Last year, Bournemouth beach was one of the ‘most Instagrammed beaches’ in the world, with over 72,000 images being shared on the social media platform. I can definitely see why as the long stretches of golden sand and clean waters give it the edge over other coastal resorts. The town also has plenty of beautiful parks and gardens, a vast array of shops and restaurants, plus there are hotels in Bournemouth to suit all budgets.
I recently spent a weekend in Bournemouth visiting friends, keeping active and of course, getting those all-important Instagram photos!
There are so many options for getting active in Bournemouth, but as I’m triathlon training, I used it as an opportunity to get in a swim and run. I joined East Dorset Open Water Swimming Club for a sea swim at Sandbanks Beach. They welcome guest swimmers who are visiting the area and you are able to use their facilities for just £3. Swimming with a club felt safer than venturing into the sea on my own.
Compared to the last time I swam at Sandbanks, the sea was flat and calm, it was low tide so the water was quite shallow. I’m not sure of the water temperature, but it felt very cold! I got ‘brain-freeze’ as soon as I submerged my head in the water. I was impressed by how many people were just in swimwear, I definitely needed the warmth of my wetsuit.
We swam following the coast to Canford Cliffs, then turned and came back, making around 2000m. I would have kept going, but one of the other swimmers told me I’d gone too far!
After warming up with a hot shower, I got ready for a run along the seafront. I had 6-8 x 3-minute efforts on my training plan, so the flat promenade was perfect for an interval run. I ran along to Branksome Chine past the beach huts and Chine gardens.
Bournemouth beach was buzzing with activity, as I ran I watched kid’s lifesaving lessons and SUP yoga. The promenade was full of runners and cyclists. Bournemouth is such a great place to get active- the Marathon Festival and Pier to Pier Swim are on my must-do list for next year.
As well as swimming and running, I also went along to the Poole Harbour Boat Show where my friend Simon’s band Mutiny at the Beach were playing. They cover old songs with a punk rock twist and played a really fun, energetic set.
The spending money for my Bournemouth weekend was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own.
Have you ever visited Bournemouth? What’s your favourite way to get active at the seaside?
That’s so good that you can join a club for a one off training session like that. As you say, much safer and also you’ll know where to go.
I did a 10k race in Bournemouth a few years ago- it was very flat along the prom, although it was windy so the sand was a bit abrasive on the skin!