Any MSE Tips for a trip to Bournemouth?

Lorian

I did search, but couldn't spot a Bournemouth thread.

We are going to Bournemouth after Easter. Staying in the Travelodge (thanks MSE).

Anyone got any MSE tips on things to do and good places to eat in Bournemouth?

Needs to be familiy friendly (age 7).

Thanks

Woby_Tide

The parking machines along the East Cliff top normally spit out tickets with "Buy one Get one frees" for the Harry Ramsdens down next to the pier, minimum parking charge is 50p so even getting a couple in is cheaper than a full meal.

Adventure Wonderland (kids 'theme' park near Bournemouth airport is a Tesco clubcard park soabout £2 in vouchers per adult ticket www.adventurewonderland.co.uk

the beach is always free, but sometimes cold, likewise Christchurch and Mudeford Quay, walk round Hengistbury Head, see the £100k beach huts, Moors Valley Country park near Ringwood pay for parking but various adventure trails and playgrounds(and the minature railway though you pay a couple of quid for that bit), Brewers Fayres dotted along the seafront for Nectar Vouchers(nearest pub to Travellodge is also one),

haziec

http://www.bournemouth.co.uk - great website with lots of restaurants and information about whats on. You can email them with any specific enquiries and also visit their office. Theres plenty of fast food restaurants and cafes in the town centre.
Poole is worth a visit, lovely harbour and my son loved our trip to Brownsea Island by boat. Sandbanks is where the millionaires live -has a lovely beach if its not too cold and you can get the "floating bridge" from there to Swanage.
Poole pottery factory is nice for a visit as well.
Have a fab time.

NetLarfs

I got a parking ticket in the Bath Road South car park because the service in Harry Ramsdens was so slow!!
Make sure you pay for your car for long enough if going there to eat.
Did manage to get the ticket cancelled though!!

Lurleene

Russell Cotes Museum on the East Cliff near the pier is free entry and there is lots to look at and a lovely garden overlooking the sea and usually free activities to keep the kiddies amused. Especially useful on a wet day, which is quite possible at that time of year! The Oceanarium at the pier is good, but I think not terrific value for money for the amount of time you can spend there.

Are you coming by car? Although Bournemouth is great for families, there really isn't too much for free in the Town Centre for kids at this time of year but there are loads of places within driving distance. Christchurch is a lovely town, you can spend ages in the Priory and there is a free adventure trail in there (Da Vinci Code stylee)for the kids that can keep them amused for ages. There is also the Red House Museum next door which is quite interesting, and entry is free again.This is all 5 minutes from the quay which is lovely, and a great place for a picnic if you don't mind dodging the swans.

Monkey World (nr Wareham)is usually a good value family day out, and while you are out that way you could go to Corfe Castle and Lulworth Cove which is beautiful. Of course, we are very proud to boast of our Jurrassic Coast around here, and that can all be enjoyed for free and is fun and educational at the same time!

A day out in the New Forest, to a village such as Burley or a walk in the Purbecks would be fun and cheap ways to spend some time.

Sorry if I am rambling, but just some suggestions. Maybe if you tell me what sort of things you and your family like I could come up with more useful ones? Anyway - I am sure you will have a great time here.

Lorian

Lurleene wrote:

Sorry if I am rambling, but just some suggestions. Maybe if you tell me what sort of things you and your family like I could come up with more useful ones? Anyway - I am sure you will have a great time here.

I've added all your suggestions to our itinerary, many thanks.

Any suggestion on where to eat lunch, nice quality family food ideally in nice setting, around the Corfe Castle area, also in Burley? Or maybe Cream Teas (not for me you understand!)

DD is 7, and we'll defintely need things to keep her occupied.

Also, I need to know the cheapest places to park by the seafront in Bournemouth. I hate to pay to park. - Someone on another forum mentioned there was a free carpark but couldn't remeber where.

dianadors

I love it at Bucklers Hard for a day out (and child friendly)

http://www.bucklershard.co.uk/

delia*

Hengesbury Head is a lovely spot, go for a walk and watch the kite flying.Try to go to Southbourne Beach , beautiful and quieter.There is a place called Spyglass and Kettle, cheap n chearful Pub grub.

full-time-mum

For the beach (Durley Chine or Alum Chine) we always park in West Cliff Overdrive which has always been free - you might have a bit of a walk down and up the cliff and in the summer it can be really busy.
We also walk into the centre from here along the front.

The Spyglass and Kettle used to be part of the spirit group and usually have a 2 for £10 on selected main meals but don't seem to be listed anymore. Look here for other spirit group pubs in the area.