Lower Gardens
Lower Gardens
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Upper, Central and Lower Gardens have all been Green Flag winners since 1999 and run from Bournemouth pier to the boundary with Poole. The gardens are 3 kilometres long. They are all part of the Bourne Valley Greenway and are Listed Grade II in the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens. There are lots of activities and events taking place, or you can simply enjoy the scenery. Find out more about the history of the gardens here. The Lower Gardens This section of the gardens is quite short, it runs from the pier to the town centre, but there is always lots going on. Year-round attractions include Classic mini golf, a bandstand, refreshment kiosks and Street food corner site, an aviary, and art exhibition. Seasonal events in this section of the gardens attract thousands of visitors. In 2018 the gardens became the main setting for the Christmas Tree Wonderland.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- julieHampshire, United Kingdom175 contributionsChristmas tree wonderland is beautiful but does get too busyI’ve been to the Christmas tree wonderland every year for I believe 5 years. (17 Nov 23-1 Jan 24) Now with a 23 month old + 9 month old I say it’s good, both of them loved looking at it all, we went the day it opened and it was too busy then it usually is but it was still going at everyone else’s paste ahead of you. Wouldn’t recommend going to the the square with the food + stalls because you genuinely won’t be able to move around it’s awful xVisited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 8, 2023
- Sue WigginsRugby, United Kingdom468 contributionsDecember visitWe visited in December whilst on a Turkey & Tinsel break. All praise to the council for the effort they have made with the Christmas Tree Trail through these gardens. The lights and trees are beautiful. There is also an outdoor ice rink and we thoroughly enjoyed our walk through the gardens.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 9, 2023
- Linda PChichester, United Kingdom115 contributionsLower Gardens, BournemouthWe took our time to walk through the Lower Gardens and appreciate the hard work and lovely plant display in the gardens The squirrels were out in abundance and seemed quite friendly. Plenty of benches to sit down and absorb the atmosphere and take in the scenery Worth visiting and chilling outVisited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,101 reviews
Excellent
1,348
Very good
633
Average
83
Poor
19
Terrible
18
Zoo7Zoo
Bottisham, UK267 contributions
Sep 2021
Beautifully kept Gardens in the centre of Bournemouth which were lovely to walk through with a band stand and mini golf spent an hour listening to the band who were fantastic. you walk through the gardens to get to the sea front however it has a issue with Rats which are plentiful and run around the edges of the grass areas were humans are sitting dropping food. nice market can be found weekly in the higher areas of the gardens. Worth a visit.
Written September 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
julie
Hampshire, UK175 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
I’ve been to the Christmas tree wonderland every year for I believe 5 years. (17 Nov 23-1 Jan 24)
Now with a 23 month old + 9 month old I say it’s good, both of them loved looking at it all, we went the day it opened and it was too busy then it usually is but it was still going at everyone else’s paste ahead of you. Wouldn’t recommend going to the the square with the food + stalls because you genuinely won’t be able to move around it’s awful x
Now with a 23 month old + 9 month old I say it’s good, both of them loved looking at it all, we went the day it opened and it was too busy then it usually is but it was still going at everyone else’s paste ahead of you. Wouldn’t recommend going to the the square with the food + stalls because you genuinely won’t be able to move around it’s awful x
Written December 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scooter
2 contributions
Jun 2022
Visited Bournemouth's lower Gardens and new Aviary which is fantastic compared to the old one who's single mesh was repeatedly damaged.
The new Aviary has double mesh for security for this stand alone structure, an enclosed dome roof for preventing Bird Flu etc, state of the art heating and lighting.
It's new name is The Cooper-Thompson Rescue Aviary.
If you are visiting this Aviary please be aware it wasn't built as an attraction but as a safe please for unwanted Birds, you may stop for two minutes they are there 24/7 .
The Cafe next door is excellent.
The new Aviary has double mesh for security for this stand alone structure, an enclosed dome roof for preventing Bird Flu etc, state of the art heating and lighting.
It's new name is The Cooper-Thompson Rescue Aviary.
If you are visiting this Aviary please be aware it wasn't built as an attraction but as a safe please for unwanted Birds, you may stop for two minutes they are there 24/7 .
The Cafe next door is excellent.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Firecrackers4749
Locks Heath, UK9 contributions
Jun 2021
These gardens link the town centre to the beach, and are lovely. We didn't spend a lot of time in there as it was very hot, but found somewhere with tables in the shade for a cold drink. (Hedgehog kiosk) near to where a young woman was busking, playing jazz on her saxophone...very enjoyable. I'd like to mention that the disabled toilet, near the kiosk, is a fully accessible one, with an adult size changing bench. Excellent!
