Staycations: Looking for a holiday closer to home with Mediterranean feels?

Holiday in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole: Feels Like The Med 

British weather may not quite compare to Italy, Greece or Cyprus, but on a sunny day, there is one place in the UK that feels like you could be holidaying in the Mediterranean – Bournemouth and the neighboring coastal towns of Christchurch and Poole. From accommodation to food to scenery, it may surprise you how much basking in the warmth of a south coast summer feels like being abroad. 

(Bournemouth)

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are famous for their golden beaches and for good reason; the 15 miles of warm sand and clear water are perfect for sunbathing, swimming or simply floating on calm seas, feeling the pressure of work slipping away. The ‘Coast with the Most’, as it’s affectionately known, has been one of the UK and Europe’s top destinations for years, offering something for everyone, from outdoor activities to theatre to history. 

(Sandbanks)

For the more adventurous, Poole Harbour, the largest natural harbour in Europe, is the place to be, with plenty of ways to take to the water. From watersports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, to the chance to do some lesser-known island hopping using boat cruises by Brownsea Island ferries, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re exploring Greece. You might even see one of the reclusive red squirrels on your route, as Brownsea Island is one of the few places in the UK where these rare animals live. 

(Christchurch)

Enjoying the warm summer evenings with good food and a glass of something cold is a staple of any holiday, and Bournemouth has some of the finest beachside restaurants in the UK when it comes to providing that experience. Have a delicious meal at Urban Reef, where the building’s glass front provides an unbeatable sea view, or better yet, visit the outdoor, woodfired pizza oven then eat on the beach itself. Either way, drinks on the terrace afterwards are a given. Or, venture further afield to make the most of Bournemouth’s Purple Flag award-winning nightlife and lose yourself in the vibrant cultural scene. If you want to embrace the Mediterranean diet with fresh seafood, head back over to Poole for dinner at the renowned Rick Stein Sandbanks. On your way back to Poole, walk along the seafront and stop off at Branksome Beach Restaurant, which housed the UK’s first UV-light solarium in the 1930s. 

(Poole)

As a hotspot for seaside staycations for over 100 years, these towns have made the most of the stunning views with luxury, waterfront accommodation. The popular market town of Christchurch is no exception. After exploring the ancient ruins of the Norman castle and Christchurch Priory, one of the few monastery churches that survived Henry VIII’s rule, rest your weary feet at one of the exceptional hotels on offer, such as the four-star riverside boutique, the Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa, or the Christchurch Harbour Hotel, which looks out over the harbour towards the sea. Alternatively, return to Poole and stay at the Harbour Heights Hotel, where the panoramic view of the ocean will surely make you forget about needing to fly to Europe again. 

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