I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside!
No British seaside resort would be complete without the inclusion of the much loved and lowly Beach Hut, an integral part of any seaside experience. As a child I lived close to Thorpe Bay and used to imagine what fun it would be to visit the seaside and sit in our own little house right there, close to the sand. These historical wooden structures have been in use since the 1800's, a previous incarnation being the 'bathing machine' utilised by her majesty, Queen Victoria at Osbourne House on the Isle of Wight.
Beach Huts - home away from home
Dotted throughout many of the UK’s coastal resorts from Scotland in the north down through Wales in the west, and on into England, these quaint beach cabins are becoming big business and may be rented by the day, week, month or year, or you may wish to purchase one outright, though note that there seems to be quite a market ‘trend’ for these humble beach dwellings at present. One listed on Mudeford Sandbank near Christchurch is currently advertised for sale with the request of, ‘offers over £145,000.00’ – astonishing! So, perhaps that weekly rental will be more appealing to the wallet this year?
In Bournemouth there are over 250 brightly coloured and beautifully cared for beach huts available to rent, from Alum Chine to Boscombe, Bournemouth to Fisherman’s Walk and on to Southbourne. I am told one may rent a Bournemouth beach hut, some dating back to the 1930’s, for as little as £30 per week – a bargain for a little privacy!
Though the Bournemouth Beach and Pier are always hustling and bustling with holiday-makers and travellers from all around the globe, and a great location to take the kids with all the activities to enjoy, if you are looking for a more calm and peaceful beach experience then head for the serenity of the blue flag beaches of Southbourne, or the coast that sits between Studland and Swanage where beaches are free from commerciality and all that one has to contend with is the the sun, sea, beach huts and sounds of the Dorset wildlife.
You'll of course be in need of a place to rest your head for the night and with such a wide and fine selection of hotels in Bournemouth you will not be disappointed. Offering the perfect type of hotel accommodation to suit your wallet and preferred location with everything from large chain resort hotels to a traditional Bournemouth B&B and Guesthouses like the Cavendish Hotel, you'll be spoilt for choice. For those requiring more elegant accommodation with all the trimmings then the Royal Bath or the Langtry Manor Hotel are popular amongst visitors to Bournemouth.
Another tradition for all the family to enjoy are the Bournemouth Firework displays arranged by the city that take place every Friday evening during the months of July and August. Watch from the beach, cliff-top or splash out and take a night-time cruise to enjoy the spectacle gently floating in the English Channel.
And becoming a tradition is the annual Bournemouth Air Festival taking place from August 18-21st (2011) with flying displays from the world famous Red Arrows as well as participation from a Hawk jet, Tucano and Tutor, plus special night-time events and flying displays. The Royal Marines Commandos and Army are set for their amphibious beach assault, and a fabulous fireworks display will round out the weekends' entertainment.
So do come and enjoy the fun of the beach, the beauty of the Dorset countryside and history of the Jurassic coast on your next visit to Bournemouth.
Happy Travels!
