When TripAdvisor listed Bournemouth as the best beach in England , I couldn’t resist packing my favourite sunglasses and taking a trip down to the Dorset coast to check out the stunning sights for myself. As a Bournemouth University alumni, I’ve spent my fair share of summers soaking up the sun on the famous golden sands, but I was keen to return after seeing the impressive listing. When I first arrived, I was greeted by a flurry of goats on the East Cliff, who were introduced into the area in 2009 to help manage the vast cliffside vegetation.
While it was incredibly easy to be distracted by the four-legged friends, I continued my venture onto the Pier Approach, and immediately noticed the various activities on offer. From the family-friendly amusements and aquarium, to the exhilarating Big Wheel and Red Arrows Simulator, there’s definitely something for everyone. After getting through the jam-packed crowds, I picked myself up an obligatory 99 ice cream before strolling down the iconic 838 ft pier, which costs £1.
65 to enter. Situated in the middle of ten miles of idyllic sandy beaches, it’s the perfect location to take pictures or watch the surfers catching the waves. It also boasts the legendary 250 metre zip wire which takes you back to the beach, where you can continue sunbathing by the sea or wander the long stretches of sand.
If you’re feeling peckish, there’s plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants nearby, including Harry Ramsden 's, which is believed to be on.