Blog Parade: Bournemouth, my “Most Beautiful City By The Sea”

Janett has this idea. Actually, I owe her everything. Without her, I might never have made it to Bournemouth. “Elena, you absolutely have to go there.” On a(n impetuous) thought, I did: After all, I had my Interrail ticket plus the necessary flexibility already there. Just taking a slight detour from the Travel Bloggers Unite Conference in Rotterdam and participating in the international blog parade about the “Most Beautiful City By The Sea”. Is Bournemouth, situated at the picturesque South Coast of England, eligible to compete I wondered? …

Well, dear readers, I will let you know. Right here and now. Why Bournemouth, out of all the places (on Earth), is just worth the visit. Have a look at this! And let me know what you think.

Because Bournemouth means enjoying one of the single most beautiful coastal landscapes in the south of England.

“Durdle Door” & Durdle Cove. The names might sound funny, however the atmosphere out here, about two hours southwest of London, is quick to take my breath away. Standing there, enjoying an endless view stretching over many miles, the calm blue sea like a carpet rolling up to the white chalk rocks swept over by lush green meadows, I feel as if one with the universe. Smiling. Every cell in my body tingles with excitement. My camera flashes. I drop down into the grass. Play with dandelions. Walk up and down the coast, hugging it like the sea. Just beautiful. Come on now and take this walk with me ..

Durdle Cove, situated along the beautiful South-English coastline near the city of Bournemouth, invites you to stop and linger.

“Durdle Door”, a unique rock formation, is clearly the main attraction to visit out here crafted by the powers of wind and erosion.

Dream away … This photo was taken lying down in the grass high above the cliffs towering over the sea.

So much beauty simply “has to be shared” … 😉

The coastline and its wonderful display of colours have clearly left an impression on me.

Because Bournemouth offers a glimpse of the naked truth: “The National Trust (Warns): Naturists May Be Seen Beyond This Point.”

Beware: Bournemouth and its surroundings may well leave you with a smile all over. It has to be the British sense of humor, manifesting itself in things like naked people at 20°C, light winds and overcast skies (which to the English equals to a summer day, I guess). If you fancy any such experience, I recommend you visit charming Swanage beach / Studland Heath just outside of Bournemouth. It is very easy to access using public transport from the city and spend the day out here ..

British humour and the “naked truth”: Beware of naked people out here!

The man we indeed saw naked hasn’t made it onto any of my photographs .. luckily or sadly is for you to decide. However, I have taken a record of these traces in the sand, evidence of the many people who consider coming out here “on a beautiful spring / summer day.”

A soothing sound: Listening to the lapping waves at the beach of Bournemouth.

“Studland Heath” right behind the beach beckons for nice nature walks.

Because in Bournemouth, you can go shopping in a church & ride a hot air balloon from the centre of town.

“It’s ridiculous, actually!” The large balloon, right in the centre of Bournemouth, takes visitors up and down for a total of twelve pounds including a spectacular view of the English coastal town and its surroundings. If, like me, you consider this a bit overpriced for what it is, try heading for the local supermarket Tesco, located in one of the city’s many churches. After all, consumerism can actually be considered a religion these days. The church might not agree, but so what. Maybe you want to stick with the balloon, after all!

A shopping temple round the corner: Bournemouth does not cease to surprise us.

Hot air balloon rides are organized right in the centre of town.

Because Bournemouth offers many a delight for sybarites.

“Sybarites”: A word I had yet to learn, in Bournemouth out of all places. Sybarites we were, “enjoying life with all five senses / indulging in the sensual pleasures of life”. Those looking for the true culinary delights here, like I do, will sometimes have to go prepared for leaving the country’s culinary boundaries. In England, this may just happen sometimes. So, on this occasion, I would like to share two restaurant tips with you that you should not miss when travelling to Bournemouth: “Cusina” in Westbourne as well as the seafront “Urban Reef” restaurant. Let’s hope your mouth waters over the following foodie pics! Enjoy 😉

At the Spanish Tapas bar “Cusina”, we enjoy this delicious plate of Iberian snacks, each with a very refined taste. Beautiful: Food for real gourmets!

The choice here is really great, given that the bar / restaurant has only opened some six weeks ago. Definitely check it out: You will not be disappointed!

We are literally blown by the quality of the food here and choose to order yet another plate of beautiful Tapas delights!

These “croquetas” contain a secret recipe … of tasting delight. Beautiful!

In the evening, enjoy the atmosphere at seaside Urban Reef Restaurant in Bournemouth.

Local, fresh ingredients prevail in this fish & seafood cuisine.

Enjoy, my dear food lovers! This pictures is just for you … “TO DIE FOR” ! And I can assure you: It tasted as good as it looks. Now, who wants a bite?

Because in Bournemouth, you can find one of the best wines from back home.

What a surprise. Here I am, at Urban Reef Restaurant in Bournemouth being served one of our very own, top Austrian wines from the Lower Austrian Kamptal district. This is where I grew up! And now I find, it indeed suits this restaurant’s light seafood cuisine very well, making me all the happier (and prouder) than I would already be after so many pleasant experiences here. Check it out … Bournemouth, the charming sea topped by a glass of Grüner Veltliner from Langenlois, Lower Austria: A truly unique & successful combination here in England. Funny. I like 😀

“Little J”: Grüner Veltliner, one of Lower Austrian’s flagship wines, is being served to us at Urban Reef Restaurant in Bournemouth.

Happy all over: Bournemouth has left a really good impression on me.

And finally: Who would not feel overwhelmed here, in this unique combination of coastal landscape, great culinary moments & discoveries of the way of life in an English seaside town? I really, really enjoyed my stay here … love is in the air 🙂