A Weekend Break in Bournemouth - Full of Action

by Mandy Miller

There is a lot to like about spending your weekend in Victorian-era-inspired Bournemouth. Health benefits aside, you could be in for some big laughs and loud music at the Pavilion Theater, a surfing high at Boscombe's reef or perhaps legit excuses to get busy at the Conference Centre. Bournemouth has gracefully adapted to the changing decades.

Bournemouth used to be a haven for the retired. Today, it sports a vibrant image that is just as hip as the disc jockeys and top bands that play on concert tours. If you are in for some serious party going, Bournemouth's bars and night clubs will not disappoint. The place can comfortably accommodate 20,000 souls who want to groove the late night away with drinks and music.

The biggest seaside attraction on the Dorset Coast, Bournemouth is renowned for its summer-like climate, golden sands, beautiful gardens and lively parties. To many, the place is synonymous to a popular past time: fishing. Whenever you are in the mood for cod, mackerel, flounder or bream, go fishing and prepare to feast over your catch. You will rarely end the day empty-handed.

Chips and fresh fish are served at the seafront, and these culinary treats can perfectly kick off your mini golf tournament in the early afternoon. As the sky darkens, the energy in Bournemouth rises. Your options for the ideal stag party can range from wacky go-carting and competitive pigeon shooting to a reserved visit to the Oceanarium in the evening. You and your pals can even head to the Triangle, should you wish to check out the city's vibrant gay scene at night.

Food is literally abundant in Bournemouth. To date, there are 250 bistros and restaurants where you can satiate your hunger. Everything you wish to eat from exotic Lebanese cuisine to fast-food mojitos is available here. Pubs and bars can quench your thirst just right. Take your pick from a popular chain, an upscale hotel or a themed pub. After a night of dining and drinking, you would probably want to retreat to a classy hotel or a backpacker's hostel. Accommodation rates are at their peak during summer, but you can get excellent deals online when you book a room during non-summer months.

Bournemouth can be addictive to shopaholics world wide. It offers a wide variety of shops that offer you quirky gargoyle head souvenirs to designer wares. The Westover Road is a fantastic place to find boutiques, but if you want to engage in a major shopping spree, you can head 3 miles away from the city and into the Castlepoint Shopping Centre. You may want to linger in the Boscombe area to snag some antique items. Window shopping and strolling are ready options for the cash-strapped visitor.

Westbourne which is short for Western Bournemouth is a good starting point. Following the seafront eventually takes the pedestrian to garden chines. From West Cliff Promenade, you can also walk towards the heart of the city, marked by Bournemouth Pier. The opposite direction leads to East Cliff, where reasonably priced accommodations are lumped. The place is not that far from the city centre really. Places of interest in this part of Bournemouth include the East Cliff Railway and the Russel-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum.

When you need more action than the activities already suggested, there are a couple of places that you can conveniently access from Bournemouth: New Forest, Poole Harbour and Christchurch Priory. Without a doubt, Bournemouth is the perfect weekend destination if your idea of fun is something that is packed with action.

©2009 Mandy Miller. All rights reserved.