Places to go in Bournemouth

Posted on March 27, 2013 Updated on March 27, 2013

Bournemouth was recently voted as one of Europe’s best beaches. Unfortunately I went there on a cold and miserable Spring weekend so our time was spent mostly trying to find somewhere nice to eat. And we failed!

The locals are lovely but I’m afraid standards aren’t very high, the recommendations from our hotel for brunch were a little dire. With much enthusiasm they suggested the local Wetherspoons, a pretty average although ‘Beatles themed’ caff and the ‘amazing’ Patisserie Valerie, leaving us feeling a little sad and maybe a little like the snobbish Londoners we are.

Bournemouth’s glory may have faded somewhat now that overseas holidays are so affordable and times are tough and most places tend to be quite outdated but it does have a lovely beach lined with colourful beach huts and a pretty park leading down to the pier and it’s interesting in a retro way. Be sure to read the signs on the pier – they tell amusing stories from it’s history such as the fact that at one stage construction of the pier was entrusted to a ‘visiting tourist’ who boasted it would be “a trifling occupation,” and a recollection of the old man who used to ride his bicycle off the pier in winter for the amusement of onlookers.

It does sound like there are some gems hidden in this quirky seaside town but do expect that everywhere will be a bit dated and in need of a refurb, and the good places may be busy or booked out.

For Icecream: Giggi Gelateria

For a nice dinner: Gilbey’s Restaurant

For coffee and cake: Espresso Kitchen

For breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea: Frieda’s Tearoom