For that classic seaside day out or weekend escape, there's one town I keep going back to, with beautiful beaches and promenades that have been compared to parts of the French Riviera.
Many of us will have fond memories of trips to the seaside. And a quintessential day out to the British coastline can easily spark nostalgia as we take in the vistas, hear the sound of lapping waves, and smell the warm doughnuts being made on the pier.
We all have our favourite UK coastline, whether it's a beach sparked by childhood memories or a local seaside town brimming with charm that we visited annually with family. For me, it's the coastal resort town of Bournemouth, and I couldn't recommend it more for a classic day out by the sea.
Nestled on the south coast of England in Dorset, Bournemouth is less than a two-hour direct train journey from London Waterloo and just 30 minutes from Southampton. It also neighbours the coastal town of Poole, home to the world-renowned Sandbanks peninsula, which is dubbed 'Millionaires' Row', due to its high-profile celebrities that reside or holiday in one of their luxury, mega mansions.
But Bournemouth is far less flashy, and that's what makes it such a fantastic beach day out. It offers traditional seaside charm set against its grand Victorian architecture, with sprawling golden-sand beaches, 'lively seafronts and palm-lined promenades', which Holiday Cottages compared to scenes similar to those found in the French Riviera.
It can feel more like a city than a town, with the high street packed with department stores and well-known brands, bustling restaurant chains, and welcoming cafés. This is combined with its around 2,000 acres of beautiful gardens and parks that flow throughout the town, where some lead down to the coast through tropical lawns, and others through green spaces that offer crazy golf courses, tennis courts, and scenic shaded areas.
Aside from the fond childhood memories of summers spent in Bournemouth, the beachfront is what continually draws me back to the town. Its beach is undoubtedly one of my favourites in the world, with seven miles of soft golden sand and gentle blue waves backed by its classic seaside promenade - and there are two distinctive areas to choose from.
Not far from the centre of town is where you'll find the bustling seaside atmosphere, centred around the giant Ferris wheel and iconic Bournemouth Pier, with its huge range of attractions, from climbing walls, fun fair amusements, mega slides, ice cream shacks and gift shops. Past the promenade, you'll find more attractions such as the Pavilion Theatre, the Oceanarium, and Art @ West Beach.
In true British fashion, you're never short of places to scoop up some ice cream, or that beloved dish of fish and chips, which is still a local favourite. And for those in need of something more, Bournemouth has its very own Harvester nestled along the beach, offering picturesque seaside vistas while dining on that budget-friendly family meal.
Where I spent most of my time during a trip to the town is down towards Alum Chine Beach. While it can be just as busy, especially during the summer months, it's slightly quieter, away from the sound of arcade machines, but instead with the backdrop of colourful beach huts along its stretching promenade.
If I wasn't on the beach, I was roller-skating down its wide promenade or heading out on a bike ride. You can even walk all the way down to the iconic Sandbanks Beach from Bournemouth, and while you'll lose the promenade, you can continue to stroll along the beach while admiring the lavish beachfront abodes that are worth millions.
So whether you're looking for a quieter seaside escape with the delightful backdrop of beach huts, or a bustling beach experience for the kids, Bournemouth has everything you could possibly need, and more. I spent endless summers and weekends in the seaside town and never once got bored, and a trip is worth it, just to experience its golden-sand beaches and classic seaside nostalgia.
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