Useful Links
Bournemouth TourismInformation on Bournemouth and the surrounding area, events, attractions and more.
Poole TourismLocal and events information for Poole
United TaxisA Local Taxi Company
Tel: 01202 556677
Yellow BusesInformation on local buses
Wilts & Dorset Bus CompanyInformation on local buses.Bus passes can be purchassed at the school.
General Information
Roads: Please be very careful when crossing the road, don't forget that in England we drive on the left so LOOK RIGHT FIRST
Banks: Banks open at 9.30 am and close at 4.30 pm. All the major banks can be found in Westbourne. If you wish to open a bank account please ask at the reception for a letter and take it to the Santander Bank.
Bureau De Change: Money can be changed in most banks and the post office or on a Saturday between 9.00 – 17.00 at Thomas Cook Travel Agents, Richmond Hill, Bournemouth.
Shops: Most shops open from 9.00 – 17.30, Monday to Saturday.
Post Office: The main post office is in Westbourne and is open from 9.00 – 17.00 Monday to Friday and 9.00 – 12.00 Saturday.
Telephones: Sim cards and top up vouchers can be purchased in the school.
Pubs: Pubs are generally open from 11.00 – 24.00. Please remember that under 18's are not allowed to buy or drink alcohol.
Doctors: There is a doctor's surgery in Westbourne or ask your family for the name of their doctors.
Book Shops: There is one bookshop in Westbourne, on Poole Road where you can purchase English dictionaries.
Bus Information
London Victoria coach station to Bournemouth coach station – average time 2 hours
Cheap day-return Coach ticket to London from £16.00
Web: www.nationalexpress.com
Tel: 08705 808080
Local Bus Information
Buses run regularly from Westbourne to Parkstone, Poole and Bournemouth. If you wish to take the bus to school please ask for County Gates bus stop. Current prices are available and bus passes can be bought from the reception in Westbourne Academy.
Unlimited Travel Bus Passes (Inner areas only) :-
7 day - £17.00
30 day - £60.00
90 day - £150.00
Train Information
London Victoria (Waterloo) to Bournemouth – average time 1 hour and 45 minutes
Cheap day-return Train ticket to London from £25.00
Web: www.nationalrail.co.uk
Airport Information
Airport/Central London Transfer Rates
(these amounts to be divided among number of passengers)
Heathrow £114.00 per car/one way (one/two passengers)
Gatwick £121.00 per car/one way (one/two passengers)
Central London £154.00 per car/one way (one/two passengers)
Stanstead £159.00 per car/one way (one/two passengers)
Southampton £65.00 per car/one way (one/two passengers)
Bournemouth £45.00 per car/one way (one/two passengers)
Waiting time:
After first hour, there is a charge of £17.50 per hour for waiting time plus car parking charges of £5.60 per hour. The car will only wait after the expected arrival time if the student notifies the taxi company of the delay.
By Private Car
From London take M3, M27, A31, and A338 sign posted to Bournemouth.
From Dover take M2, M20, M25 (direction Heathrow), M3, M27, A31, A338 sign posted to Bournemouth.
From Portsmouth take M27, A31, A338 sign posted to Bournemouth.
These prices are correct at the time of printing, but are subject to change at any time should there be an increase in fuel costs or tax.
Local Events
Poole Speedway
Poole Speedway will return to Poole in March 2013 with the Pirates having a new team line up. Check out the Poole Speedway website for up to date information on the Poole Castle Cover Pirates and further fixtures.
Fireworks on the Quay
Summer Breeze with fireworks on the Quay , sponsored by Breeze Volkswagen took place EVERY THURSDAY on Poole Quay in June and July 2012 and will return in 2013. Every Thursday in June, July the crowds flocked to Poole Quay to join in the fun and excitement. Entertainment ranged from Live Music, Street Entertainment and family fun. Local promoter Mr Kyps supported Summer Breeze on the Quay by providing and sponsoring a stage outside Oyster Quays for extra live music, featuring bands such as Rockin The Joint, Acoustic Showcase, The Ju-Ju Men and Bafaana.
Bournemouth Theatres
This year sees a wide variety of events taking place at two of the top venues in Bournemouth. The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is one of the most prestigious venues for conferences, exhibitions, entertainment and leisure activities. The BIC operates alongside its sister venues The Pavilion Theatre and Ballroom and The Pier Theatre. Situated in the heart of Bournemouth, the venues host events from Rock & Pop Concerts to Opera. For a more up to date list of events and details of times and ticket prices, check out the link below to the BIC and Pavilion website.
www.bic.co.uk
Bournemouth Eye
See for miles as the Bournemouth Eye takes you up to 500ft above Bournemouth and experience amazing panoramic views over the English channel and surrounding countryside for up to 20 miles. The giant helium balloon takes flight from Bournemouth Lower Gardens. Children and adults will enjoy the breath-taking sights by day or by night with illuminated night flights – creating a unique romantic atmosphere. Opening hours To be confirmed Ticket Price Adults £12.00 Senior £9.50 Child £6.00 Student £8.50 Under 2’s FREE
www.bournemouthballoon.com
Russel Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
There are plenty of art and culture exhibitions taking place at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. Whilst you are there, why not stop for a light lunch or refreshment in the calm surroundings of the coffee shop....with free admission there's no reason why not!
