There seems no limit to the accolades showering Bournemouth these past few years. On top of being officially recognized as the best resort in all of England, Bournemouth is also reaping honours for its variety of parks and gardens.
Bournemouth boasts of over 2,000 acres of parks and gardens. Over the past six years, the town has been on the receiving end of three Britain in Bloom Awards and its European equivalent Entente Floral . A number of its gardens are part of the Gardens of Excellence Scheme , and some of which currently hold the prestigious Green Flag Award.
Many areas in Bournemouth have at least one park, and listed below are some of its most popular parks and gardens.
Upper Central and Lower Pleasure Gardens
Central Bournemouth , Dorset, England
Situated right in the heart of the town centre is the multi-award winning Bournemouth Pleasure Gardens, which was created in the 1840s for the Meyrick family. Covering an area of 45 acres, the spectacular gardens sit right next to the seafront and the shopping area.
Colorful bedding plants, large pines trees, palms, ornamental shrubs, open areas of grass, pathways, benches, picnic areas, ponds, aviaries, grey squirrels, artists, markets and deckchairs are just some of the features of the Bournemouth Pleasure Gardens . It also boasts of the famous 'Bournemouth Eye' , a miniature golf course, table tennis, ice cream stalls and a bandstand where concerts are held on a regular basis.
Compton Acres
164 Canford Cliffs Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7ES, England
Tel: +44 (0)1202 700 778
Situated on the outskirts of Bournemouth is Compton Acres . One of the most famous privately-owned gardens in the area, Compton Acres features seven spectacular gardens, each of which has a different international theme. There s a formal Italian garden with a large pond, a Roman grotto, a wildlife garden, Palm Court , an alpine and heather garden, an English garden with herbaceous flower borders and a stunning Japanese garden, which is easily the most popular garden at Compton Acres . Other features include specimen trees, a garden centre, sculptures, a large car park, a restaurant, a model railway and seating areas.
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Alum Chine including Argyll Gardens
West Overcliffe Drive, Westbourne, Bournemouth , Dorset, England
At 18 acres, the Alum Chine Gardens is the largest of four chines in the Bournemouth area. Current holders of the prestigious Green Flag Award, Alum Chine and the adjacent Argyll Gardens offers shaded paths, a popular children s play area, tropical garden on the cliff face and bowls, catering and toilet facilities.
The relaxed atmosphere of the wooded chine gives delight to residents and visitors alike. It boasts of spectacular sea views, as well as the popular Treasure Island themed play area. Those seeking a quiet area for contemplation would do well to check out the recently re-landscaped tropical gardens, which date back to the 1920s.
Pelhams Park
Millhams Road, Kinson, Bournemouth BH10 7LH
The most significant recreational space in the Kinson and Northbourne areas of Bournemouth, Pelhams Park encompasses an area of 3.5 hectares. Entered for the Green Flag Award in 2005, it counts among its features some fine specimen trees and fauna, tennis courts, a children s playground, a bowling green, and ample parking space.
Knyveton Gardens
Frances Road, East Cliff, Bournemouth , Dorset, England
Just a few minutes walk from Bournemouth 's main train and bus stations, Knyveton Gardens is situated on a compact site of just over one hectare. Surrounded by housing, private hotels and guest houses, the gardens feature spectacular flower borders, a sensory garden, a pond, a wildlife garden, two bowling greens, a café, and spectacular flower borders. The Knyveton Gardens also garnered the Green Flag for excellence.
Redhill Park & Common
Situated in the northwestern area of Bournemouth, Redhill Park & Common covers approximately 26 hectares containing rambling woodland and semi-natural grassland. A holder of the prestigious Green Flag Award , It features a wide range of facilities for local residents, including tennis courts, children s playground, a football pitch with changing rooms, a skate zone and an open-air paddling pool.
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Seafield Gardens
Seafield Road, Bournemouth , Dorset, England
Providing recreation and sports facilities for a residential housing area of 1.2 sq. km in Southbourne is the Seafield Gardens . Located just three walking minutes from the cliff top and beaches, the gardens boast of many excellent facilities, such as play areas for children, bowling greens, croquet lawns, tennis courts and a large and impressive water tower at its centre. These gardens have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag for excellence.
Winton Recreation Ground
Fitzharris Avenue, Bournemouth , Dorset BH9 1BX
A winner of the Green Flag award, the Winton Recreation Ground is situated in the middle of a densely populated residential area. Many activities and events regular take place there, from an annual children s sports festival to summer-long play schemes. It has a cycle track, cricket pitch, tennis courts, bowls facilities and a large informal area used intensively by young people and dog walkers.
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