all bustling, vibrant, and characterful destinations close to Bournemouth's town centre and well worth a visit.

Located to the east of Bournemouth is Southbourne. Along its pretty, coastal high street, you’ll find bistros, coffee houses, and independent retailers, as well as food, health, gift, and craft shops, all within easy reach of the stunning Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve.

If you’re looking for antique shops, retro clothing, and second-hand gems, Boscombe is where you should be headed. Take a stroll down to Boscombe Beach, where you will find an array of fun activities for you to enjoy, including surfing, slacklining, paddleboarding, and volleyball.

To the west of Bournemouth is Westbourne. With its exquisite Victorian-grade-II-listed arcade, Westbourne offers a unique shopping experience with its hair and beauty salons, art galleries, delicatessens, and independent shops and boutiques.

Alternatively, head inland to Charminster, just a short bus or taxi ride from Bournemouth's town centre, and with a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, and food stores.

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Explore picturesque Dorset and New Forest villages

Whilst you are visiting Bournemouth, take a drive and explore some of the nearby towns and villages. Being such a vast county, there are many hidden gems for you to discover and explore.

Visit the historical town of Poole. Get out on the water and make a splash in Europe’s largest natural harbour, discover its fascinating maritime history, and take a wander along the cobbles of the Old Town to Poole’s historic quayside.

Take in the natural beauty and history of the New Forest in places such as Lyndhurst, Lymington, and Beaulieu. Set out on an adventure on foot or by bike and make some new discoveries; take a guided tour or even a horse ride! With its quaint villages and historic towns, there are so many places to explore throughout the New Forest, from hamlets hidden deep in the forest to seaside towns and villages dotted along the coast.

Heading inland, discover the county’s many enchanting towns and villages. With their unique character, history, and charm, highlights include Wimborne Minster, Wareham, Sherborne, Dorchester, Milton Abbas, and many more.

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