Bournemouth and Poole: Dorset Coastal Break

Sun Setting in Poole

Poole, United Kingdom

Image By: Amanda Chain

Summer's pretty much over, and I have found myself scrambling in the midst of rainy London trying to get a dose of Vitamin D anywhere and everywhere I can. Some of the most overlooked and undervalued places, have been hiding right underneath my nose. Britain doesn't garner the same emotion as the more popular seaside retreats of its Mediterranean EU partners, but the South coast does have something to offer.

Dorset in particular is known to be one of the most popular destinations for professionals outside of London. Poole alone has some of the best surgeons and veterinarians in the country making it a popular destination for families trying to escape the throngs of London life, for a slightly more relaxed and slower paced lifestyle.

Watching the Fireworks in Bournemouth

Poole, United Kingdom

Image By: Amanda Chain

I spent this weekend with a lovely family that were able to show just how much this seaside retreat has to offer. Starting with a fireworks show, we had a proper welcome on the Sandbanks Beach. Every Friday evening Bournemouth puts on a fireworks show that can be seen well outside the city. Right on the coast, it's best to walk down to the beach for 10pm and watch the 20 minute show.

Saturday we had a lovely boat ride through Poole Harbour, it was clear how the Jurassic Coast of Dorset became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. The 95 miles of coastline demonstrate 185 million years of earth's history. On the Poole Harbour end you can see the famous Old Harry Rocks, and on the opposite Durdle Door.

The Walk along the Studland Beach

Poole, United Kingdom

Image By: Amanda Chain

After a breeze around the Harbour we went up the solent and through the river to Warehem. A small town on the river Frome it was a perfect place to stop and have a pub lunch at The Old Granary. In operation for over 230 years, this pub is one of the last standing family brewers in the region. I enjoyed the Badger Beer-Batter Fish and Chips, one of their signature dishes. As dark clouds were forming we opted to sit inside to avoid any potential rain. After a sufficient stop we proceeded back though the river to try our hand at wake-boarding. And by we I meant they, as I watched and lived vicariously through them. With wine spritzers, I was happily content in my seat on a speeding boat watching as the kids did all sorts of tricks and jumps off of the boat.

Bankes Arms

Poole, United Kingdom

Image By: Amanda Chain

Sunday was a late start, but we still managed to spend a few hours walking on one of England's nicest beaches. After taking the Chain Ferry over to Studland Beach we were able to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. Studland is also a nature reserve and the beaches are overseen by the national trust and is known for some of the best coastal path walks and views of Old Harry Rocks. You can rent kayaks and canoes and discover bird life. Along the South and Middle beach are a number of huts that you can rent for the day or the week and cook and relax for the day. There are two amazing options for a pub lunch. One is the Bankes Arms and the other is the Pig on the Beach. Both have fantastic views of the coast and are worth relaxing at after a nice walk down the beach.

Boats at North Haven Yacht Club

Poole, United Kingdom

Image By: Amanda Chain

We then said goodbye to Dorset and returned home on the national express bus to London Victoria. Sorry to say goodbye, and well relaxed after a weekend by the sea.