Written June 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Little Jenny
London, UK575 contributions
Jun 2021
Great place to spend a couple of hours. These gardens are well kept and run from the beach into the town centre. There is an excellent crazy golf and a lovely aviary and an art market on three days a week. There is often live music in the bandstand and a stream runs through the gardens.
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GGSM81
Bristol, UK332 contributions
Jun 2022
The aviary isn't the best. With the extra layer of mesh, you really can't see the birds well at all. And to be honest, i don't like to see them locked away either!!
However, the gardens themselves are beautiful. As you walk further away from the seafront, the gardens become quieter and even more pretty in my opinion. Near the tennis courts, as you go under the road, there is some interesting street art to look at too. Loved our visit here and would recommend to others,
However, the gardens themselves are beautiful. As you walk further away from the seafront, the gardens become quieter and even more pretty in my opinion. Near the tennis courts, as you go under the road, there is some interesting street art to look at too. Loved our visit here and would recommend to others,
Written June 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark B
Sandy, UK247 contributions
Sep 2020
Took a couple of strolls through the gardens. Nicely maintained and peaceful. Years ago, they used to have lighting up ceremonies where trellis' were put up and tea lights in pots to make shapes. Boats sailing down the stream, like a mini Blackpool, but all candles. I spoke to some locals who said they can't remember the last time they were put out, I suppose health and safety put the kybosh on it. The squirrels were out and about, just as active as usual, great to watch them playing in the autumn sun.
Written September 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Fullers
United Kingdom97 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Took our (leaded) dog there one morning, which was nice because despite it being a nice day, the park was virtually empty.
However, when we used it as a cut through after dark, the no food sign became clear. There were rats scampering around the park, some darting from the water feature across the path and also actally swimming in the water feature.
I think they might have a rat problem!
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trek784139
Bournemouth, UK84 contributions
Jan 2020
I went to see The Winter Wonderland in the Lower Gardens at Christmas and I enjoyed the walk very much, when I went with family. My husband and I wanted a walk through the Lower Gardens last weekend, Saturday 11th January, however, the lower Gardens were closed off the public and I disappointed in not having my walk through the lovely Gardens. My Husband suggested a walk through the Upper Gardens which was a lovely walk on a cloudy cold Saturday afternoon, before the rain started. I remember going down some steep steps before, that day and my husband took me down a ramp, as I am Blind. I have not been to the Upper Gardens for years. we walked right around the gardens with a lovely bridge going over the stream and back along the other side to ramp. The lower gardens is just as nice, however, it was dark with the Christmas light shining around in places and I would love a walk now or maybe in the summer before The Holidaymakers come to Bournemouth and the School Holidays start? I love Bournemouth seafront area now it has been refurbished with new building and a lovely café on the front. I look forward to going again soon?
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nidgehammer
Stevenage, UK5,077 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Admittedly it was a beautiful sunny day but nevertheless the gardens are superbly kept and very pleasant to walk through. It’s clear that a lot of time and money has and is being spent to keep these gardens looking great, there are winding paths, a river and colourful plants and flowers everywhere you look.
It’s some years since I walked through here and it’s now much more mature and enjoyable (or maybe I’m just older and more appreciative.?). There’s a lovely little kiosk offering great sandwiches, drinks and ice creams as well.
It’s some years since I walked through here and it’s now much more mature and enjoyable (or maybe I’m just older and more appreciative.?). There’s a lovely little kiosk offering great sandwiches, drinks and ice creams as well.
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does the candle lighting still happen in August? If so, could someone let me know dates and times? It's a strong memory from my childhood and would love to revisit.
Written July 26, 2019
I have looked on the web it suggests that through August the Lower Gardens have Flowers by Candlelight. I would suggest that you call the Tourist information Bournemouth or Parks at Bournemouth Council.to confirm this event is happening this Summer.The web states it happens on Wednesdays through August but no time was mentioned. Hope this helps!
Written July 27, 2019
Hi. Is Lower Gardens accessible for a mobility scooter? Are there many steps?
Written July 16, 2017
Hi ~ I agree with everyone - There's no steps here. Regards...Enjoy the gardens and your visit.
Written July 17, 2017
The Lower Gardens is a beautiful free area within the Bournemouth Centre. There is no fee or entrance chares. Just a lovely area for a good walk with various flowers, plants & places to enjoy along its paths.
Written January 26, 2018
Yes, its a nice place to talk a walk with your dog. But be aware that there will be crowds and of the regulations that the Council may have applied to dog walkers. Enjoy your walk
Written January 26, 2018
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