With miles of stunning coastline to be savoured in summer and wondered at in winter, Bournemouth offers some of the best walks in the UK. Whatever time of year you’re visiting, getting out walking is a great way to reconnect with nature, spend quality time with loved ones, get a moment of peace, and to take some gentle exercise. To help you enjoy all the best that Bournemouth has to offer, we have picked out three of the best walks in Bournemouth for you to enjoy.
Getting to Bournemouth by train:
Start your walk by arriving in Bournemouth in ultimate comfort, by travelling with CrossCountry to Bournemouth station. Situated in the city centre, you can start your walking routes easily from the station.
Stream, Heath and Woodland Walk
Distance: 3.5 miles
Start point: Cenotaph War Memorial, BH2 6DW
This route starts at the Cenotaph in Central Gardens, which is situated a 20-minute walk away from Bournemouth station. If you don’t feel like extending your walk, you can hop on a bus from the station and get there a little more quickly.
The Stream, Heath & Woodland Walk is a lovely short stroll through the natural environment that surrounds Bournemouth city centre. The route begins in Central Gardens, where you will walk past a young oak tree commemorating the life of Princess Diana.
From here, you will walk over peaceful streams through Upper Gardens, until you reach the wet area that is managed as a wildflower meadow. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can enjoy the blooming floral display.
Further up the park is the tranquil Coy Pond where you might like to stop for a sit down. This would be the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic, watch the ducks, and take a mindful moment. Soon after you set off again, you will reach a lovely viewpoint with vistas over the heath.
From here you join the path down into the woodland at Pug’s Hole, named after a local smuggler, called Captain Pug. The steep wooded slopes at Pug’s Hole has a certain majesty in winter, with a variety of trees and birdlife to watch for. For the last section of the walk, you pass through the immaculate grounds of Meyrick Park Golf Courses.
This is a gentle stroll suitable for all ages to enjoy the Bournemouth flora and fauna.
Bournemouth Pier Amusements to Sandbanks
Distance: 3.5 miles
Start point: Bournemouth Pier, BH5 5AA
End point: Sandbanks, BH13 7QQ
Bournemouth Pier Amusements sits twenty-five minutes away from Bournemouth station on foot, or ten minutes by bus. From this starting point, set off along the promenade where you can enjoy beautiful seaside vistas – perfect with summer sun or winter wind. The promenade is nice and flat so the whole family can enjoy this route.
Take in the fresh sea air as you walk along the promenade and watch the waves crashing onto the shore. If you fancy refreshments, you can stop into one of several restaurants and cafes along the seaside.
After around an hour, you will come to a right turn on the promenade that takes you away from the beach. Opposite the Jazz Café, you will find the entrance to Sandbanks Beach Club. If you follow the path along to Banks Road and continue left, you will reach the stunning Sandbanks Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in Bournemouth.
If you’re a seasoned hiker, you can continue to Swanage – taking in view of Old Harry Rocks, the Pinnaces, and Studland. If this route is enough for you, hop on a bus back to Bournemouth city centre.
Pier to Pier
Distance: 1.5 miles
Start point: Bournemouth Pier, BH2 5AA
End point: BH5 1BN
Make your way to Bournemouth Pier to begin your walk along to Boscombe Pier. This leisurely walk takes just half an hour, so is a nice short walk to get your blood pumping without having to plan a long route.
This gorgeous coastal walk offers excellent scenery and is easy for the whole family to get involved in. Simply follow the promenade along the seaside to reach Boscombe Pier. If you fancy a culture-filled detour, head up the East Cliff slope towards the Russell-Cotes Museum and Gallery. This fascinating seaside villa is perched on the cliff top and showcases intriguing objects from the Victorian owners’ world travels. You will also find a welcoming café with refreshments to enjoy!
If you’re planning a walk in Bournemouth, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by CrossCountry