Zac's Holiday Flats Guide book
Bournemouth
Bournemouth Town Centre: -
To get to the beach, come out of the front entrance and turn left, keep to the right-hand side of the road, and walk all the way down the hill. When you get to the Hilton Hotel traffic lights turn left and you will be in Bournemouth Square, you can then turn right into Bournemouth Gardens and walk straight all the way through them, you will then reach Bournemouth Pier!
Bournemouth pier beach gets incredibly busy but if you either turn left towards Boscombe pier, or Right towards Sandbanks you can find some lovely beaches that are quieter. I like to turn right and head towards Sandbanks, I like Branksome Chine beach where there is a great restaurant called Branksome Beach. But before you reach there, there is also, Durley Chine, with a pub or Alum Chine Beach which has a children’s play park in the woodlands and a nice Italian restaurant called Vesuvio.
Out & About in your Local & Surrounding Areas – Bournemouth Town Centre:
There are some great restaurants and bars in your local area plus a Tesco Express, Starbucks, Library, Pure Gym & an independent gym called Rise which also serves coffee and has just opened. To reach these simply come out of your front entrance turn left and walk on the left-hand side of the road to the Triangle and they are all based Here.
Also, in The Triangle round the corner from Starbucks is a great Mexican restaurant called Ojo Rojo – 01202555282, if you walk past this restaurant and past its wall mural and continue down the hill you then have The Hilton Hotel on your right-hand side which has a bar on the top floor called The Sky Bar – fun for a cocktail or two. You also have Tonic Social on the Ground Floor and a restaurant called Schpoons & Forx – 01202 804775, which I have not eaten at, but I have heard good reports and it looks lovely.
If you then continue down past the Hilton Hotel you have the BH2 Complex on your left-hand side which houses the cinemas, Crazy Golf and all the chain restaurants such as Miller & Carter, Pizza Express, The Real Greek, TGI Friday’s etc the crazy golf is great fun especially on a rainy day!
Then walking further down towards Bournemouth Pier you have 60 Million Postcards a great bar for a low key beer and a burger, Bar So which has a great outdoor area for drinks and then 1812 and The Back Yard. 1812 is my favourite bar for cocktails and it also has a lovely restaurant. A little further down is a gorgeous restaurant Neo – 01202 203610.
Opposite is The BIC which is a great theatre and although currently closed, due to Covid restrictions, shows some great performances from live concerts to ballet to Comedy! Worth keeping in mind for another time. www.bhlivetickets.co.uk
Behind The BIC up on the clifftop is The Marriott Hotel which has Brasserie Blanc, great food, a little more special than you average restaurant. 01202 200899.
Once you reach Bournemouth Pier there is Aruba which has a lovely wrap around balcony with views of the beach below, this serves food all day but gets very lively and busy in the evenings.
If you turn right at The Pier, you have a fab fish restaurant called WestBeach! And brand new for Summer 2021 it has extended a lovely decking area on the beach and serves food all day it's great!
I would advise booking for all restaurants, and I think in the current climate you have to in any case.
If you come out of the front entrance and turn right, you are next door to a South African restaurant called Zim Braai – 01202 007277 and then further down you have a fabulous Thai restaurant called Koh Thai which also has a bar called Koh Lounge – 01202 294723.
Also, in Bournemouth town centre on Glen Fern Road BH1 2LZ, there is a great indoor entertainments venue, which is great for children of all ages. There is soft play, crazy golf, bowling an American Diner etc, great on a rainy day 01202 311611
132 locals recommend
Bournemouth Pier
Pier ApproachBournemouth Town Centre: -
To get to the beach, come out of the front entrance and turn left, keep to the right-hand side of the road, and walk all the way down the hill. When you get to the Hilton Hotel traffic lights turn left and you will be in Bournemouth Square, you can then turn right into Bournemouth Gardens and walk straight all the way through them, you will then reach Bournemouth Pier!
