7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Bournemouth

Bournemouth, a vibrant coastal town in the UK, is not only a fantastic place to live for digital nomads who enjoy the blend of beach life and urban convenience, but it also serves as a great base for exploring the South of England. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway to recharge your batteries or an off-the-beaten-path adventure, there's something for everyone within a stone's throw from Bournemouth. Here are seven fun weekend getaways that range from the popular to the peculiar, all easily accessible from this seaside town.

Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight, a short ferry ride from the mainland, offers a delightful mix of beaches, cliff walks, and quaint towns. Known for its dinosaur fossils and sailing opportunities, it's a perfect escape for those who love the outdoors. Visit Osborne House, Queen Victoria's palatial holiday home, or take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Shanklin and Ventnor.

How to Get There: The best way to get to the Isle of Wight is by ferry. Services run regularly from Lymington and Portsmouth, which are both easily accessible by train from Bournemouth.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to walk along the Tennyson Trail for some of the best views on the island, especially at sunset.

Where to Stay: The Royal Hotel in Ventnor offers a touch of luxury with stunning sea views, while The Hambrough provides a more boutique experience.

Where to Eat: The Crab & Lobster Inn in Bembridge is famous for its fresh seafood, offering a true taste of the island's culinary delights.

New Forest National Park

Just a short drive from Bournemouth, the New Forest National Park is an ancient woodland known for its heathland, forest trails, and native ponies roaming free. It's a haven for cyclists, hikers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature. Beaulieu, with its National Motor Museum, and the picturesque village of Lyndhurst are must-visit locations within the park.

How to Get There: The New Forest is easily accessible by car or train. Direct trains run from Bournemouth to Brockenhurst, situated in the heart of the New Forest.

Travel Tip: Visit the Rufus Stone, which marks the spot where King William II was allegedly killed by an arrow during a hunting accident.

Where to Stay: The Montagu Arms in Beaulieu offers a cozy retreat with an award-winning restaurant, while the New Forest Inn provides a more rustic stay.

Where to Eat: The Pig in Brockenhurst is not only a hotel but also a renowned restaurant with a '25-mile menu' featuring local produce and foraged ingredients.

Bath

The city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its Georgian architecture and Roman baths. Spend a weekend exploring the historic sites, indulging in the spa waters at Thermae Bath Spa, and strolling along the picturesque River Avon. The Royal Crescent and Bath Abbey are architectural marvels not to be missed.

How to Get There: Bath is accessible by train from Bournemouth with a journey time of around 2 hours, often requiring a change at Southampton Central or Bristol Temple Meads.

Travel Tip: Take a dip in the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa for an unforgettable view of the city skyline.

Where to Stay: The Gainsborough Bath Spa offers luxurious accommodations with its own naturally heated thermal spa, while The Abbey Hotel has a prime location near the city center.

Where to Eat: Sally Lunn's is one of the oldest houses in Bath and is famous for the Sally Lunn Bun, a local delicacy that's a must-try.

Salisbury and Stonehenge

Salisbury, with its stunning cathedral boasting the tallest spire in England, is a historical treasure just a short trip from Bournemouth. Nearby, the ancient and mysterious Stonehenge awaits, offering a glimpse into Britain's prehistoric past. The combination of Salisbury's medieval charm and Stonehenge's enigmatic allure makes for a fascinating weekend.

How to Get There: Salisbury is easily reached by train from Bournemouth in about 30 minutes. Stonehenge is accessible from Salisbury via local bus services or tour companies.

Travel Tip: Visit the Salisbury Cathedral to see one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta.

Where to Stay: The Legacy Rose & Crown Hotel in Salisbury has stunning views of the cathedral, while the Stonehenge Inn offers themed rooms near the historic site.

Where to Eat: The Haunch of Venison is a historic pub in Salisbury that offers traditional English fare in a building full of character and history.

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are part of the Jurassic Coast, England's only natural World Heritage site. The cove is a near-perfect circle, and the iconic limestone arch of Durdle Door is one of the most photographed landmarks on the south coast. The area is perfect for coastal walks, fossil hunting, and enjoying the stunning scenery.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door is by car, as public transport options are limited. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes from Bournemouth.

Travel Tip: For a unique view of Durdle Door, take a kayak tour from Lulworth Cove.

Where to Stay: Lulworth Cove Inn offers comfortable accommodations with picturesque views, and Durdle Door Holiday Park is ideal for those looking to stay closer to nature.

Where to Eat: The Boat Shed Café at Lulworth Cove serves delicious seafood with a view of the water.

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is a romantic ruin perched atop a hill in the Purbeck Peninsula. The village of Corfe itself is charming, with traditional stone houses and quaint tea rooms. The castle's dramatic history as a royal fortress and its subsequent destruction during the English Civil War make it a fascinating place to explore.

How to Get There: The Swanage Railway offers a nostalgic steam train ride from Norden to Corfe Castle, or you can drive there in under an hour from Bournemouth.

Travel Tip: Climb to the top of the castle ruins for a breathtaking view of the surrounding Purbeck countryside.

Where to Stay: The Bankes Arms Hotel provides a historic setting in the heart of the village, while Mortons House Hotel offers a more upscale experience.

Where to Eat: The Greyhound Inn is a traditional pub with a lovely garden, perfect for a meal after exploring the castle.

Tyneham Village

Tyneham Village is an unusual and poignant destination. Abandoned in 1943 during WWII for military training, the village remains frozen in time, with the old schoolhouse and church open to the public. It's a hauntingly beautiful place that offers a unique window into the past, surrounded by the stunning Dorset countryside.

How to Get There: Access to Tyneham is by car, as it's located off the beaten track. The journey from Bournemouth takes around an hour.

Travel Tip: Check the opening times before you visit, as the village and nearby Lulworth Ranges are still used for military exercises and are only open to the public on certain days.

Where to Stay: There are no accommodations in Tyneham, but nearby Lulworth offers several options, such as the Lulworth Cove Inn mentioned earlier.

Where to Eat: For a meal close to Tyneham, The Castle Inn in West Lulworth offers hearty pub grub in a cozy setting.

These destinations provide a mix of history, natural beauty, and unique experiences, all within easy reach of Bournemouth. Whether you're a digital nomad looking for a change of scenery or a weekend adventurer, these getaways are sure to enrich your time spent on the South Coast of England.