Bournemouth, England


Bournemouth – wide stretches of golden beach as far as the eye can see, a pier with a zipline, restaurants, and amusement park rides.




It would be far too crowded for me in summer, but on a sunny winter day, it’s pure delight.


Bournemouth became a popular holiday destination in the second half of the 19th century, and you can still see some of the lovely old hotels at the top of the cliff. This one even has a funicular so you don't have to climb the hill.


What do you think? Would you like to get married in a beach hut?



The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery is housed in a home that Merton Russel-Cotes designed and built when he retired. It’s a mishmash of styles from Scottish baronial to Tudor to Arabic with tiled walls, a fountain, elaborate doorways, painted panels, and embossed friezes. It’s a must-see. Oh, it’s also an art gallery, if you can stop gaping at the amazing interior design.


Bournemouth town centre still has some lovely old buildings and an arcade.



The Bournemouth Gardens run downhill to the sea with paths, a bandstand, a stream, and flowerbeds.


And absolutely the best way to travel to Bournemouth is on the front seat at the top of a double decker bus.

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