Bournemouth pier beach gets incredibly busy but if you either turn left towards Boscombe pier, or Right towards Sandbanks you can find some lovely beaches that are quieter. I like to turn right and head towards Sandbanks, I like Branksome Chine beach where there is a great restaurant called Branksome Beach. But before you reach there, there is also, Durley Chine, with a pub or Alum Chine Beach which has a children’s play park in the woodlands and a nice Italian restaurant called Vesuvio.
Out & About in your Local & Surrounding Areas – Bournemouth Town Centre:
There are some great restaurants and bars in your local area plus a Tesco Express, Starbucks, Library, Pure Gym & an independent gym called Rise which also serves coffee and has just opened. To reach these simply come out of your front entrance turn left and walk on the left-hand side of the road to the Triangle and they are all based Here.
Also, in The Triangle round the corner from Starbucks is a great Mexican restaurant called Ojo Rojo – 01202555282, if you walk past this restaurant and past its wall mural and continue down the hill you then have The Hilton Hotel on your right-hand side which has a bar on the top floor called The Sky Bar – fun for a cocktail or two. You also have Tonic Social on the Ground Floor and a restaurant called Schpoons & Forx – 01202 804775, which I have not eaten at, but I have heard good reports and it looks lovely.
If you then continue down past the Hilton Hotel you have the BH2 Complex on your left-hand side which houses the cinemas, Crazy Golf and all the chain restaurants such as Miller & Carter, Pizza Express, The Real Greek, TGI Friday’s etc the crazy golf is great fun especially on a rainy day!
Then walking further down towards Bournemouth Pier you have 60 Million Postcards a great bar for a low key beer and a burger, Bar So which has a great outdoor area for drinks and then 1812 and The Back Yard. 1812 is my favourite bar for cocktails and it also has a lovely restaurant. A little further down is a gorgeous restaurant Neo – 01202 203610.
Opposite is The BIC which is a great theatre and although currently closed, due to Covid restrictions, shows some great performances from live concerts to ballet to Comedy! Worth keeping in mind for another time. www.bhlivetickets.co.uk
Behind The BIC up on the clifftop is The Marriott Hotel which has Brasserie Blanc, great food, a little more special than you average restaurant. 01202 200899.
Once you reach Bournemouth Pier there is Aruba which has a lovely wrap around balcony with views of the beach below, this serves food all day but gets very lively and busy in the evenings.
If you turn right at The Pier, you have a fab fish restaurant called WestBeach! And brand new for Summer 2021 it has extended a lovely decking area on the beach and serves food all day it's great!
I would advise booking for all restaurants, and I think in the current climate you have to in any case.
If you come out of the front entrance and turn right, you are next door to a South African restaurant called Zim Braai – 01202 007277 and then further down you have a fabulous Thai restaurant called Koh Thai which also has a bar called Koh Lounge – 01202 294723.
Also, in Bournemouth town centre on Glen Fern Road BH1 2LZ, there is a great indoor entertainments venue, which is great for children of all ages. There is soft play, crazy golf, bowling an American Diner etc, great on a rainy day 01202 311611
Boscombe Pier: -
You can walk along to Boscombe Pier from Bournemouth Pier. Just turn left if facing Bournemouth Pier. It is a leisurely one hour walk at 2.2 miles.
There is a great restaurant/café bar called Urban Reef. The Restaurant is upstairs with outside terrace & you do need to book. Downstairs is more relaxed also, with an outside terrace. They do a great breakfast; it gets really busy, but service is pretty good. I Think you can book for breakfast upstairs, but we usually just walk along & sit downstairs, please note though, if you do go a bit later you can end up waiting a while. I think they finish serving breakfast at 11am. Tel: 01202- 443960.
There is also a Harvester Pub & if you turn right up Sea Road there is James & White Restaurant, which is another bar/restaurant. Tel: 01202 280656
If you carry on up the hill you will come to Urban Beach (the sister hotel/bar/restaurant to Urban Reef). They also do a good breakfast, lunch & dinner. Although it is best to book for lunch & dinner Tel: 01202 301509.
