Why we love Bournemouth

From cosy corners in cafes to the wide open spaces of the Jurassic Coast, there’ll be something in Bournemouth for you to fall in love with. Our seven stunning miles of golden beach provides the backdrop to a wide variety of activities. Whether you’re looking for the peace of toasting marshmallows over a BBQ or the adrenaline-pumping thrill of a zipwire from the pier to the beach, there’s space for everyone to do their thing. With the New Forest on your doorstep, and London only a train ride away, you'll be able to find something you love doing and indulge yourself in an idyllic setting.

In the town

Bournemouth is a vibrant town with a young feel – the town centre is just five minutes’ walk from the beach and home to everything you could hope for. With a good mix of high street brands, department stores and independent boutique stores, you’ll find your retail therapy fix without having to look too hard. Many also offer a discount with a TOTUM card, which is available to NUS members. There’s also an eclectic mix when it comes to socialising, with a great range of bars and cafés complemented by clubs and music venues – including the Students’ Union venue, The Old Fire Station.

That famous beach

Bournemouth beach is one of the best in the world – but don’t just take our word for it. TripAdvisor ranked it in the top 5 in Europe and the top 20 beaches in the world in 2021, and it holds four European blue flags and two Seaside Awards too.

With two traditional English piers to explore –one in Boscombe and one in Bournemouth itself – you can swim, sunbathe, walk, exercise, surf or paddleboard to your heart’s content. There’s a zipwire to try if you dare, or the Bournemouth Big Wheel for panoramic views of the coastline.

Unsurprisingly, the beach is also home to plenty of entertainment and live events throughout the year – from sports events including beach volleyball and sand polo to Friday night fireworks in August. It’s also home to the largest free air festival in Europe – visit www.bournemouthair.co.uk to find out more and see what’s in store next!

Other places to play

When the time comes to move out of halls, many of our students tend to move to Winton and Charminster, adjoining areas situated halfway between our campuses. Bournemouth town centre is within easy reach, but both have their own metropolitan feel. A stroll along either high street will see you greeted by the smells of food from around the world – Bedouin, Lebanese, Turkish, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Thai, Indian, Chinese and Japanese food are just some of the cuisines that will be tempting you into the bars, restaurants, cafés and coffee shops that line the pavements.

Sandbanks

If you fancy a look at how the other half live, a wander round glamorous Sandbanks never disappoints. Nestled in among the mansions, penthouse flats and supercars, there are plenty more affordable ways to spend your time and money while you admire the stunning scenery.

The Triangle

Bournemouth's answer to Soho and Greenwich Village might not be QUITE as glamorous, but it's home to some great bars, clubs and restaurants nonetheless. It's the epicentre of the town's thriving LGBTQ+ community, with a friendly atmosphere and a whole heap of personality. You'll also find decent pubs offering craft ales aplenty and affordable yet chic places to eat. Look out for the Mad Cucumber and Twelve Eatery for amazing plant-based menus, while coffee shops like Flirt are bursting at the seams with personality.

Watersports

If watersports are your thing (whether you are keen to try your hand at a new sport or you’re a bit of a pro already), then the calm, shallow waters of Poole Harbour certainly won’t disappoint.

You name it, the harbour can offer it – windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, wakeboarding, jetskiing – the list goes on. Just a short journey away in the New Forest, you'll also find a water activity park, home to a Wipeout style assault course!

Walking and riding

If you like to combine your sightseeing with a spot of exercise, there are loads of fantastic walks you can take in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas – and plenty of places offer bike hire, both in Bournemouth (including on the seafront) and in the New Forest. Some of the stunning walks to enjoy include Upton Country Park in Poole (the incredible views over Holes Bay and Poole Harbour are a must-see) and Swanage Bay.

Screen time

The multi-million pound BH2 complex is right in the middle of Bournemouth, and features a huge modern cinema complex – luxurious reclining seats, lots of legroom, big screens AND delicious snacks to enjoy while you watch. Alternatively, there are plenty of places in Dorset (as well as lots in Hampshire) that offer the chance to take in a drive-in movie if that's your thing. They run all year round so whether you want to turn the heaters up full while you watch a Christmas movie or wind the windows down as you take in a summer action blockbuster, you'll be able to indulge yourself.