A blue plaque on Bournemouth’s East Cliff reveals an unexpected guest: J.R.R. Tolkien. I explored Hotel Miramar’s rooms and gardens and discovered a fascinating history beyond Middle-earth.
Is Bournemouth Pier better to photograph than walk along? Discover its unlikely royal beginnings, Victorian roller skating, wartime explosion and surprising showbusiness connections, plus what visitors can enjoy today.
Three Red Arrows rise above Bournemouth’s cliffs, but why are they there? Discover the story of Jon Egging, the children who helped design his memorial, its dramatic relocation and another forgotten aviation tragedy nearby.
Looking for the best day trips from Bournemouth by car? Discover 12 brilliant escapes across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, from dramatic coastlines and ruined castles to picturesque villages, historic towns and hidden gems worth the drive.
You’ve probably passed Bournemouth’s Lansdowne Clock Tower countless times without giving it much thought. But behind that familiar red-brick landmark is a 1910 foundation stone, the origins of local higher education, a 150-foot tower — and a £12 million restoration completed more than a century later.
Free things to do in Dorset that are actually worth leaving the house for? Absolutely. These 12 spots have £0 admission, plenty to see, and just enough parking drama to remind you that “free day out” is sometimes a very British phrase.
You don’t have to leave Bournemouth to find a proper countryside escape. Stour Valley Nature Reserve offers riverside paths, wildlife and an easy walk that feels surprisingly far from town.
