As the summer crowds melt away, Bournemouth reveals a whole host of off-season charms. Writer Kelly Ray and her partner took advantage of their Boundless membership to enjoy a couples’ break at West Cliff Hotel & Spa – and to discover what else there is to do in the area.
Say Bournemouth, and images of sun-soaked beaches packed with holiday-making families likely come to mind. And as a twenty-something living just a couple of hours away, the seaside summer resort town admittedly wasn’t on my travel radar, let alone in the middle of winter.
But when the chance came up for a coastal escape at the Boundless-owned West Cliff Hotel & Spa, my partner and I discovered there’s far more to Bournemouth than its summertime charm – even in deepest, darkest winter.
Take a bracing beach walk
Bournemouth’s seven-mile stretch of sandy beaches is undoubtedly its biggest draw, and it’s just a 15-minute hop down from West Cliff Hotel. We took a couple of brisk walks along the promenade, emptied of its summer crowds – and yes, it was blustery, but all the better for blowing away those cobwebs.
We spotted a few hardy souls settled in front of the candy-coloured beach huts, which added a welcome splash of colour. You can rent one of these seaside shelters for the weekend, kitted out with chairs, cosy blankets, and tea-making facilities – everything you need to simply kick back and watch the waves roll in.
Stroll through the gardens
We enjoyed another lovely stroll along the historic pleasure gardens, a narrow strip of greenery that flanks the River Bourne’s path toward the sea. Despite their narrow footprint, the Upper and Central parts felt surprisingly secluded, and their unusual trees, quaint bridges and super-friendly squirrels all added to the charm.
The atmosphere quickly shifted as we crossed over to the Lower Gardens, the hush giving way to the buzz of the town centre and squawking seagulls. Here, we stumbled across the charming little rescue aviary and spent some time getting to know dozens of tropical bird species – make sure you don’t miss it.
Indulge in a spot of retail therapy
One of my favourite weekend activities is having a good nosy around independent shops, and the charming suburb of Westbourne has them aplenty. Just a 15-minute walk from West Cliff Hotel, it’s brimming with an eclectic collection of gift, homeware, and fashion boutiques, all housed in and around a stunning Victorian glass arcade – the dream way to while away an hour or two and pick up a unique memento.
Kick back and relax
Truth be told, I could’ve easily spent our entire stay without stepping foot outside our hotel. West Cliff’s secluded, subterranean spa was the ultimate winter sanctuary – a welcome escape from the bone-chilling temperatures above ground. Beyond all the spa amenities you’d expect, there’s also a hushed, low-lit relaxation lounge and – our personal favourite – an aromatherapy room. For an extra treat, I couldn’t resist booking a head massage, though the full-body salt scrub and superfood facial sounded equally fantastic.
Hit the pool and gym
I kicked off both mornings with a dip in West Cliff’s conservatory pool, while my partner hit the adjoining gym. With its balmy waters and natural light flooding through the glass roof, it was easy to pretend I was somewhere further afield – especially when I rounded off my laps with a good book (and inevitable doze) on one of the poolside loungers.
Eat…
We were seriously impressed by West Cliff’s culinary offerings; from the hot, crusty filled ciabattas served at lunch to the zingy lemon berry cheesecake that had me swooning at dinner. And we couldn’t resist indulging in the afternoon tea – a real treat of dainty finger sandwiches, warm scones and incredibly moreish mini desserts. Though we weren’t here on a Sunday, we heard the roast dinners are well worth hanging around for.
Entertain the kids
We visited as a couple, but Bournemouth has plenty to offer for those with kids in tow. The RockReef activity centre on the pier features climbing walls, an aerial obstacle course and a zipline back to the beach, while the Oceanarium is home to some fascinating marine life.
There’s also Bowl Central for a round or two of classic family fun.
More things to do in Bournemouth
If we’d stayed for longer, we would have definitely popped into the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, a rather striking clifftop house brimming with Victorian treasures. It’s also worth checking what’s on at Bournemouth International Centre or historic Pavilion Theatre, where you can catch gigs, comedy and shows. Or, you could cosy up with the latest film at the Odeon in the town centre, saving on your tickets through Cinema Society.
We travelled by train and got around on foot, but there’s plenty more to explore if you’re coming by car, from the magnificent Highcliffe Castle to scenic walks around Hengistbury Head, Stour Valley Nature Reserve and the New Forest National Park.