21 locals recommend
Boscombe
Boscombe Pier: -
You can walk along to Boscombe Pier from Bournemouth Pier. Just turn left if facing Bournemouth Pier. It is a leisurely one hour walk at 2.2 miles.
There is a great restaurant/café bar called Urban Reef. The Restaurant is upstairs with outside terrace & you do need to book. Downstairs is more relaxed also, with an outside terrace. They do a great breakfast; it gets really busy, but service is pretty good. I Think you can book for breakfast upstairs, but we usually just walk along & sit downstairs, please note though, if you do go a bit later you can end up waiting a while. I think they finish serving breakfast at 11am. Tel: 01202- 443960.
There is also a Harvester Pub & if you turn right up Sea Road there is James & White Restaurant, which is another bar/restaurant. Tel: 01202 280656
If you carry on up the hill you will come to Urban Beach (the sister hotel/bar/restaurant to Urban Reef). They also do a good breakfast, lunch & dinner. Although it is best to book for lunch & dinner Tel: 01202 301509.
Southbourne
Southbourne: -
Southbourne is a lovely local community approx. 4.5 miles from the flat. There are lots of places to eat & drink on the main high street and the beaches nearby are lovely. You could walk all the way along the beach from Bournemouth Pier to Southbourne beach, if you wanted, it depends how much you love walking. It would take you around 1 hour 30 minutes. But is only a 15-to-20-minute drive.
Wight Bear – is a micro pub, originally a shop, selling real ales etc very popular with locals, especially at weekends – no food just pork scratchings etc!
Way Out Back – just passed Brewhouse Pub is another small microbrewery. Can get bit crowded but get in early there is a little snug at back.
Baffi – sourdough pizzas – I really like it in here – they do great woodfired prawns as a starter. Gets busy so best to book Tel: 01202 421177.
Velo Domestique – coffee shop good breakfasts
Brewhouse & Kitchen – Pub also has restaurant serving normal pub stuff - burgers etc Quite lively at weekends.
Tel: 01202 055209
Larderhouse – Café/Restaurant – great atmosphere, Mediterranean food Great sharing platters cheese, or meats and does a fab Sunday roast. Outside space at the rear so sometimes you can get in without booking but gets busy so best to call first. There is a little bar upstairs but sometimes this gets pre-booked for private functions Tel: 01202 424687.
Dickys Brasserie: - Bistro style food, reasonable prices, good food & nice atmosphere Unfortunately no children under 10 (even babies!). Must book: 01202 425858.
Renoufs: - Wine bar with great wine selection. Do meat/cheese sharing platter – very tasty. Tel: 07473 074733
Makla: - Fusion Moroccan/Lebanese street food. Have had mixed reviews when first open but may be worth a try after time to get over teething problems!
Deli Rocks: - deli/café – does great sandwiches & sells lovely bread (bit pricey!) Usually open daytimes – close about 3ish on Saturdays!
Terroir: - modern tapas. Nice wines – little bit on expensive side. It is run by the same people that have Larderhouse.
48 locals recommend
Southbourne
Southbourne: -
Southbourne is a lovely local community approx. 4.5 miles from the flat. There are lots of places to eat & drink on the main high street and the beaches nearby are lovely. You could walk all the way along the beach from Bournemouth Pier to Southbourne beach, if you wanted, it depends how much you love walking. It would take you around 1 hour 30 minutes. But is only a 15-to-20-minute drive.
Wight Bear – is a micro pub, originally a shop, selling real ales etc very popular with locals, especially at weekends – no food just pork scratchings etc!
Way Out Back – just passed Brewhouse Pub is another small microbrewery. Can get bit crowded but get in early there is a little snug at back.
Baffi – sourdough pizzas – I really like it in here – they do great woodfired prawns as a starter. Gets busy so best to book Tel: 01202 421177.
Velo Domestique – coffee shop good breakfasts
Brewhouse & Kitchen – Pub also has restaurant serving normal pub stuff - burgers etc Quite lively at weekends.
