Experience the best of Bournemouth

Bournemouth grew from a few houses on a heathland coast in the early nineteenth century into one of England's best-known seaside resorts. A wide sandy beach stretches for about eleven kilometres, backed by cliffs, gardens and a pier, and steep wooded ravines called chines cut down to the sea.

The Lower Gardens run inland from the pier along a stream, and the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is a Victorian clifftop villa packed with art and curiosities. Poole Harbour, with the red squirrels of Brownsea Island, lies to the west, and the Jurassic Coast, with the arch at Durdle Door and the round cove at Lulworth, is a short drive beyond. The New Forest begins to the east.

Fish and chips on the front, Dorset apple cake and cream teas are local staples. The beach is busiest in summer, but the promenade and the gardens are pleasant for walks in mild winters too.