Bournemouth
One of the UK’s most popular coastal tourist resorts, with miles and miles of clean sandy beaches (Blue Flag approved) and some of the warmest sea waters in the UK, enjoying a direct influence via the Atlantic drift directly from Florida. Largely Bournemouth was established at the turn of the century with the Coming of the railways. This period of architecture dominates much of the outlying suburbs of Bournemouth especially in Charminster, Westbourne and Boscombe.
Bill Bryson's observations in his book entitled 'Notes from a Small Island' believes it is a completely accurate depiction of Bournemouth, certainly in terms of architectural prowess.
Bournemouth has a thriving and busy shopping centre as well as one of the largest nightlife scenes on the South Coast. The Daily Echo reported that Bournemouth centre is now home to more cafe bars and night life than Soho in Central London. Such facilities are at serious odds with the perception of the town being a retirement centre ,it is a prime example of how the two communities should and can integrate.
The town centre is dominated by the Bournemouth gardens alongside the Bourne Stream, these gardens and stream meander for several miles to the main pier at the seafront. At the southern end, pier (town) provides significant recreation facilities for tourists and locals alike, whilst the Northern end provides a peaceful dreamy atmosphere of weeping willows and gently meandering streams.