Bournemouth is a very recent development, the town only emerged in the mid 19th Century. It quickly became a premier holiday resort for the Victorians. The Bournemouth Gardens are a narrow strip of land either side of the River Bourne from which the town takes its name. They were designated as a Public Pleasure Ground in 1859 and the gardens were opened in 1871. Stretching 3 kilometres from the sea to Coy Pond they have changed little in the intervening period. Divided into 3 parts by major road crossings they contain many features you would expect to find in a public park. Cafes, Bandstand, Tennis Courts, Mini Golf and an Aviary. In 1922 a superb War Memorial was built in the Central Gardens. The majority of the tree planting from 1871 still exists and there is a tree trail leaflet available. There are many surprises to be discovered and it is a real photographic challenge.
Bournemouth Gardens Walk
Meet outside the Cafe Obscura in the Square between the Lower and Central Gardens. We will visit all three areas of the Gardens most of the paths are tarmac and have an easy grade, the land rises 50 metres in the 3 km of the walk. Some of the Upper Garden Paths aren't tarmac but these can be avoided. The Upper Gardens are much more natural the paths are an important route for pedestrians and cyclists the photographic opportunities are limitless, be prepared for anything.
The meeting point is very close to the main bus stops in Gervais Place there are frequent Westbound and Eastbound buses. Bournemouth Station is a 20 minute walk away, Buses M1, M2 N1 N2 for Poole can be caught from the station to the Square. Parking is expensive in Bournemouth there is a Multi storey car park in Avenue Road a short walk down the hill to the Square. The Carpark is signposted from the main A338.
Arrange at walk