Admission to all exhibitions and workshops and entry to the house is free. For more information log on to www.russell-cotes.bournemouth.gov.uk
Cruise Ships
The Dorset Belles have been a familiar sight around the Dorset coastal waters since 1975. Every year thousands of passengers enjoy a chartered cruise with us, and see the beauty of our coastline and local landmarks from a different angle. The open forward and aft decks are perfect for bird watching, dolphin spotting or simply admiring the rugged scenery of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast with a glass of wine in your hand! Inside, the Belles have comfortable and cosy centrally heated saloons, so you can enjoy your cruise at any time of the day, all year round. On board we offer a fully licensed bar, refreshments, and menus which can be tailored to suit your special occasion - such as barbecues, spit roasts and Chinese banquets. We can also arrange discos or live music to create the party atmosphere of your choice. Just contact us to discuss your event and we will put together all the ingredients for a very special occasion!
Poole Theatre
Lighthouse. It's an amazing fact that Poole has the largest arts centre outside London. In Spring 2008 Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts celebrated its 30th birthday. Built in 1978 it was recently refurbished and modernised and is expecting to sell its 10 millonth ticket this year! Home to the internationally renowned Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and boasting two theatres, a concert hall, a gallery, a cafe and luxury cinema. Lighthouse is an airy, attractive venue with beautiful contemporary art works and plenty of bars, toilets and comfy sofas. Visitors and residents are welcome to look around without having to buy a ticket to the show. It's a relaxing place to meet friends or family for a coffee or find a bit of stylish peace and quiet away from the bustling town centre. Children (or the young at heart!) can pick up a free Love Lighthouse map from the Ticket Office which asks some interesting questions and keeps inquiring minds busy finding the answers around the building. Chief Executive, Alistair Wilkinson, strives to create a programme of events where every taste can be catered for. Music, dance, theatre, film, comedy and the spoken word are offered every week and there is also a strong programme of community events and workshops. Top national dance, opera and theatre companies are visiting in 2009. There is a full season of quality shows for family audiences. The cinema shows independent, foreign and popular movies. Many of the concerts are unique events exclusive to Lighthouse. World class musicians enjoy playing at Poole because facilities are so good. For more information check out www.lighthousepoole.co.uk . For more information about Festivals in Poole call 01202 633972
Surfing
The new surf reeff harnesses the power of nature to create a longer ride for expert and intermediate surfers and body-boarders. It has been attracting plenty of attention and scores of water sports enthusiasts to the area. With several spots to surf don’t forget to check out weather forecasts before coming down to ensure good conditions.
Bournemouth and Poole Beaches
It’s official; Bournemouth and Poole Beaches are still among the best in the world. Eight beaches along Bournemouth and Poole’s twelve-mile coast have again been bestowed the prestigious Blue Flag beach awards for having litter-free sands and clean swimming waters. The winning beaches, Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Southbourne and Fisherman’s Walk, Branksome Chine, Canford Cliffs Chine, Sandbanks Peninsular and Shore Road were awarded based on 28 imperative criteria and other guideline criteria of the strictest standard relating to water quality, environmental education, environmental management and safety and services. Mark Smith, Head of Tourism in Bournemouth, said, “This is of the highest honour to our seafront staff who maintain the beaches to a tremendous standard. It’s this hard work that keeps visitors returning year on year. The eight Blue Flag awards are recognition of the fact that our beautiful beaches are among the best in the world.” Cllr Michael Filer, Cabinet Member for Economy and Tourism, says, “I am delighted with the ENCAMS news. Bournemouth beaches have never failed to be clean and safe and it is fantastic that we have been recognised and awarded for all the hard work that goes into offering a world-class beach to residents and visitors alike.” Tim Stokes, South West Director of ENCAMS (the charity responsible for Blue Flag in England) said: “The awards have been running for 20 years now. It is testament to the growing popularity and credibility of the awards. But also the hard work that those who look after our beaches across the region have put in to make these stretches of coast spotless.”
Compton Acres
Compton Acres - invites you to escape to a different world in the South's finest privately owned gardens. See - our beautiful gardens themed from around the world Marvel - at the spectacular views across Poole Harbour and beyond Shop - for gifts, crafts, plants and garden products Eat - at the Italian restaurant - Sorridi, teamroom or Harbourview Cafe. Now at the forefront of the South's garden attractions, the privately owned, grade 2 listed Compton Acres has 10 acres of magnificent themed gardens from around the world each different from the next. Experience Japanese, Italian and Roman horticulture along with rock and water gardens and our wooded valley including spectacular views across Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills. Exciting shopping opportunities are offered in our craft and gift shops and there's also a model railway for enthusiasts and the kids! Compton Acres is one of the South Coast's 'must see' visitor attractions - with events throughout the year - check the website for latest details. There's something for all the family whatever the weather. A visit to Compton Acres promises surprise, drama, romance and delight at every turn.
Oceanarium
Discover life beneath the waves and come down to the Oceanarium at Bournemouth Seafront. Explore the secrets of the ocean in an adventure that will take you to some of the world’s most amazing waters. The Oceanarium Bournemouth, brings you face to face with marine life from the furthest reaches of the globe – more than just an aquarium, a vibrant experience through the oasis of water.