Tel: 01202 055209
Larderhouse – Café/Restaurant – great atmosphere, Mediterranean food Great sharing platters cheese, or meats and does a fab Sunday roast. Outside space at the rear so sometimes you can get in without booking but gets busy so best to call first. There is a little bar upstairs but sometimes this gets pre-booked for private functions Tel: 01202 424687.
Dickys Brasserie: - Bistro style food, reasonable prices, good food & nice atmosphere Unfortunately no children under 10 (even babies!). Must book: 01202 425858.
Renoufs: - Wine bar with great wine selection. Do meat/cheese sharing platter – very tasty. Tel: 07473 074733
Makla: - Fusion Moroccan/Lebanese street food. Have had mixed reviews when first open but may be worth a try after time to get over teething problems!
Deli Rocks: - deli/café – does great sandwiches & sells lovely bread (bit pricey!) Usually open daytimes – close about 3ish on Saturdays!
Terroir: - modern tapas. Nice wines – little bit on expensive side. It is run by the same people that have Larderhouse.
Hengistbury Head is a great place to bring the whole family.
Take the land train for gentle and easy access to Mudeford Sand spit, then enjoy the view with a cup of tea and a slice of cake, or something more substantial in one of the cafes.
Maybe enjoy the spectacular views, earned with a little effort, from the top of Warren Hill.
264 locals recommend
Hengistbury Head
Hengistbury Head is a great place to bring the whole family.
Take the land train for gentle and easy access to Mudeford Sand spit, then enjoy the view with a cup of tea and a slice of cake, or something more substantial in one of the cafes.
Maybe enjoy the spectacular views, earned with a little effort, from the top of Warren Hill.
Christchurch
Beach info, food & drink, kids stuff
Christchurch: -
Christchurch is a 15-minute drive from Bournemouth, or you can take a bus from the square. The town covers an area of 19.5 square miles and has a population of 48,368. It is a pretty town and nice to go for a walk along the river or go and visit The Priory. There is a large children’s play park by the river and a large car park.
If you like milkshakes visit The Ducking Stool just off the man high street, there are signs to it. It serves coffee and every type of milkshake possible!
There are many restaurants and bars, one of my favourites is The Boat House. There is also a hotel called The Captains Club where you can sit outside on the terrace, having a drink with views of the river.
You can also take the ferry along Christchurch River to Mudeford, which is a lovely beach with the infamous Mudeford beach huts, (some costing up to £300,000!) There is a restaurant here called The Beach House, (sister restaurant to the Boat House), they serve food all day and honestly it is a destination in itself and I think a lovely day out.
A little out of Christchurch (about a 10-minute drive) nearer to Mudeford, is the Christchurch Harbour Hotel which has a nice restaurant great to sit outside on the terrace on a summers evening and look over Christchurch Harbour towards Hengistbury Head.
Also, here is the Jetty Restaurant 01202 400950 which I love for very special occasions – expensive but really lovely!
At Mudeford Quay itself, less than 5 minutes further on, is The Haven Pub, which is tiny inside but has tables outside, where you can get a good crab sandwich and there is usually a fresh fish stall open. You can get a ferry across to Mudeford Spit/Hengistbury Head from here too. You can also go crabbing here, they sell all the bits you need, and children love it.
198 locals recommend
Christchurch
Christchurch: -
Christchurch is a 15-minute drive from Bournemouth, or you can take a bus from the square. The town covers an area of 19.5 square miles and has a population of 48,368. It is a pretty town and nice to go for a walk along the river or go and visit The Priory. There is a large children’s play park by the river and a large car park.
If you like milkshakes visit The Ducking Stool just off the man high street, there are signs to it. It serves coffee and every type of milkshake possible!
There are many restaurants and bars, one of my favourites is The Boat House. There is also a hotel called The Captains Club where you can sit outside on the terrace, having a drink with views of the river.
