The first resort
Where to stay
The Cumberland is an iconic hotel that is decked out in an elegant boutique style and overlooks the sea.
Be wined and dined in style at award-winning hotel brasserie, the Ventana Grand Café, or relax at the spa or on the Miami-inspired poolside lido deck.
The seven-mile beach at the hotel front is perfect for a walk or a family picnic.
Or check into the Yenton Hotel, which is set in an acre of award-winning gardens on the resort’s East Cliff and is just a 15-minute walk from the town centre.
What to do
Bournemouth’s beach is a hub for surfing, so grab a board and catch some waves.
Zoom down the zipwire for adrenaline-surging fun and a fantastic view of the beach, or while away a few hours in an arcade.
Enjoy a pine-scented stroll through Grade II listed gardens or take a longer walk along the Jurassic Coast, which is also a tranquil area for sea fishing.
If the rain hits, there are plenty of indoor climbing walls to tackle.
For a spot of culture visit one of the resort’s university buildings or take in an exhibition at the Victorian Russell-Cotes Gallery and Museum.
Where to eat
You’ll find a fantastic choice of restaurants along the coastline.
The Stable is the place to go for pizzas, pies and cider, all served with modern flair.
Try Urban Reef for seafood dishes and great views of both Bournemouth Bay and
Boscombe Promenade. Or treat yourself to afternoon tea or cocktails at Level8ight, a chic rooftop bar located in the Hilton Hotel, which overlooks the coastline as well as the city itself.
Find more holiday ideas at visitengland.com