The beautiful Seaside Town of Bournemouth, along England’s southern coast, is a destination that many may not even think of for a Spring vacation. Boasting 7 miles of sandy coastline, Bournemouth has a lot more to offer than just playing on the beach. It has gardens, rock climbing on the pier, and hopping nightlife -- plenty of activities to keep you entertained for days.

With 2,000 acres of gardens to explore, they are grouped into three areas. The Lower Gardens are adjacent to the sea, and only a few minutes walk away from the shopping center, pier, and the beach.

The Central Gardens, located in the town center, were developed in the 1870’s. A war memorial surrounded by roses, as well as a pergola -- added in 1990 to commemorate the centenary of the borough -- are showcased here. The Upper Gardens, originally a private garden for the Durrant family, are laid out in three “continents." The European, Asian, and North American themes show different species from the areas, including a North American Giant Redwood believed to be the largest in the country.

Bournemouth nightlife is brighter than expected

With huge nightclubs, live music venues, and high-end bars, there is something for everyone looking for a night on the town. This is the perfect place to catch up with friends or family, or explore the nightlife of the resort town.

A sky bar for panoramic views of the area, or a VIP club for the best dressed of the night, lovers of music will find a club for any taste, including House, R&B, and more.

Bournemouth has been awarded Purple Flag status, which means they are experts at preserving the atmosphere of the night. Purple Flag status is for town and city centers that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy, and is operated by a board in each city.

You can enjoy your night knowing that you are safe and being taken care of so you only have to worry about the fun.

Bournemouth Pier boasts amusement for everyone

The activities on the Bournemouth Pier are for the entire family, and designed to be enjoyed in any type of weather. Bournemouth is lucky to have its own microclimate, making it enjoyable weather year-round, but that can’t be guaranteed.

Activities on the pier include a family entertainment center with arcade games, videos, and prizes. You can also enjoy the first pier-to-shore zipline located at the end of the pier. Restaurants and retail shops will keep you busy all day, and then pop down to the beach for a nice rest on the sand.

All in all, Bournemouth has something for everyone. Whether it's a trip to the aquarium, a walk through country gardens, or a trip to the beach for some food and fun, you won’t be disappointed when booking your vacation to this southern coastal town.