You can also take the ferry along Christchurch River to Mudeford, which is a lovely beach with the infamous Mudeford beach huts, (some costing up to £300,000!) There is a restaurant here called The Beach House, (sister restaurant to the Boat House), they serve food all day and honestly it is a destination in itself and I think a lovely day out.
A little out of Christchurch (about a 10-minute drive) nearer to Mudeford, is the Christchurch Harbour Hotel which has a nice restaurant great to sit outside on the terrace on a summers evening and look over Christchurch Harbour towards Hengistbury Head.
Also, here is the Jetty Restaurant 01202 400950 which I love for very special occasions – expensive but really lovely!
At Mudeford Quay itself, less than 5 minutes further on, is The Haven Pub, which is tiny inside but has tables outside, where you can get a good crab sandwich and there is usually a fresh fish stall open. You can get a ferry across to Mudeford Spit/Hengistbury Head from here too. You can also go crabbing here, they sell all the bits you need, and children love it.
Sandbanks
Sandbanks: - Sandbanks is a small peninsula or spit, crossing the mouth of Poole Harbour on the English Channel coast at Poole. It is known for its high property prices and for its award-winning beach. In 2005, Sandbanks was reported to have the fourth highest land value by area in the world. I would definitely recommend visiting the beach here parking though can be impossible unless you go early! I would recommend going early getting parked and then having breakfast at either The Caff or Jazzy’s depending on where you get parked as they are at opposite ends of the main road, Shore Road. There is also the famous Rick Stein Restaurant here 01202 076443.
210 locals recommend
Sandbanks
Sandbanks: - Sandbanks is a small peninsula or spit, crossing the mouth of Poole Harbour on the English Channel coast at Poole. It is known for its high property prices and for its award-winning beach. In 2005, Sandbanks was reported to have the fourth highest land value by area in the world. I would definitely recommend visiting the beach here parking though can be impossible unless you go early! I would recommend going early getting parked and then having breakfast at either The Caff or Jazzy’s depending on where you get parked as they are at opposite ends of the main road, Shore Road. There is also the famous Rick Stein Restaurant here 01202 076443.
Sightseeing
Swanage: -
There is an open top bus called the Breezer which you can catch from Bournemouth Travel Interchange (bus station) or Bournemouth Town Centre – best to catch from bus station on summer days as you are more likely to get a seat on top deck, to Sandbanks, Studland & Swanage. Really lovely trip that takes about an hour each way. You can also get steam train to Corfe Castle from Swanage which is also a lovely trip and makes a great day out.
At Studland Village there is a beautiful hotel called The Pig (they also have one in Brockenhurst, in The New Forest as well as a couple further afield). In the summer they have a Pizza oven in the gardens & you can sit there & overlook Old Harry Rocks & back to Poole, just beautiful! There is also a nice pub called the Bankes Arms which has a garden that looks across the same view
153 locals recommend
Swanage
Swanage: -
There is an open top bus called the Breezer which you can catch from Bournemouth Travel Interchange (bus station) or Bournemouth Town Centre – best to catch from bus station on summer days as you are more likely to get a seat on top deck, to Sandbanks, Studland & Swanage. Really lovely trip that takes about an hour each way. You can also get steam train to Corfe Castle from Swanage which is also a lovely trip and makes a great day out.
At Studland Village there is a beautiful hotel called The Pig (they also have one in Brockenhurst, in The New Forest as well as a couple further afield). In the summer they have a Pizza oven in the gardens & you can sit there & overlook Old Harry Rocks & back to Poole, just beautiful! There is also a nice pub called the Bankes Arms which has a garden that looks across the same view
Corfe Castle is a very cute little village. It is the site of a ruined castle of the same name. The village and castle stand over a gap in the Purbeck Hills on the route between Wareham and Swanage. The village offers a unique range of independent shops, pubs, restaurants and teahouses.
425 locals recommend
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is a very cute little village. It is the site of a ruined castle of the same name. The village and castle stand over a gap in the Purbeck Hills on the route between Wareham and Swanage. The village offers a unique range of independent shops, pubs, restaurants and teahouses.
