A Haven Of Coastal Charm Bournemouth
Bournemouth holds a special place in Sue Hayward’s heart
Bournemouth is a seaside resort steeped in nostalgia for me, having spent most of my childhood family holidays there. To this day I always head for our family’s special little stretch of beach in Alum Chine, away from the crowds, and the very same spot where my daughter and I made sandcastles years later.
Like any seaside resort, Bournemouth has changed. Many small family run hotels, like our favourite, Craydon Lodge, have long since been converted to stylish flats. But the Bournemouth of my childhood lives on. Just a mile from the buzz of the pier is Alum Chine, a haven of tranquillity that reveals a secret route to the sea. Those first steps into the Chine always take me back and time stands still as you breathe in the pine scent and walk through its cool wooded valley to the sea. Alum Chine is the biggest of four Chines in the area and got its name from the local “Alum” mining way back in the 16th century.
Walk the other way through the Chine and you’ll reach tiny Westbourne village. Its vintage arcade reveals secrets of its own, including the UK’s smallest cinema – the Colosseum, with just 19 seats, and housed under the gorgeous Vintage Lounge café.
Other Westbourne treasures include its award winning fish and chip shop, Chez Fred, and Renoufs Wine and Cheese bar.
Bournemouth is famous for its seven miles of golden sand and Blue Flag beaches, and we’re talking proper crumbly sand, no shingle beaches here!
Its wide flat promenade makes the perfect starting point to explore the area. From the pier it’s a one and a half mile stroll to Boscombe one way or you can walk the other all the way to Sandbanks and its millionaire seafront homes, which is just over three miles.
The pier area is usually always busy, but away from the nostalgic amusements, take a walk through Bournemouth’s floral lower gardens which usually host free outdoor concerts.
Just as Alum Chine is a
world away from the buzzing town centre, nearby Boscombe has shaken off a once slightly scruffy image and emerged as a modern but laid back resort. In one quiet side street, you’ll find the Urban Beach Hotel – think boutique hotel meets surf style with modern funky rooms, yet with the laid back beach vibe you might expect from Bondi beach. And for great beach cafes, head down the hill to Urban Reef, its seafront café and bar.