What’s in Westbourne
Westbourne is a beautiful boutique upmarket village about a 10-minute drive from Bournemouth.
The town is great for shopping and has a reputation for being the fashion district of Bournemouth. With its upmarket fashion boutiques and home-interior shops.
The buildings in Westbourne are Victorian red brick and give a lovely backdrop against the town of Bournemouth.
If you wanted to go to a restaurant in Westbourne you will be spoilt for choice, there is a number of fine restaurants there and some great bars and coffee shops too.
Westbourne has a Grade II listed arcade dating back to 1884. Built by Henry Joy who also built the Bournemouth arcade. The Westbourne arcade features a stunning stained glass roof and gothic windows which reflect coloured light through the length of the arcade.
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What’s interesting about the arcade is it was originally built as just two rows of shops, but later on in 1872 a glass ceiling was added making it into the arcade it is today.
Within the arcade, you will find unique shops and small cafes with chairs out onto the arcade itself. Sit and enjoy your coffee while looking at the beautiful Victorian architecture and beautiful window light.
The Smallest Cinema in the UK
Westbourne is home to the smallest cinema in the UK. Only 27 seats and 2 screens. The Bournemouth Colosseum was originally created with just 19 seats but it was extended to 27 when the second screen was installed in 2018. Originally built to be a ”hobby business” by the current owner Paul Whitehouse, it can be located underneath the Vintage Lounge Cafe in the arcade.
The cinema shows an eclectic mix of movies and LIVE sport, anything ranging from foreign movies to B movies and Art-House, Disney cartoons, Film Noir, and Bafta Award Winning. The cinema will soon be showing the best of live sport.
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With great projection and surround sound. It also is available to hire for birthday parties, company training days, sports events, etc. This little theatre is a big part of Westbourne.
A unique experience for a day out with friends in your own micro-cinema, being under a cafe it is perfect to grab a bite to eat or coffee while you are there, or as it also doubles up as a bar a glass of wine might suffice.
The cinema is dog friendly too so even your furry friend can join in with the fun. It’s the perfect indoor activity for a rainy day activity in Bournemouth.
If you would like to know of other indoor activities perfect for a rainy day in Bournemouth then go here to our Indoor Activities in Bournemouth page.
To find out more about The British Colosseum cinema you can call them on 01202 769092 or go to their website The British Colosseum Westbourne. 14 Bournemouth BH49AY
Westbourne Beach – Alum Chine
After a bit of shopping in Westbourne, you can always head straight to the beach. Through a charming walk of trees, you will reach Alum Chine beach.
Alum Chine Beach Westbourne is a beautiful beach out of the way from the hustle and bustle of Bournemouth.
Alum Chine is very popular with families and children due to the pirate-themed adventure playground, baby changing rooms, toilets, pubs, and ice cream kiosks. You’ll even get to see the land train which drives past regularly from Bournemouth Pier.
Parking Westbourne
There are places to park on the street in Westbourne for free. These places fill up fast and are for an hour or two hours at a time duration only.
The following roads have free street parking.
1 Hour Seamoor Road
1 Hour Poole Road
2 Hours Grosvenor Road
2 Hours Portarlington Road
2 Hours Marlborough Road
There are numerous car parks around, There is a paid car park behind Marks and Spencers in the centre of Westbourne.
The following places have a paid car park in Westbourne.
Milburn Road – Landseer Road – Alumhurst Road
