natural wonder
Old Harry Rocks
Iconic chalk sea stacks marking the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, standing as sentinels against the English Channel.
9 km · about 15 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Bournemouth
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Bournemouth
Bournemouth works well as a base: 10 minutes from Parkstone, 9km from Old Harry Rocks.
Bournemouth is in England, United Kingdom, with about 160,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Parkstone, about 5 km away.
Bournemouth ( BORN-məth) is a coastal resort town and civil parish in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole unitary authority area, in the ceremonial county of Dorset, on the south coast of England. At the 2021 census, the built-up area had a population of 196,455, making it the largest town in Dorset.
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an uninhabited heathland, visited only by fishermen and occasional smugglers, a health resort was founded in the area by Lewis Tregonwell in 1810. After the Ringwood, Christchurch and Bournemouth Railway opened in 1870, Bournemouth grew into an important resort town, which today attracts over five million visitors annually for its coastline and nightlife.
The town is a population centre within the South East Dorset conurbation and is known for its seven-mile stretch of golden sand, with well-known spots including Alum Chine Beach, Durley Chine Beach, and Bournemouth Central Beach. The shoreline continues westward and gradually merges into the affluent Sandbanks area and Poole. Alongside tourism, financial services now play a significant role in the local economy.
The town centre is notable for its Victorian architecture. St Peter's Church features a 202-foot (62 m) spire and is one of three Grade I listed churches in the borough. The town has an events venue and a concert hall, the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) and Pavilion Theatre respectively. Bournemouth is also home to the Premier League football club, AFC Bournemouth, and to Bournemouth University, which has a growing reputation in fields such as media, business and health.
Where to Stay in Bournemouth
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Explore the Area
Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Bournemouth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Bournemouth?
Within an hour or so of Bournemouth: Old Harry Rocks (9 km), Ballard Down (12 km), Corfe Castle (15 km), Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum (15 km).
Are there any good drives near Bournemouth?
The nearest famous roads are Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, Military Road, Isle of Wight and Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Where is Bournemouth?
Bournemouth is in England, United Kingdom, about 5 km from Parkstone.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 163,600
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 50.7205, -1.8795
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Bournemouth
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
scenic viewpoint
Ballard Down
The chalk ridge above Swanage running out to Old Harry Rocks, with views over Poole Harbour and Studland Bay.
12 km · about 20 min drive
castle
Corfe Castle
Atmospheric ruins of a thousand-year-old royal castle perched on a hilltop, dramatically slighted during the English Civil War.
15 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
A remarkable collection of rare and unique motorcycles in the New Forest assembled by legendary trials rider Sammy Miller.
15 km · about 30 min drive
natural wonder
The Needles, Isle of Wight
Three distinctive chalk sea stacks rising from the sea off the western tip of the Isle of Wight, topped by a red-and-white striped lighthouse.
22 km · about 25 min drive
beach
Kimmeridge Bay
A dark shale bay with ledges exposed at low tide, a marine reserve and a working nodding-donkey oil well above.
22 km · about 25 min drive
famous road
Rhinefield Ornamental Drive
A New Forest road lined with giant redwoods and Douglas firs planted in 1859, running between Brockenhurst and the A35.
22 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
A New Forest clearing with a raised viewing platform where fallow deer are fed most afternoons in summer.
23 km · about 25 min drive
Driving roads near Bournemouth
- Right hereBallard DownThe chalk ridge above Swanage running out to Old Harry Rocks, with views over Poole Harbour and Studland Bay.
- 22 kmRhinefield Ornamental DriveA New Forest road lined with giant redwoods and Douglas firs planted in 1859, running between Brockenhurst and the A35.
- 35 kmMilitary Road, Isle of WightThrilling clifftop road along the southwest coast of the Isle of Wight with sweeping sea views and access to dramatic landslip scenery.
- 47 kmPortland BillThe southern tip of the Isle of Portland, marked by a red-and-white lighthouse above a fierce tidal race.
- 68 kmGolden CapThe highest point on England's south coast at 191 m, its sandstone summit glowing gold above Charmouth and Lyme Bay.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
Nearby Destinations
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