It’s summer holiday! I’m sure most of you are excited to spend your summer break with friends and/family in the sunshine, and I am personally very excited to go to the beach and hang out with my friends. As the beach is a must to go to during the summer, I will be sharing 5 other places around Bournemouth that you should go during this break!

• New Forest

Just 19 minutes drive from Bournemouth, if you’re studying at Bournemouth University, you should pay a visit to this place. You can also take the bus as the New Forest Tour is back! This service by morebus is only from £9 per person. Check out their website for more info: New Forest Tour.

New Forest

You’ll encounter some horses around the forest 🙂 But do not try to feed them!

View from New Forest

• Isle of Purbeck – Swanage, Studland and Corfe Castle

Isle of Purbeck is definitely my favourite place I have visited locally since I have been in Bournemouth. You can use the bus service from morebus – Purbeck Breezer to get there from Bournemouth town centre.

Swanage has a lot to offer, from tasty fish & chips and to stunning views.

Fish & Chip in Swanage

View from Durlston Castle in Swanage

You can get to Old Harry Rocks from Studland. Just 30 minutes walk, you’ll be greeted by amazing views.

Old Harry Rocks

Views of Old Harry Rocks

I’d definitely recommend visiting Corfe Castle, not just learning about the history, you will also overlook the village views from the castle and it will tackle your imaginaries!

Corfe Castle

• Durdle Door

This is a very famous destination in Dorset. Don’t worry about getting there if you don’t have a car! Starting from 29th May, Purbeck Breezer bus service offers a route from Swanage to Durdle Door on Breezer 30. Since it’s summer, you’ll have plenty of times to visit both Swanage and Durdle Door on the same day!  Beware however, it can get extremely busy in the summer period so it is best to plan your trip beforehand to check how busy it is.

Durdle Door

• Brownsea Island

Famous for its red squirrels and wading birds, the island thrives with natural habitats, including woodland, heathland, and a lagoon. You will also find peacocks and hens wandering near the 19th-century church. How to get there? You can grab the m1 morebus service to Poole. Then from Poole Quay, grab a ferry to Brownsea Island!

Red Squirrel (Credit: @ntbrownsea)

• Christchurch

I visited this place last summer and will be going again by this summer! I have been to the Highcliffe Castle which offers a bunch of fun activities to do with your friends and it’s just right next to the beach. I also went to Christchurch Castle and Norman House. For these places, I grab the X2 morebus services from Bournemouth Square. For this summer, I’m hoping to visit the Strawberry Farm as there are a few of them in Christchurch.

Highcliffe Castle

Christchurch Castle and Norman House

I hope you’ll have an amazing summer! If you have any further questions or would like to just chat with me, you can reach me at Unibuddy: Ayra Unibuddy

Have a lovely day! Take care x

– Ayra H.