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Journey
Southampton to Bournemouth

Southampton to Bournemouth

Through the enchanted New Forest and delightful Dorset to bustling Bournemouth with its seaside thrills, spills and splendid scenery!

Prices:

Off Peak Single - £14.20

Travel Type:

Train

No. of Attractions:

9 places to visit

View journey Attractions

Journey Duration:

41 minutes

Route Frequency:

Hourly

Starting point:

Southampton Railway Station

How to get here

Journey fact:

Bournemouth is home to the UK's only artificial surf reef, built in 2009 at Boscombe Beach. Intended to enhance wave quality for surfers, this unique underwater structure, made of large sand-filled geotextile bags, extends 225 meters offshore. Despite mixed success in achieving its surfing goals, the reef has become a fascinating marine habitat and a point of interest for both locals and visitors, showcasing Bournemouth's innovative approach to coastal activities and marine environment enhancement.

Journey Overview

This is a journey that is always captivating with the docks of Southampton providing fascination at one end, with a smattering of large vessels and small boats before the New Forest engulfs the route. Miles of beautiful gold birches and browned heath, enveloped by pretty and ancient trees and the occasional sighting of deer and ponies makes this a delightful, almost enchanted route.

The small town of Brockenhurst with its quaint independent shops and perfectly manicured gardens gives way to a series of pleasant towns close to the seaside with a range of architecture – old and new. Brockenhurst provides a link to Lymington Pier and the ferry to the Isle of Wight – another amazing adventure worth doing if you are staying longer.

Then, the denouement to the journey is in Bournemouth, a grand looking station with a traditional arch roof creating a real sense of occasion. It’s the gateway to the golden mile of sand beach, iconic Pier and fashionable, pulsating nightlife and classic English seaside town, coastal capers, as well as fantastic seafood beachside restaurants!

A Fab Day Out!

Begin your day with an early morning train from Southampton to Brockenhurst, a short 20-minute journey into the heart of the New Forest. Upon arrival, rent a bike from one of the local shops and explore the serene trails of the New Forest National Park. Pedal through ancient woodlands, spot wild ponies, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Stop for a mid-morning coffee and pastry at The Buttery, a charming café in Brockenhurst village or enjoy lunch and a hearty welcome in The Huntsman pub, where the fare is traditional but hugely recommended!

After your morning adventure, catch a train for the 30-minute journey to Bournemouth. Head straight to the Bournemouth Pier, where you can enjoy stunning views of the coastline and partake in activities like the RockReef indoor climbing centre and the PierZip, a thrilling zip line that stretches over the sea. For a more relaxed experience, take a stroll along the sandy beaches or dip your toes in the sea.

For lunch, head to Urban Reef, a seafront restaurant offering fresh, locally sourced dishes with panoramic sea views. Afterward, visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, a fascinating clifftop villa filled with an eclectic collection of art and artifacts from around the world.

In the mid-afternoon, make your way to the Lower Gardens, a beautifully landscaped park leading from the town centre to the beach. Enjoy a leisurely walk, or perhaps a round of mini-golf. If you’re visiting in summer, you might catch a performance at the Pine Walk Bandstand.

Timetables & more...

How to get here...

Visit the National Rail Enquiries website to discover train routes that will lead you to this magnificent scenic adventure.

Visit National Rail

Plan your route to this Great Scenic Journey

Places to visit & things to do on this journey

East Cliff beach

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Family Friendly

Oceanarium

Alum Chine Beach

Take your scenic journey to the next level by embarking on this delightful walk, carefully curated by the expert team at Go Jauntly, the leading walking app provider.