Southbourne hotels

Hotels in Southbourne

On the West Sussex coast, less than five miles to the east of Bournemouth, lies Southbourne. Technically a suburb of its more famous near neighbour, Southbourne is delightful open secret waiting to be discovered. Book a Southbourne hotel with us and enjoy all this relaxed but vibrant seaside town has to offer.

Delightful beach

Southbourne Beach is quieter than others in Bournemouth which, during high summer, is quite a blessing. This large Blue Flag beach is sandy with a hint of stone and is popular with families and folk who like to take a stroll along its considerable span.

Fisherman's Walk

An historic green space that links the beach to the main shopping area is Fisherman's Walk which, when not being the venue for live events and festivities, is a serene promenade. Here you have wonderful opportunities to stretch your legs while viewing Poole Harbour and the beach on one side and the cliffs on the other.

Fancy a lift?

The walk from the beach up to the town is a pleasant one but there's more than one way to make that journey. The Fisherman's Walk cliff lifts are a funicular railway which allows you to go up in the world from Fisherman's Walk during most of April until the end of October. As you ascend you'll have fantastic views of the coast.

Seafield Gardens

A gorgeous grade II listed red brick tower stands proudly at the heart of Seafield Gardens. Built in 1898, the water tower is delightfully embellished with distinctive battlements and four small spires that project skywards from the corner turrets. Within the gardens you'll also find a bowling green, tennis courts and a play area.

Eating and drinking in Southbourne

Straight from its wood-fired oven, The Larder House produces fine cooking that reflects local and European styles. It serves a range of meats and cheeses, as well as unusual bar spirits. An old-fashioned, no-thrills and friendly café is The Peppermill, which is popular for its straightforward and tasty menus. Whether ordering a classic fry-up or roast beef, mashed potatoes, vegetables and Yorkshire pudding, it's likely that you'll leave satisfied and full. And the award-winning Grove Tavern serves wines, ales, lagers, ciders, spirits and soft drinks, and shows all major sports events, as well as hosting live music every weekend.

Shopping in and around Southbourne

The town's hub is Southbourne Grove. This is where you'll find the majority of cafes and restaurants, as well as an Italian deli selling pastas, meats, cheeses, olive oils, and sauces and serving homemade food. Most of the town's shops can be found here too, from gift shops and trendy boutiques to quirky retailers, one selling pipes and cigars and another, traditional sweets. For retro furniture, fashion and accessories, Pokesdown Vintage Quarter is a good place to visit.