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Bournemouth/Christchurch/Poole

This area in the county of Dorset is part of the Jurassic Coast. Bournemouth is a newer seaside town developed during Victorian times, whilst Christchurch and Poole are much older. The Bournemouth/Poole beaches are famous for their golden sands and regularly win Blue Flag awards for their cleanliness. Poole also boasts the area of Sandbanks, famous for it’s wealthy inhabitants and a ferry crossing over to the Isle of Purbeck. Christchurch is the home to an ancient priory (religious building). Bournemouth is also known for it’s football club and university. Just to the north lies the village of Wimborne, home to a fantastic model village. Just outside the village is a National Trust area – see attractions for details.

Study Area

Bournemouth is also one of the main study areas for international students outside of London, having a university and many language schools and colleges. If you come to Bournemouth you can study English, pathway and foundation courses to university, teacher training for English, and even go to university. See Traveledex’s page for where to study by clicking the logo on the left.

Attractions

Russell-Cotes Museum

Discover the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, one of the most fascinating historic houses in England; the home of two Victorian collectors and travel enthusiasts, Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes. In 1901 Merton Russell-Cotes gave his wife Annie a dream house on a cliff-top, overlooking the sea in Bournemouth. The Russell-Cotes’ filled this spectacular seaside villa with British art and beautiful objects collected on their worldwide travels, creating a unique atmosphere in a dramatic setting. A home, an art gallery, and a museum. Then they sealed it in time and gave it to the future. With stunning views, a serene cliff-top garden and new outdoor terrace café, Merton’s extravagant gift to his wife is one of Bournemouth’s most intriguing visitor attractions.

Oceanarium

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Bournemouth Aviation Museum

We’re different to many other museums and offer a “hands-on” experience. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to climb into the cockpits of many of our aircraft. Imagine what it is like to be a pilot by handling the controls and fly away to wherever your imagination desires.

Christchurch Castle

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Poole Harbour Cruises

Poole is home to the second largest natural harbour in the world (after Sydney, Australia) and contains several islands. City Cruises offer a variety of sightseeing boat trips around the harbour and also along the Jurassic Coast so book now for a great experience!

Compton Acres

Built in 1929, Compton Acres is acknowledged as one of the finest privately owned gardens in England. Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven, relax in the charming Café & Tea Rooms, browse the treasures in the Gifted Moment store or delve into the exciting world of plants within our Plant Centre.

Brownsea Island

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Upton Country Park

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Wimborne Model Town

Wimborne Model Town is a 1/10th scale of the centre of Wimborne as it was in the 1950s which opened in the 1951. You can get really close up and even touch the buildings. Peer into the Butchers, the Ironmongers, the Bakery and the Fishmongers, not forgetting the stunning interior of the Minster Church. This year we have a Model Town trail which will take you along our one way, safe distance route.

Museum of East Dorset

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Kingston Lacy

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White Mill

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Getting to the area

Road Directions
The M5 motorway brings visitors from the west (via Bristol) and west of the country (Devon and Cornwall). From the Midlands and North, follow the major motorway routes (M1 and M40) which connect with the M25 London orbital motorway to arrive on the M3, then M27 through the New Forest and finally the A31 and pick up signs for Poole or follow the A338 (Bournemouth bypass) to head into Bournemouth or Christchurch. Alternatively use the A34 to link near Winchester to the M27.
Public Transport

Trains from London Waterloo stop at Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole with a variety of other stops in between that may take you close to your accommodation if required.

A regular coach service with National Express is available from London airports or from London Victoria Coach Station, with travel times starting at only 2 hours and 15 minutes to Bournemouth Travel Interchange.

Places to Stay