Bournemouth
Bournemouth is a seaside town in the county of Dorset and is noted for its miles of golden sandy beaches, the whole area was common land until the enclosures act at start of the nineteenth century meant that much of the land became privately owned. The town of Bournemouth was founded by Lewis Tregonwell in 1810, but did not become truly recognised as a town until 1870 when the railways made it a popular summer destination for those who could afford it.
The development of the famous Winter Gardens in 1875 and Bournemouth pier in 1889 led to the real growth of the town and it soon had its first library and the Russell Coates Art Gallery and Museum. Today Bournemouth is a large seaside town with a population of more than 160,000, according to the 2001 census. Corfe Castle model village is within easy reach of Bournemouth and well worth a visit. The town has some beautiful parks and gardens that are well worth seeing on days when you are tired of the beach. You can also see owls and other birds of prey at Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre at close hand and watch the various displays held there during the day.
