Boscombe Area Guide Bournemouth Surfing Dorset Boscombe Pier

Boscombe Tourist Information Shopping

Boscombe is to the west of Bournemouth and is fast developing its own tourist attractions. It became popular with the Victorians when was a recognised as Boscombe Spa due to the healthy properties of a spring here. Today Boscombe Spa Village refers to the seafront redevelopment scheme that is seeing Boscombe Pier refurbished, the redevelopment of the Overstrand building and the installation of the country's first artificial surf reef.

Boscombe is renowned for its shopping mostly centred around the pedestrianised precinct. There are two undercover arcades as well; the Victorian Royal Arcade and the Sovereign Shopping Centre. Boscombe hosts the only regular street market in the Bournemouth area. Boscombe Open Air Market is held throughout the year, every Thursday and Saturday between 9am-5pm. Here you can browse the stalls selling fresh local produce, clothing and arts and crafts. There is also a monthly Farmers Market on the first Sunday in the month between 10am-3pm. Around the precinct you'll also find a good choice of cafes and restaurants.

Another feature of Boscombe's shopping is its antique alley where there is a good choice of antique and bric-a-brac shops. These are mainly centred around Pokesdown area.

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Boscombe Pier Beach Surfing

Boscombe Pier is a Grade II listed building that was originally opened in 1889. It has had many uses including a landing stage, theatre and amusement arcade. Its latest refurbishment has modernised the 1950's entrance to the pier which includes a modern cafe and beach goods shop. The pier itself has been restored and now includes a viewing platform for panoramic views out over the beach and sea.

Surfing has long been popular around Bournemouth with some of the best waves off the South Coast at Bournemouth Bay, Boscombe Pier, Southbourne Beach and Highcliffe.

Plans are afoot for Europe's first artificial reef off Boscombe Pier. Work is due to start in 2008 and the reef should be in place by the end of the year. This will have the affect of doubling the size of the waves here and should mean there will be more great surfing days throughout the year. Alongside the reef the seafront will be updated as part of the Overstrand redevelopment with retail and catering outlets as well as a surf academy and related facilities. "Super beach huts" are also being designed by Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway MBE that will be available for both surfers and holiday makers.

If you're new to surfing you can book lessons from Wavefreaks at Boscombe Pier and Bournemouth Surf School. They're both British Surf Association (BSA) approved and offer lessons and coaching for beginners to elite level surfers. Either book onto group sessions or personal tuition. Check the links right for more information.

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Boscombe Chine Gardens

Boscombe Chine Gardens have already felt the benefit of an injection of cash as much of Boscombe is now receiving.

The gardens were originally cultivated from heath and mire overlooking Boscombe's seafront. Today, the gardens have been opened up and original features like the spa shelters, lodge and some of the original pines planted by the Tregonwells have been retained.

Facilities now include a ball court, water play area, mini golf and terrace cafe. The gardens have been re-landscaped and although they still have colourful planted beds the gardens have a much more modern and cared for appearance.

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