Anyone familiar with Dorset? (Bournemouth specifically)

Ponge

I'm going to be moving down to Bournemouth at the end of september with my girlfriend so that I can go back to university to get my Masters. Problem is i'm from Edinburgh and I'm currently living in Hong Kong so I have no way to scope the place out and get a feel for areas to live/hangout/avoid.

I know the place is renound for being safe (and full of OAP's) but I'd still appreciate it if anyone could warn me of particular areas or streets that won't be as nice to stay on. I'll be studying at the Talbot Campus if that helps but I don't mind walking/running/cycling a couple of km.

Is the area hilly? Or flat? Is the beach nice?

Is there much in the way of outdoor excursions in the vicinity? I enjoy hiking and cycling and would like to get into camping and kayaking.

I'm going to visit as soon as a I get a chance (probably mid-september) as I need to go down and stay for a couple of days while I try to find a flat but it would be good to hear anyones advice or experiences.

Rook

I went to Bournemouth last week. But only for a day, I've been a couple of times before to see friends as well. So, you'll have to take this as not more than a small recon but the place was about as hilly as Edinburgh. The beach was really nice and sandy, and not massively over crowded. And 60 Million Postcards is a nice pub. My friend lives in a small flat right in the town centre which she likes but I wouldn't take that as a recommendation or anything.

I'd find it hard to imagine you wouldn't get some great cycling and hiking routes as well.

Teslan26

Went to Dorset recently, though not Bournemouth.

In terms of activities in the county - there will be no lack. Seriously. Perhaps take up sailing. Also there is lots of nice sport climbing on Portland for sure and doubtless lots more spread about.

Also for camping + Hiking there is always dartmoor, only an hour or so away I imagine. But in your area there will be coastal walks a plenty once you get out of town.

Big question - will you have your own transport? I lived in Devon for a long time, and freedom of movement utterly changed how that felt to me.

Ponge

Yes my girlfriend will be taking her car down. I don't drive but I plan on learning. Is Bournemouth a decent city to learn in or is it full of crazy one way streets like Edinburgh?

Thanks for the advice so far guys, I appreciate. From everything i've heard the place has a very good reputation, I'm just worried I end up signing a lease in the only dodgy part of town or something.

Kworn

Ponge wrote: »

I'm going to be moving down to Bournemouth at the end of september with my girlfriend so that I can go back to university to get my Masters. Problem is i'm from Edinburgh and I'm currently living in Hong Kong so I have no way to scope the place out and get a feel for areas to live/hangout/avoid.

I know the place is renound for being safe (and full of OAP's) but I'd still appreciate it if anyone could warn me of particular areas or streets that won't be as nice to stay on. I'll be studying at the Talbot Campus if that helps but I don't mind walking/running/cycling a couple of km.

Is the area hilly? Or flat? Is the beach nice?

Is there much in the way of outdoor excursions in the vicinity? I enjoy hiking and cycling and would like to get into camping and kayaking.

I'm going to visit as soon as a I get a chance (probably mid-september) as I need to go down and stay for a couple of days while I try to find a flat but it would be good to hear anyones advice or experiences.

Dude, Bournemouth is one of the most beautiful spots on the South Coast. The beaches spead out for 10+ miles of white sand and we have loads of attractions to visit.

I love Edinburgh, you are a lucky guy to have lived in such a cultured and beautiful city. Bournemouth is only 150+ years old so you wont find any old buildings or stuff like that.

I would not say the town is 'safe' we have plenty of crime here with plenty of 'chavs' hanging around some areas. The town is not full of old people like people keep going on about, that all in the past. The town has become very cool and trendy to hang out in recenct years. There are tons of clubs pubs and bars wherever you go.

If you are going to uni to do your masters at the talbot campus i'd tend to want to live near Winton. The place is cheap to live, crime free and is only five mintues walk away. The area is extremly flat so you should not have any issues with getting about.

There is SO much to do in the way of excursions, the new forest is only up the road and has a lot to see and do, also the perbecks and sandbanks are ideal for you.

The place is teaming with things to do all over Bournemouth and the sorounding areas, I wish you good luck in finding a suitable place to stay.

If you need anymore advice just PM me.

corcorigan

I went down there for about 20 minutes a few weeks ago (all the way from London too... don't ask).

All I remember is there were no obvious coffee shops on the seafront (boo), and a bored policeman wandering around telling people to at least pretend that they aren't drinking on the beach.

It was rather pretty though, and near to Southampton (shops and the moderately big city life) and the New Forest (ponies!).