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?

Nice work LocalEditorBournemouth

I would go for a really long walk along the coast hopping from cafe to cafe. I quite like the Jazz Cafe in sandbanks - also good area for scoping out billionaire's properties. I would finish in Boscombe at Urban Reef and get the train back.

The next day I would go to New Forest and do Oak Inn at Lyndhurst for lunch and Rosie Lea in Brockenhurst for afternoon tea.

Thanks Yesterday.

merrymouse What is Rosie Lea's like? I see it mentioned quite a lot on Twitter but have never been. Is it worth the trip?

Jazzys at Shore Road used to do fab hot chocolate before everywhere else did it

Seconding recommendations to Crooked Book in Boscombe, sorry not Pokesdown folks it's by Crabton Close Rd lights, it's fab in there, lots of old books, tea and cake, what more could you ask for....a few antiques as well!

Little Pickle Deli Cafe does lovely food too, that's at the other end corner of Manor Road. Sausage rolls to die for.

Bournemouth Natural History Society is worth a look when they have an open day as well. It's like a mini Pitt Rivers/Ashmolean/NHM inside.

I'm waiting to cash up so off to add some quick reviews before home time.

Are there any decent hairdressers in Bournemouth? I need to know urgently .

Isn't Corfe Castle nearby, a national trust property.

Yes Tony at Hedony Hair Salon at The Triangle, ex Roger Moore...and nearby as in about 15miles by ferry/road or 25 by road, which can take a lot longer than you'd think depending on traffic, time of day or year

Hi GreenVelvet there are some hairdressers here including Pantah's recommendation.

Pantah Thanks so much for your reviews. They are very much appreciated.

Ha!, I go to Beyond The Fringe.
They're good.

I can't believe a thread about Bournemouth has gone on so long, lovely!

Corfe Castle area has been our holiday destination for camping for many years, try The Square and Compass if you're out that far, it's at Worth Matravers, or the pub at Kingston, fab views over Poole and Bournemouth.
We camp at Woody Hyde and Burnbake mostly but there are loads more.

Tyneham village is a bit further on towards Lulworth and good for a day out.

merlin

I was expecting a post from you!
x

The Scott Arms at Kingston, I had to go and look that up, would have driven me mad!

Food at the Scott Arms is lovely as is the view. We do lots of walking over that way. Last week we got the train from Swanage to Corfe, grabbed pasties from the bakery (the best in the area in DH humble opinion) and hiked back over Nine Barrow Down to the car. Then drove back to Corfe for dinner at The Greyhound, would have been The Bankes Arms but they don't start serving again until 6pm, like The Scott Arms.. Luckily The Greyhound serve full menu all day as we needed sustenance for the traffic jams back across to Christchurch

Zing - I did post - near the start of the thread!!

And just to add some more ..

Cheese & Alfie's in Xchurch - they know how to cook a perfect poached egg!

1812 in Bournemouth - good cocktails and live music

Everything Pantah said, I love going over there, we used to drop the DC at school and head over there for lunch (very occasionally), The Greyhound or The Bankes Arms.
And a HUGE yes to the bakers, their pasties are lush!

yes I saw, that's what I meant, sorry

too tired to think now...

I need to go to this bakery in Corfe.

I've added all your recommendations here.

Don't suppose anyone can recommend anywhere in Lyme Regis? I know it isn't Bournemouth but I'm off there this weekend and have done no research.

No sorry, haven't been there.

Mr M (long time Bournemouth resident and current DP future DH - yay!) suggests Cellar Bar in Boscombe, Monty's Lounge in Pokesdown, Charminister, Hengistbury Head, Dean Court (if football fan), Bar Soho in Christchurch, The George Inn in Christchurch, The Haven in Mudeford and Mudeford in general.

Westbourne for shopping, 60 million postcards (if you are young-ish), New Forest - Horse Shoe Bottom, Wotton Pond, The Rising Sun at Wotton - but he has had a few drinks and got a bit nostalgic (tired and emotional)

Aww, I was in Soho last week for lunch with DD.
And YY to the Cellar bar.

Bournemouth isn't a remote hamlet on a distant island, so yes there will be things to do

Rosie Lea is vintage cups and saucers, friendly staff, home made scones and cakes. Also in Brock, (if you are doing the retro/vintage tour of the south), Pineapple Retro is worth a browse.

(So it's not worth the trip from Bournemouth if you just want to go to a tea shop as there are loads of lovely places on the south coast, but if you want to share your scone with a passing donkey (which of course you shouldn't because they pick up bad manners...) can't think of anywhere better than Rosie Lea.)

The IMAX has gone!!! Hurrah! It blocked the wonderful sea views, was an eyesore and totally underused and underinvested in.

Walk to Branksome Chine along the seafront, if you go a little further you're in Sandbanks, playground of the rich. Take the chain ferry by foot, car or bus to go to Studland bay - glorious!

Lymington (our local town) is a beautiful Georgian town with cobbles down to the marinas - lovely independent coffee shops, bars and pubs. Fab walks through the salt marshes - used to gather salt to preserve the venison from the Forest.

New Forest is sublime at this time of year. All the grockles have gone home, pony round ups are going on, the pigs are out eating up the acorns and the trees are spectacular.

Honestly - you'll hate it down here ;-)

Don't forget Wagamamas.