What's Bournemouth like these days?

[LittleBonnie]

As a child i had many holidays in Bournemouth and loved it. Am hoping to have a family holiday in UK this summer and am considering going back there. What's it like these days, is it a thriving resort or not? If not can anyone recommend alternative areas to stay in Dorset? We are a family with 2 children, 11 and 6

[LittleBonnie]

Anyone??

[peaz]

We were there this weekend, just me and my H. We went to the Queens Hotel which has a spa and there was a family there- kids were 8, 12 and 15. They have a pool which they all loved (not huge, and it is 'just' a pool so no wave machine etc) and the older kids loved the sauna and steam rooms. Good if the weather is crap. We then had afternoon tea... I don't know a kid who wouldn't love that!

I do love Swanage though... that might be better for kids.

[HeirToTheIronThrone]

I live in Bournemouth - I'd say still thriving, this summer was incredibly busy with the good weather. Lots of exchange students and stag/hen dos as well alongside holidaymakers though. Bournemouth itself has nice bits and not so nice bits! We used to have our summer holidays down here (have only lived here for 6 years as an adult) and stay at Wareham, a really good base to then visit Swanage, Dorchester, Corfe Castle, Monkey World, Tank Museum at Bovington, Studland Beach etc etc. The reason I live here now is mainly down to those holidays so they must have been good!

[LittleBonnie]

Maybe somewhere like Swanage would be the best place to base ourselves..and then visit Bournemouth whilst we're there. Thanks guys!

[MrsMcEnroe]

I live in Bournemouth too and yes, it's thriving. Personally I wouldn't stay here if I was on holiday - it's too busy! I'd stay in the New Forest or Purbecks. Studland village is gorgeous