Apart from golden sandy beaches, Bournemouth is known for having Green Flag Award-winning gardens. They constitute 20% of the entire town, so if you are a nature lover, Bournemouth will not disappoint you. In this blog post I have included my favourite gardens and parks which will soon bloom into a variety of flowers. I love Bournemouth in the summer, but there’s no doubt it’s most beautiful in the spring.
- Upton Country Park
Some of the most beautiful flowers can be found in Upton Country Park, Poole, in an area called The Walled Garden. There’s plenty of space there to get quality family time, go cycling, dog-walking, a playground for children and a tea room with some snacks.
2. Meyrick Park
One word that can describe Meyrick Park is space – probably because it’s also a golf course. Perfect for a walk if you feel the urge to get unlimited space and freedom. Beautiful yellow gorse and purple rhododendrons combined with pine trees are to be admired in Meyrick Park in spring time.
3. Queen’s Park
Similarly to Meyrick Park, Queen’s Park provides unlimited amounts of space and green energy from the omnipresent green grass and trees. It’s great for dog walks and picnics, there’s a playground, and it’s also a golf course…but you won’t find many flowers there.
4. Lower, Central and Upper Gardens
I wrote about the Gardens in detail here, so if you’re interested in a full description, click this link. Located directly in the town centre, these Victorian character gardens with fantastic, beautiful flowers are a must-see.
5. Alum Chine Tropical Gardens
Originating from the 1920’s, the Alum Chine Tropical Gardens have this magical way of making you feel like you are somewhere in the Mediterranean. Enveloping palms, magnificent sea views and – surprisingly – warmer temperatures than anywhere else in Bournemouth (or maybe that’s just my feeling!) will make you love this place.
This was a real find in Poole area, a hidden gem which took me by surprise. It’s not a very popular spot, located on top of the cliffs overlooking Poole Bay and the Isle of Purbeck with tropical palms and huge ants. Don’t worry, not real ones, just wooden figures of insects, perfect for children…well, not only children! This place could be a fantastic, relaxing place for a romantic date.
7. Stour Valley
What about walking by the river and listening to the relaxing sound of water flowing? Stour Valley provides this villagey atmosphere of peacefulness and quiet.
8. Boscombe Chine Gardens and Boscombe Cliff Gardens
Despite Boscombe not having the best reputation, I believe some areas are underrated, like Boscombe Gardens. You can play ping-pong, basketball or simply walk towards the sea while enjoying tropical flora and beautiful flowers.
Which gardens and parks have you visited in Bournemouth? Have I mentioned your favourite one? Let me know if you know other places worth going for a walk.