Formed by the combined forces of the sea and a river swollen by melting ice at the end of the last Ice Age. Lulworth Cove is world famous for its unique geology and landforms including the Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole.
Open every day, they welcome thousands of people each year who come to enjoy the panoramic views and crystal clear waters on this stretch of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. From rock-pooling and watersports, to walking, coasteering or just relaxing with an ice cream, this is a must-visit destination on the Dorset Coast.
383 locals recommend
Lulworth Cove
Formed by the combined forces of the sea and a river swollen by melting ice at the end of the last Ice Age. Lulworth Cove is world famous for its unique geology and landforms including the Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole.
Open every day, they welcome thousands of people each year who come to enjoy the panoramic views and crystal clear waters on this stretch of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. From rock-pooling and watersports, to walking, coasteering or just relaxing with an ice cream, this is a must-visit destination on the Dorset Coast.
Durdle Door: - Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast near Lulworth. The arch stands about 200 feet above sea level. Although privately owned by the Lulworth Estate, it is open to the public. It is a lovely beach but note it is stony not sand and it is a long climb down quite a steep hill and steps, but the water is crystal clear!
403 locals recommend
Durdle Door
Durdle Door: - Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast near Lulworth. The arch stands about 200 feet above sea level. Although privately owned by the Lulworth Estate, it is open to the public. It is a lovely beach but note it is stony not sand and it is a long climb down quite a steep hill and steps, but the water is crystal clear!
Kimmeridge Bay is located within a marine Special Area of Conservation and has the best rock pooling and safest snorkelling site in Dorset! The Bay is also part of the Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and found along the Southwest Coast Path national walking trail. Above the Bay sits Clavell Tower. Built as a folly and now used for holiday accommodation, it has been the inspiration for both P.D. James and Enid Blyton. It is quite a steep walk up to the tower, but it is worth the effort as you are rewarded with spectacular views over the Bay. The area is popular with surfers and windsurfers for surf is created by the rock ledges underneath the waves. There are toilets and showers located in the slip-way car park. The main car park overlooks the Bay. Both are accessed via a toll road and charges may apply. Access on foot or by bike is free.
Please note there are no lifeguards at Lulworth, Durdle Door, or Kimmeridge.
120 locals recommend
Kimmeridge Bay
Kimmeridge Bay is located within a marine Special Area of Conservation and has the best rock pooling and safest snorkelling site in Dorset! The Bay is also part of the Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and found along the Southwest Coast Path national walking trail. Above the Bay sits Clavell Tower. Built as a folly and now used for holiday accommodation, it has been the inspiration for both P.D. James and Enid Blyton. It is quite a steep walk up to the tower, but it is worth the effort as you are rewarded with spectacular views over the Bay. The area is popular with surfers and windsurfers for surf is created by the rock ledges underneath the waves. There are toilets and showers located in the slip-way car park. The main car park overlooks the Bay. Both are accessed via a toll road and charges may apply. Access on foot or by bike is free.
Please note there are no lifeguards at Lulworth, Durdle Door, or Kimmeridge.
Play Area
Alum Chine is a fully enclosed play park with lots of playground equipment including water play, multi-play, see-saw, toddler swings, a spinning bowl, a large wooden pirate ship and slide.
There are other facilities nearby such as – A beach, restaurants and a seasonal café.
https://www.freeparks.co.uk/park/alum-chine-play-park/
11 locals recommend
Alum Chine Play Park
West Undercliff PromenadeAlum Chine is a fully enclosed play park with lots of playground equipment including water play, multi-play, see-saw, toddler swings, a spinning bowl, a large wooden pirate ship and slide.
There are other facilities nearby such as – A beach, restaurants and a seasonal café.
https://www.freeparks.co.uk/park/alum-chine-play-park/
A fun play park just 2 mins from the apartment. Leads to the stream and a lovely walk along Bournemouth gardens.
Jurassic Play Jungle
24 Bradburne RdA fun play park just 2 mins from the apartment. Leads to the stream and a lovely walk along Bournemouth gardens.