Sand, sea and one of the sunniest spots in England. Bournemouth is home to all things nautical, a seven-mile swathe of Blue Flag beaches dotted with quintessentially English beach huts, a traditional pleasure pier and plenty of ice-cream kiosks. Rattle up the cliffs in the funicular lift for views to the Isle of Wight and encounters with local kestrels and green lizards, or admire the blooms in the chine gardens below. When afternoon tea beckons, hop out to one of the traditional Dorset villages and then browse boutiques, farmers markets and antiques. After dark, it’s time for a tipple at trendy wine bars before catching a show straight from the West End.
Places to visit in Bournemouth
Go shopping medieval-style along The Shambles
Travel back in time along one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval shopping streets, with cheerful cafés and quirky shops in timber-framed buildings.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Stay at stylish Middlethorpe Hall and Spa
Treat yourself to good food and plenty of relaxation at Middlethorpe Hall.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
The Tree Relaxation Retreat in Rosedale Abbey
Looking after your body doesn’t need to involve colonic irrigation and strenuous yoga workouts.
Location: Near Pickering, North Yorkshire
Luxury camping in idyllic North Yorkshire
Enjoy the great outdoors in style at this luxury campsite where life is particularly good.
Location: Buttercrambe Moor Wood, near Stamford Bridge, Yorkshire
Spend the night in your very own railway carriage
Why not make trainspotting your passion whilst staying in ‘Oscar’, a railway carriage permanently stationed at Cloughton railway station.
Location: Cloughton, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Spoil yourselves in North Yorkshire’s country hideaways
Hidden away in spectacular grounds are luxurious grand halls and country houses where you can really spoil the one you love.
Location: Harrogate/Masham, North Yorkshire
Pamper your partner with a stylish rural retreat in Yorkshire
In a serene setting on the edge of the stunning North York Moors, the Feversham Arms boasts superb dining options, elegant rooms and a full spa.
Location: Helmsley, North Yorkshire
Indulge in all things vintage in York
‘York Does Vintage’ better than anyone else as the city’s affordable vintage fair in Merchant Adventurers’ Hall transports you to bygone eras.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Book your very own butler on a romantic getaway to York
Treat your loved one to a luxurious break at the five-star Grand Hotel & Spa in York, including a penthouse suite with your very own butler.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Rainy Day Activities: Relax in Harrogate’s Turkish Baths
Use the next rainy day as an excuse for a spa treatment in these elaborate Turkish baths, recently restored to their former glory.
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire