Bournemouth in the south-east of the county, is the largest town in Dorset (although not its administrative centre) with a population of some 170,000, greatly enlarged by the influx of summer school students in the summer months wishing to learn English as a Foreign Language. Maybe this is the reason why Bournemouth inevitably comes top in fruit and vegetable regional price surveys.
Bournemouth has 2000 acres of parks and gardens, two piers, a conference centre and its own symphony orchestra. The Compton Acres English Garden overlooking the sea is spectacular and the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum should be on any visitor’s list.
Most of the largest Hotels in Dorset are in Bournemouth: The Norfolk Royale, The De Vere Royal and The Marriott. The Signpost recommended Green House is one of the greenest Hotels in Dorset. It has a unique concept which lives and breathes sustainability. The wine list is made up of organic and biodynamic wines; carpets are 100% wool, eco beds have crisp organic bedding.
The refurbished Bourne Hall Hotel is located close to the Bournemouth International Centre and the seafront.
Christchurch, East of Bournemouth has two waterside Hotels in Dorset: Christchurch Harbour and the Captain’s Club Hotel and Spa. Also two newly opened contemporary Boutique Hotels in Dorset: The Manor in Burton, which is Dutch owned, has ten bedrooms and a restaurant rapidly earning a good local reputation and East Close Country House in Hinton.
Little sister Poole has some of the finest Hotels in Dorset: the Harbour Heights, with a commanding position overlooking Brownsea Island, the Hotel du Vin, the Sandbanks and The Haven. North of Bournemouth, in Wimborne and Ferndown, are several golf courses. One of the most suitable Golfing Hotels in Dorset is the St Leonards, on the A31 between Ferndown and Ringwood.