Bournemouth orientation · Orientation in Bournemouth
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Orientation in Bournemouth
Orientation in Bournemouth
The Square is the name given to the open space where the Tourist Information office is, the main gardens are, the pier can be accessed, and the river Bourne empties (although it is not in fact particularly square). It is naturally the lowest point in central Bournemouth, so you can generally aim for it by walking downhill.
The main shopping area is due inland/north from the Square. Old Christchurch Road (note the 'Old') marks the upper limit of the main shopping area. Holdenhurst Road, leading from Old Christchurch Road to the station, is a student area of late-night takeaways. Christchurch Road (without the "Old") is a very long road leading out of the town centre to the town of the same name several miles to the west, with the Boscombe and Pokesdown strung along it.
West Cliff is the clifftop, seafront area overlooking the Square, where there is collection of upmarket hotels and the International Centre.
The Triangle, Bournemouth's gay village and specialist shopping area, is up Commercial Road from the Square.
Further west is Westbourne, a very twee and cute area of boutiques and cafes, mostly along Seamoor Road, and its associated arcade. Popular with an older clientelle, it is not particularly jumping at night.
West Bournemouth eventually merges with Poole. About halfway between them and worth a visit is Lower Parkstone, a small area of specialist shops and trendy eateries that resembles a mini-Brighton.
Bournemouth's scruffy little brother to the east is Boscombe, with a population inclining towards foreign workers, surfers and other idlers. The O2 Academy, and antique shops (particularly toward the Pokesdown end) are the main draws.
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Bournemouth Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.