EZTrip.com International Destination Guide and Hotel Listings

The train station and bus station lie just under a mile east of the centre, to which they're linked by frequent buses. In the centre, the tourist office is on Westover Road (mid-July to mid-Sept Mon-Sat 9.30am-7pm, Sun 10.30am-5pm; rest of year Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm; tel 0906/8020234, ). The town has accommodation to suit all budgets: try Tudor Grange , 31 Gervis Rd, East Cliff (tel 01202/291472; £60-70), with attractive interior and gardens, or the friendly Sea Dene Hotel , 10 Burnaby Rd, Alum Chine (Thurs-Sun only; tel 01202/761372; £50-60), where vegetarians are catered for. The small, friendly hostel , Bournemouth Backpackers , 3 Frances Rd (tel 01202/299491, ), is just three minutes from the train and bus stations.

The Goat and Tricycle , 27-29 West Hill Rd, is a quiet and unpretentious pub , worth the uphill trek for the real ales and home-made food, while CH2 , 37 Exeter Rd (tel 01202/296296) is an elegant, modern restaurant recommended for its steaks and seafood.

Countering its staid image, Bournemouth has thrown up some sizzling clubs in recent years. Most are in the centre of town, including the biggest, Elements , on Firvale Road, playing mainstream club and house sounds. For something a bit different, try the flamboyant Opera House , 570 Christchurch Rd, Boscombe. On a more sedate note, the fortnight at the end of June and the beginning of July sees the Bournemouth International Festival draw performers of every musical genre.