Things to do Author
Sarah Whitcombe
Senior editor, Things to do
24 articles
Things to do
Beach LifeBoscombe Pier and the Overstrand: a seafront guide
A guide to Boscombe Pier and the Overstrand: the 1889 pier and its restoration, the beach pods, the surf reef story, the chine gardens and where to eat.
Beach LifeBournemouth's beaches out of season: October to April
What is open on Bournemouth's beaches from October to April: dogs back on the sand, winter beach hut hire, seafront cafés, cliff lifts and the lifeguard gap.
Things to doBrownsea Island from Poole Quay: how to visit
How to visit Brownsea Island from Poole Quay: the ferry, the 2026 season to 1 November, red squirrels, the lagoon, the Scout camp and what to know first.
Eat & DrinkBrunch in Bournemouth: where locals go at the weekend
Where to go for brunch in Bournemouth at the weekend, from Westbourne and Boscombe cafés to town centre bottomless brunch and Canford Cliffs coffee.
Eat & DrinkEating out in Westbourne: cafés, bars and restaurants
A guide to eating out in Westbourne, Bournemouth: brunch cafés, Thai and Italian small plates, fish and chips, gastropubs, a micropub and the farmers' market.
Eat & DrinkEating out on Poole Quay and in Ashley Cross
Where to eat and drink in Poole: seafood and harbour views on Poole Quay, the Old Town, Ashley Cross's bars and pubs, and the Penn Hill restaurant parade.
Things to doMudeford Quay, the spit and Highcliffe: a day out
A day on the Christchurch coast from Bournemouth: the ferry from Mudeford Quay to the spit, Avon Beach, the clifftop walk and Highcliffe Castle.
Things to doOctober half term 2026 in Bournemouth with children
October half term 2026 in Bournemouth runs 24 October to 1 November. What to do with children, indoors and out, from Hengistbury Head to Halloween events.
Beach LifeSandbanks to Studland on the chain ferry: a beach day
How to spend a beach day crossing from Sandbanks to Studland on the chain ferry: times, paying, the bus, the four Studland beaches and Old Harry Rocks.
Beach LifeSea swimming in Bournemouth in autumn and winter
Sea swimming in Bournemouth through autumn and winter: when the lifeguards stop, cold water shock, tides and forecasts, and which beaches suit a safe dip.
Stay SmartSelf-catering in Bournemouth: food shops, markets and delis
A self-catering guide to food shopping in Bournemouth near the West Cliff: supermarkets, Westbourne's farmers' market, weekly markets, butchers, fish and delis.