Bournemouth: the Victorian beach of southern England
Developed from a fishing village into an elegant Victorian seaside resort, Bournemouth preserves seven miles of sandy beach along England's southern coast.
The center, a historic Victorian seaside destination, is comfortably explored on foot along the beach.
The Bournemouth Pier, a Victorian pier from 1880, extends into the sea offering attractions and restaurants up to its far end.
A short walk away, the Lower Gardens, public gardens designed in the nineteenth century along a stream, connect the railway station to the beach through a continuous park, shaded by century-old trees.
Continuing along the coast, you walk on the long sandy beach, regularly awarded as one of the best urban beaches in the United Kingdom.
Toward evening, the Victorian funicular connecting the cliff to the beach, one of the oldest still functioning in England, closes the day with a brief panoramic descent.
Bournemouth did not exist as a settlement until the early nineteenth century: it grew rapidly as a Victorian resort destination thanks to the fashion of sea bathing considered beneficial for respiratory health.
Bournemouth's beach regularly wins international awards for the quality of its water and sand, a recognition not taken for granted for a British beach resort.
Guided tours and experiences in Bournemouth
Related articles
You might also like...
Southampton: where the Titanic sailed for the last time
Bristol (UK): Brunel's bridge and street art
How to stay hydrated during a flight
What to do if your baggage doesn't arrive at your destination
How to organize yourself during a long layover
