The best hikes from bus stations around Bournemouth

St Peter's Church is a Grade I listed Gothic Revival building that serves as the town's original parish church. Designed primarily by the architect George Edmund Street, it is recognized for its striking 202-foot spire which dominates the local skyline. The church is renowned for its architectural beauty and its historical connections to the Shelley family. Literary Significance: The churchyard contains the Shelley family vault, which is the final resting place of Mary Shelley (author of Frankenstein), her parents (Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin), and the heart of her husband, the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. Architectural Features: The interior is known for its rich Victorian decoration, featuring intricate stone carvings, vibrant stained glass, and a magnificent reredos. Community Hub: Beyond its historical value, it remains an active place of worship and a venue for various musical concerts and community events. Central Location: Situated in the heart of Bournemouth, it is easily accessible for visitors exploring the town center or the nearby Lower Gardens.

Hengistbury Head is a dramatic headland located in Dorset, England, jutting into the English Channel between Bournemouth and Mudeford. It's a place of international importance due to its rich archaeology, diverse wildlife, and unique geology. Declared a Local Nature Reserve in 1990, it forms part of the Christchurch Harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It also holds various other designations like Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area, highlighting its importance for wildlife.

St. Peters church (1845) was inspired by the Reverend Alexander Bennett who oversaw its construction and became the minister for 35 years. He died in 1880 just one month after a service of thanksgiving for the completion of the iconic bell tower which contains 8 Bells. The churchyard also contains the tomb of the Wollstonecraft / Shelley family housing the remains of Mary Shelley who authored the Frankenstein novel.

Winter: Sunday mornings in clear weather is very busy; and Summer: All fine weather leads to busy promenades. Generally though the people are navigable when running, but would avoid cycling during busy periods due to dogs and children off leads. :)

The council don't clear the promenade path that often so it is usually covered in sand, especially in winter in areas where the sea wall is low. The cliffs are liable to landslips too. If you don't mind running on sand then it's not too bad.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with Rona + Dad. Even during the day, the gangs and drug users were impossible to miss. The gardens are certainly beautiful in themselves, but I would think very carefully about how and, above all, when (!) I want to go there. Not an easy place, unfortunately.

Local’s opinion: NOT recommended, especially after dark! The lower gardens used to be lovely but in recent years the area’s sadly become a bit of a dive.

July 2016 – Boscombe Pier opens mini golf course with a difference! In July 2016 it was reported that the UK’s first ever eco-friendly mini golf attraction which had opened on the pier the previous month, had proven very successful. The specially-made golf balls contained fish food and the final four holes were at the end of the pier with the 18th being bottomless so the ball could fall into the sea. July 2016 – Joan Collins brings the glamour to Boscombe Pier! Filming took place in Bournemouth for a new road movie starring Dame Joan Collins. September 2019 – Should Boscombe Pier be privatised to ease traffic congestion? The suggestion came after the BCP Council cabinet member for transport, councillor Andy Hadley, said he was “keen” to look at water buses as a way of reducing congestion across the conurbation. Opposition to booze at Boscombe Pier Members of a BCP Council licensing sub-committee were considering a proposal put forward by Reefside to sell alcohol from its stores at the entrance to the pier. But there had been heavy opposition to the plans from councillors and people living on the seafront over concerns it would lead to an “inevitable increase” in crime and anti-social behaviour. Reefside Catering applied for a licence to sell alcohol from its kiosks until 7pm seven days a week. March 2022 – UFOs spotted over Boscombe Pier! In March, it was reported that a man had described three unidentified flying objects (UFOs) he saw in the sky above Boscombe Pier as “metallic, silver and spinning”. November 2022 – Water quality to be monitored at Boscombe Pier In November it was reported that sensors could be put on Boscombe Pier to measure the water quality as BCP Council’s lead member for environment cast doubt on the current sewage alerts. December 2023 – Boscombe and Penarth Piers – The bases for Christmas sea-swimming The substructures of thse two piers formed a notable backdrop to sea-swimming mornings which have become a popular ritual at Christmas. At Penarth, an early-morning disco and sauna further aided the ritualistic celebrations of the Winter Solstice; at Boscombe, the event served to raise money for the Macmillan Unit Hospital in Christchurch.