Bournemouth used to be part of Hampshire but since the changing of districts in June 1974 it is now in the county of Dorset.
It is situated close to the New Forest and has one of the sunniest, driest and warmest climates of Britain.
Although it is known that settlements were in the area thousands of years ago the town of Bournemouth was not populated until the 1880’s. In 1800 the only people visiting were smugglers and fishermen. 1809 was to see the Tapps Arms public house built and in 1812 the first inhabitant of Bournemouth moved into his new house.
Bournemouth was soon to become a more populated resort especially catering for invalids and people with health problems, in particular chest complaints. In 1880 the population was around 17,000 but in 1900 it had grown to 60,000 and the latest census recorded 163,441 inhabitants in the town.
Bournemouth now is an important town for conferences and in 2003 held the Labour conference and in 2006 the Conservative conference.
Several famous people have lived in Bournemouth among them were Robert Louis Stevenson, Tony Hancock and Stuart Granger. Oscar Wilde regularly visited and it was here Edward VII is said to have had his secret meetings with Lillie Langtry.
Bournemouth has a seven mile stretch of sandy beaches that have been given seven blue flag awards. It also has an award winning public garden area that includes the Pleasure Gardens, Pavillion and an IHAX cinema.
There are several public houses in the area plus nightclubs including Toko, Bliss and Elements.
Rental property is always available with prices for a studio flat £345-£465pcm, l bed flats from £465-£625pcm, 2 bed flats £525-£795pcm, and a 3 bed house £795-£900pcm.
The town is situated close to the A338 and A321 major roads and the M27 can be accessed from nearby Southampton.
There are two railway stations in Bournemouth, Bournemouth Station and Pokesdan Station serving all surrounding areas including Southampton, Winchester, Basingstoke, Reading and Oxford.
Bournemouth has a wide range of restaurants and some of the family fun eating houses include Harry Ramsden, Neptune with Charlie Chalks Fun Factory, and the Hot Rocks Surf diner.
Bournemouth was known as ‘God’s waiting room’ because of the elderly residents but nowadays has become home to a much wider age group including students from Bournemouth University.
There are plenty of shops in town on either side of the River Bourne. They are mostly pedestrianised streets and include T.K.Maxx in the Quadrant, Peacocks in the Sovereign Centre and Next, Marks and Spencer and Bhs in Commercial Road. Also in this area are a number of public houses, cafes and restaurants catering for all tastes.
Castlepoint is north of town and is a new shopping park with some of the biggest and best names in shopping including Gap, Next, Marks and Spencer and H & M.
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