Joanna’s guidebook
Sightseeing
This is a lovely area of Southbourne, you'll find woodland walks, stunning beaches and a great panoramic views of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole bay.
There is also a land train to take you to the scenic beach at the end of the head, home to the most famous beach huts in the world.
While there grab a drink, bite to eat or ice cream at The Beach House, you won't be disappointed!
264 locals recommend
Hengistbury Head
This is a lovely area of Southbourne, you'll find woodland walks, stunning beaches and a great panoramic views of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole bay.
There is also a land train to take you to the scenic beach at the end of the head, home to the most famous beach huts in the world.
While there grab a drink, bite to eat or ice cream at The Beach House, you won't be disappointed!
Located only a few minutes away from Sea Gem, the 7km of golden sand will not disappoint!
60 locals recommend
Southbourne Beachfront
Located only a few minutes away from Sea Gem, the 7km of golden sand will not disappoint!
Food scene
A lovely little cafe located in Tuckton next to the river. It has great food, and lovely afternoon tea!
After grabbing a bite to eat, why not hire a boat and explore the beautiful river.
35 locals recommend
Tuckton Tea Gardens
Belle Vue RoadA lovely little cafe located in Tuckton next to the river. It has great food, and lovely afternoon tea!
After grabbing a bite to eat, why not hire a boat and explore the beautiful river.
A fantastic microbrewery with excellent food and drink!
46 locals recommend
Brewhouse & Kitchen - Southbourne
147 Parkwood RdA fantastic microbrewery with excellent food and drink!
Try one of their famous cocktails whilst overlooking Bournemouth Pier and beach. This caribbean style restaurant is a must to visit while in the area!
54 locals recommend
Aruba
Pier ApproachTry one of their famous cocktails whilst overlooking Bournemouth Pier and beach. This caribbean style restaurant is a must to visit while in the area!
One of the best seafood restaurants in the area and only a stone's throw away from Sea Gem!
12 locals recommend
Sobo:Fish
129 Seabourne RdOne of the best seafood restaurants in the area and only a stone's throw away from Sea Gem!
A homely pub located on Southbourne cliff top! Enjoy great pub grub with a fantastic view of the bay!
22 locals recommend
Spyglass & Kettle
25-27 Stourwood AveA homely pub located on Southbourne cliff top! Enjoy great pub grub with a fantastic view of the bay!
This restaurant is a must visit! Located on the beach enjoy some delicious food and drinks overlooking the beautiful white sands!
149 locals recommend
Urban Reef - Seafront Restaurant in Bournemouth
Undercliff DriveThis restaurant is a must visit! Located on the beach enjoy some delicious food and drinks overlooking the beautiful white sands!
Dicky's offers a smart location combining class and quality with affordability.
The attentive staff, attractive menu and reasonable prices mean that you can enjoy a 2 or 3 course meal without having to reach deep into your pockets!
15 locals recommend
Dicky's
54-56 Southbourne GroveDicky's offers a smart location combining class and quality with affordability.
The attentive staff, attractive menu and reasonable prices mean that you can enjoy a 2 or 3 course meal without having to reach deep into your pockets!
The mix of European and British influences at The Larder House result in an extensive menu with sophisticated dishes.
Perfect for a date night!
77 locals recommend
The Larder House
4 Southbourne GroveThe mix of European and British influences at The Larder House result in an extensive menu with sophisticated dishes.
Perfect for a date night!
Hungry Husky is a traditional café that’s one of the best in the area for British food! Serving tasty all day breakfasts, generously filled wraps and baguettes with friendly service. It’s understandable that Hungry Husky is a local favourite.
Hungry Husky
1B Grand AveHungry Husky is a traditional café that’s one of the best in the area for British food! Serving tasty all day breakfasts, generously filled wraps and baguettes with friendly service. It’s understandable that Hungry Husky is a local favourite.
In the heart of Southbourne high street, Ludo Lounge stands out to locals as the go-to place for a tasty meal in an inviting atmosphere. Furthermore, there is a welcoming choice of indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a wide-ranging menu to suit any meal preferences. Ludo Lounge has claimed the spot as a “feel-good food, lunch time hang-out” location, that makes it so popular.
41 locals recommend
Ludo Lounge
34 Southbourne GroveIn the heart of Southbourne high street, Ludo Lounge stands out to locals as the go-to place for a tasty meal in an inviting atmosphere. Furthermore, there is a welcoming choice of indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a wide-ranging menu to suit any meal preferences. Ludo Lounge has claimed the spot as a “feel-good food, lunch time hang-out” location, that makes it so popular.
City/town information
This historic town has so much to explore. there are many restaurants, cafes and pubs to choose from, along with some great little shops.
Visit the priory ruins and take a stroll along Christchurch Quay.
198 locals recommend
Christchurch
This historic town has so much to explore. there are many restaurants, cafes and pubs to choose from, along with some great little shops.
Visit the priory ruins and take a stroll along Christchurch Quay.
Bournemouth town center offers you a large range of shops, restaurants and bars.
Take a walk through Bournemouth Gardens to the stunning beach, with 7km of golden sand!
262 locals recommend
Bournemouth
Bournemouth town center offers you a large range of shops, restaurants and bars.
Take a walk through Bournemouth Gardens to the stunning beach, with 7km of golden sand!
Neighbourhoods
Located on the doorstep of Sea Gem this bustling high street offers a unique selection of independent cafe's, restaurants, boutique style shops, you'll find everything you need.
7 locals recommend
Southbourne Grove
Southbourne GroveLocated on the doorstep of Sea Gem this bustling high street offers a unique selection of independent cafe's, restaurants, boutique style shops, you'll find everything you need.
Things to do
RockReef Indoor Activity Attraction is located at the end of Bournemouth Pier. RockReef is an all-year, all-weather attraction based on adventure sports and includes 28 Clip ’n Climb fun, themed, indoor climbing walls providing varying degrees of exciting challenges suitable for all abilities and all ages from 4-94!
46 locals recommend
RockReef
RockReef Indoor Activity Attraction is located at the end of Bournemouth Pier. RockReef is an all-year, all-weather attraction based on adventure sports and includes 28 Clip ’n Climb fun, themed, indoor climbing walls providing varying degrees of exciting challenges suitable for all abilities and all ages from 4-94!
Walk on the ceiling, reach for the coffee table and take unbelievable photos to share on social media with your friends and family. A great day out for the family to get as creative as possible, whether you are into photography or not, you will be able to take unique photos with poses you cannot capture elsewhere.
Upside Down House - Bournemouth
Walk on the ceiling, reach for the coffee table and take unbelievable photos to share on social media with your friends and family. A great day out for the family to get as creative as possible, whether you are into photography or not, you will be able to take unique photos with poses you cannot capture elsewhere.
Dive in to a magical underwater journey and discover 1000’s of amazing creatures above and below the waves at Bournemouth Oceanarium.
115 locals recommend
Oceanarium
Pier ApproachDive in to a magical underwater journey and discover 1000’s of amazing creatures above and below the waves at Bournemouth Oceanarium.
A great place for all ages, take a walk around the working farm, feed the animals.
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park has lots of adorable resident animals who live outside and are waiting to meet you.
117 locals recommend
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
Wareham RoadA great place for all ages, take a walk around the working farm, feed the animals.
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park has lots of adorable resident animals who live outside and are waiting to meet you.
To inject a sense of fun into your family days out then head to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest to get active in the outdoors and have yourself a family adventure. You are sure to find something for everyone.
262 locals recommend
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
Horton RoadTo inject a sense of fun into your family days out then head to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest to get active in the outdoors and have yourself a family adventure. You are sure to find something for everyone.