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You may find this relevant information helpful when researching the area prior to your visit

Prior to the early 19th century, Bournemouth was little more than an inn near a bridge crossing the river. However it’s potential was recognised by a retired army officer, Lewis Tregonwell, who settled here and planted the first stand of pine trees, for which the town is now famous. By the latter half of the century, pleasure gardens had been developed and a pier had been built. Bournemouth had become a popular resort for the affluent Victorians.

In 1875, the glass Winter Gardens were built to house the town’s orchestra. Elgar, Holst and Sibelius are known to have conducted there. Unfortunately, the acoustics were bad and the town did not have a good concert venue until the Winter Gardens were rebuilt in the 1930s. Unfortunately the building is not in use at present. However, Bournemouth still has its own symphony orchestra and offers classical music concerts at various other venues.

About the time that Bournemouth was gaining popularity as a seaside spa resort, the Prince of Wales decided to build a house there for his mistress, Lillie Langtry. The mock Tudor house is now an hotel, but many of the original features have survived. The Prince of Wales was to become Edward VII, whilst Lillie became a successful actress.

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum has some wonderful exhibitions of Victoriana and a good collection of paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries. It also contains many interesting artefacts from around the world.

Various events feature on Bournemouth’s annual calendar. One that has been particularly popular over the last five years is the weekly parade of classic cars along the promenade. This takes place each Sunday during the holiday season. Another annual event is a music festival, which takes place in June. This features a large selection of live music, including Jazz, blues and folk.

The town has plenty of restaurants and cafés. It has a well-stocked aquarium and various entertainment centres including cinemas, theatres and sports complexes. There is some delightful countryside within easy reach of Bournemouth. Within the town are several Art Deco buildings and other interesting constructions such as the Roman Catholic Church of the Annunciation, built in the early 20th century. The Victorian Church of St Peter dominates the town centre with its attractive spire.

In the course of its expansion Bournemouth took in ancient settlements at Kinson, Ensbury, Muscliff, Muccleshell, Holdenhurst and Wick, as well as the Iron Age port at Hengistbury Head. The town now faces the challenge of preserving the best of its built heritage, nurturing its natural resources which remain the key element in attracting visitors, and providing the facilities needed to provide memorable holidays for visitors and a desirable environment for the residents.

The Britain in Bloom Neighbourhood Awards form part of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's (ODPM) drive for Cleaner Safer Greener Communities. The Awards recognise communities that are taking responsibility and action to regenerate their local environment. The scheme is aimed at small groups of residents who are just beginning to 'green up' their local area.

Everyone benefits from cleaner, safer, greener communities - socially, environmentally and economically. The Neighbourhood Awards encourage 'sense of ownership' and community renewal, building civic pride in sustaining places where people want to live.

Communities participating in the Neighbourhood Awards will be guided to help them green up and clean up their local area. Working together towards the Award will help to build vibrant, sustainable communities and to collectively start to rebuild the sense of respect.