Bournemouth Gardens
The Lower, Central and Upper Gardens provide a range of settings and activities.
All three gardens have been Green Flag winners since 1999. They run for around 3 kilometres from Bournemouth pier to the boundary with Poole.
The gardens are part of the Bourne Valley Greenway and are Grade II listed in the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens.
There are lots of activities and events taking place in Bournemouth Gardens, or you can simply enjoy the scenery.
The Lower Gardens
Although this section of the gardens is quite short, running from the pier to the town centre, there’s always lots going on.
Year-round attractions include mini golf, a bandstand, the Hedgehog Kiosk for refreshments, Street Food Corner, an aviary and one of the longest running open-air art exhibitions in the country.
Events take place throughout the year, including the incredible Christmas Tree Wonderland, which features a stunning trail of Christmas trees and festive activities, attracting thousands of visitors.
Central and Upper Gardens
The Central Gardens are formally planted and include a pergola, which stands over the bridge. There’s also a war memorial, tennis courts and a cafe.
Further along is a playpark with a zip wire and plenty of swings and slides to keep little ones amused.
The Upper Gardens have a more natural feel and planting. As you walk along, you’ll see several little red bridges that cross the stream. There’s also an old folly which is now home to bats.
The gardens will eventually lead you to ornamental rockeries and coy pond. From here on the path is unpaved and can be boggy, so it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.
A cycle path runs along one side of the gardens through the Bourne Valley Greenway from the town centre to Branksome.
Walks in the gardens
There are self-guided walks through the gardens, including the Tree Trail.
Keep an eye out for the notice boards in the gardens, which point out key features about the history of the gardens or plants and wildlife along your route.