Bournemouth is one of the most popular seaside towns in the United Kingdom which is why hiring a car in Bournemouth is popular with tourists. Although Bournemouth is known for having an elderly population (as a lot of older people want to enjoy the bracing sea air) there is also a real youth culture.
Indeed Bournemouth has one of the most popular house music nightclubs in the country known as Slinky. Whatever age you are there is plenty of natural beauty in Bournemouth and the entire coastline is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bournemouth Mini Guide
Ferry services operate from the neighbouring port of Poole (approx. 10km) and also the nearby ports of Southampton and Portsmouth. Ferries operate to the Channel Islands, St Malo, Cherbourg and mainland Europe.
Bournemouth has two railway stations, the main Bournemouth station and Pokesdown to the East and there is a good local bus service. If travelling by car the M3 and M27 are direct routes from London.
Bournemouth is a popular tourist centre and is renowned for its excellent beaches. There are seven miles of golden sands and clear blue water.
The Bournemouth International Centre is the venue for many major conferences and it also hosts theatrical productions and musical concerts. The main cosmopolitan shopping area is situated just behind the seafront.
This area is mostly pedestrianised and has major departmental shops together with a good range of boutiques. There is a first class variety of restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes and a lively nightlife.
Bournemouth has award-winning parks and floral gardens and these are perfect for a leisurely stroll or afternoon siesta. Good leisure and sporting facilities are also available.
Dorset has a very striking and beautiful coastline and car rental is an excellent option to tour the area. Bournemouth is a good base to visit the nearby town of Poole and the market town of Christchurch.
The New Forest is approximately 11km from Bournemouth and is a beautiful area to visit. The forest has several national trails and is ideal for walkers. Cycling is also a popular pastime and bicycles can be hired in the Forest. Horse riding is also available.
There are many car routes through the Forest although care should be taken as the forest is home to ponies, deer and cattle as well as many other wild animals and birds.
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