to ask if there's actually anything to do in Bournemouth

[PaulineWhatsername]

I'm going to visit 22 year old DD in mid November, Friday to Sunday. She's working down there for a few months, but doesn't know the area well.

Is there actually anything to do in Bournemouth at this time of year?

Not much.
Where's she working?

Shops?
Christchurch is nice or out to the New Forest for the day. Lyndhurst or Lymington?

Aquarium is good, right near the beach.
Gardens are pretty.
Moors Valley Country Park nearby is nice.
Might be something on at the BIC.

Moors Valley is lovely but I wouldn't bother at this time of year.
Check out the BIC website is a good idea.

Do you like the Aquarium, the last time I went it was crap.

Days oriental buffet if you like food. Have a look on their website. It's a nice experience and cheaper in the afternoon but there are even more dishes and even a chocolate fountain in the evening.

Cinema near Pavilion.

A brisk walk in Hengistbury head, past the beach huts in mudeford spit, coffee in the cafe and land train back! Can't beat it.

Russell Cotes art gallery and museum - quirky and interesting

Not the cinemas next to the pavilion - some of the screens are tiny and the seating is rubbish.

Hengisbury Head is nice or a walk around Christchurch.

I like lymington too.

Otherwise a stroll around the town centre is ok.

I was on the East Overcliff this afternoon with the dog, the wind was mad.

Hengistbury head is a good walk, might go up there tomorrow.

SIL lives in Bournemouth I discovered two favourite things there when we visited. Firstly, a shop called Molly's Den which sells retro and vintage stuff (clothes, homewares, toys etc), plus lots of lovely art deco stuff and jewellery and a million things besides and also we went to a café which did the most amazing milkshakes and had some great food. I think it was called Flirt Café Bar. The staff were awesome too.

Hi Pauline,

What do you and your DD enjoy? There's still lots to do in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas in the winter.

How about Go Ape at Moors Valley?

(((((Russell Coates)))))
the Aquarium
the central parks if its not raining
then go along to Boscombe and check out the tat shops - wonderful ... antiques and retro and vintage and you name it
and actaully the beach is great fun even in winter - wrap up warm and be daft

Boscombe?
There are some new vintage, retro shops there but more towards Pokesdown and that's a bit of a walk.
Boscombe precinct is a dump, all boarded up shops and poundshops with a few charity shops too.
The only big shop now is Primark.
For shops i'd rather go into Bournemouth.

There's bugger all in the Arcade any more and the Sovereign centre is barely worth a look at.

Sorry posted too soon. You could also take a trip up in the Bournemouth Balloon or visit Brownsea Island.

There is also a vintage shopping community in Pokesdown which is between Bournemouth and Christchurch.

Alternatively there are a lot of hotels that offer afternoon tea which is a nice treat: Christchurch Harbour, The Print Room Bournemouth, Harbour Heights Poole

Where's the vintage shopping community?
I know there's a few vintage shops by Pokesdown.

Ah, ok its been moving east over the last 20 years !
Brownsea closes in the winter
Christchurch is still sweet but do allow several hours to enjoy
www.education.gov.uk/popularquestions/a005553/how-many-schools-are-there-in-england?
just a wonderful place - and so much nicer views now the imax is gone!

Sorry misread the opening times for Brownsea island. It's only open to prebooked groups in the winter. It is lovely though!

I enjoy looking at the vintage shops in Pokesdown. There were definitely more then a few last time I went.

Definitely agree about the view now that the Imax has gone!

Yep, the IMAX building was awful.
The only good thing was the Harbour Lights restaurant at the top, the views were fantastic and the food affordable.
The Coriander on Richmond hill does very good Mexican food all day and there are Tapas bars in town just round the corner.

Oooh yes! Go to Tapas Plus. Lovely food.

Captains Club in Xchurch for a glass of bubbly overlooking the river.
Walk over Hengistbury, noseying at the expensive beach huts we can't afford!
Westbourne has a nice mix of shops/bars/cafés.
Ditto Xchurch

LocalEditorBournemouth When does the German market arrive in the square?

Urban Reef for great food right on the beach. Fab breakfasts!!
WestBeach by Bournemouth pier for yummy seafood.

German market bit rubbish in my opinion!