Local Life & Community in Bournemouth

Discover how The CRUMBS Project in Bournemouth is helping adults with disabilities, neurodivergence and other barriers to work build confidence, independence and practical employment skills through hands-on hospitality and vocational training.

Discover Boscombe’s historic Royal Arcade, where independent shops, vintage finds, cafés, creative markets and community spirit are bringing fresh energy to one of Bournemouth’s most characterful shopping spaces.

Discover five Bournemouth independent businesses bringing fresh energy to the town centre. From handmade jewellery workshops and wellness cafés to Italian focaccia, shared beauty studios and flexible coworking spaces, these creative new arrivals are transforming familiar high-street units into places to eat, shop, work and connect. Together, they reveal a more sociable, experience-led future for shopping and lifestyle in Bournemouth.

Amelia’s Rainbow is a Dorset children’s charity helping families facing serious illness, life-limiting conditions and disabilities. Inspired by the kindness of Bournemouth girl Amelia Grace Cooper, the charity provides personalised gifts, free family holidays, beach hut visits and memorable experiences. From its Christmas Toy Appeal to community fundraising events, discover the people behind Amelia’s Rainbow, the support available to families and how local residents, schools and businesses can get involved.

From major regeneration and seafront investment to new businesses, creative industries and community projects, discover how these developments are helping shape the future of Bournemouth in 2026 and beyond.

Discover Tree of Strings Festival in Abbotsbury, where world-class musicians, emerging talent and a passion for music education come together for a unique weekend of live performances, creativity and community in the heart of Dorset.

The Garden Rooms Café in Boscombe is more than somewhere to enjoy coffee and a bite to eat. Working alongside Bournemouth Foodbank, this welcoming community space offers affordable Social Canteen meals, a Recovery Café, employment training opportunities and a Pay It Forward scheme. Discover how the café on Haviland Road is helping local people find friendship, practical support and a sense of belonging, plus how residents and businesses can get involved.

New to Bournemouth? Once the boxes are unpacked, finding your local services and building a routine can help the town feel like home. This guide covers GP registration, finding a dentist, council services, waste collections and libraries, alongside practical ways to discover clubs, volunteering and community activities. Find useful starting points and links to our Bournemouth shopping, sports and local-life guides as you get to know your new neighbourhood.

Discover everything you need to know about Bournemouth Freshers 2026, from the best student areas and nightlife to beaches, food spots, transport and things to do before starting uni.

Discover the new Student Hub at BOMO House in Bournemouth, a free space designed for university students to study, socialise and unwind. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, dedicated study areas, pool, retro games and exclusive student offers. With regular events, meet-ups and opportunities to make new friends, the Hub brings Bournemouth's student community together in one central location. Find out what's included and how to sign up for free annual membership.

Starting at Bournemouth University? From understanding the difference between Talbot and Lansdowne campuses to finding your way around town, making friends, managing your budget and discovering Bournemouth beyond the beach, there are a few things worth knowing before Freshers’ Week begins. Here are eight useful tips for new Bournemouth University students preparing to move to the town and make the most of their first year.

Looking for things to do in Bournemouth as a university student? There is much more to student life here than nights out and afternoons on the beach. From surfing and escape rooms to island trips, forest adventures and slightly random days out at Monkey World, these are some of the experiences worth adding to your Bournemouth University bucket list.

Boscombe High Street is getting greener through a new public realm scheme bringing eight trees, 21 large planters and new seating to the pedestrianised section of Christchurch Road. Part of the £1.65 million Boscombe High Street Project, the improvements will enhance around 300 square metres of public space while supporting local businesses, celebrating Boscombe’s Victorian heritage and creating a more welcoming town centre.

Looking for the best places to eat, drink and go out in Bournemouth as a student? From pizza and burgers around Winton and the town centre to student nights at Barbara’s Bier Haus, Buffalo and The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth has plenty to discover. Whether you are planning cheap food with housemates, casual drinks or a full night out, these are some of the places worth knowing during your university years.

A Bournemouth carer has been recognised after performing CPR for 25 minutes on a woman who suffered a cardiac arrest on Columbia Road. Care South at Home worker Stacey Burch continued CPR until paramedics arrived, helping to save Carole Knight's life. Stacey has since received a HEART Excellence Award at Care South's annual Stars Awards, where she was reunited with Carole in an emotional presentation.

Kings Park play area in Bournemouth is undergoing a major refurbishment, with the existing space being substantially rebuilt around a more adventurous and inclusive design. New equipment will include climbing and swinging challenges, accessible play features and quieter areas for children who prefer a calmer experience. The project forms part of BCP Council’s wider £4.6 million programme to improve play facilities across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

A major regeneration project is transforming land around Hawkwood Road in Boscombe into a new mixed-use neighbourhood. The development will deliver 68 council-owned homes for social rent, a purpose-built community centre, Hawkwood Gardens, commercial or health space and a landscaped pedestrian boulevard linking directly with Christchurch Road. Construction is being completed in phases, with the wider programme currently expected to be fully finished by April 2029.

A £1.8 million investment from BCP Council, supported by an additional £800,000 from BH Live, has transformed facilities at Bournemouth International Centre. Improved event spaces, upgraded technology and modern hospitality areas are helping the BIC attract major conferences, exhibitions and entertainment events while generating valuable year-round footfall for Bournemouth’s hotels, restaurants and other local businesses.

Boscombe West is set to benefit from up to £20 million of government investment over the next decade. Unlike a traditional regeneration scheme with every project decided in advance, the Pride in Place programme will give residents, businesses and community organisations a central role in choosing how the money is spent. The funding could support better public spaces, community facilities, cultural activity and other lasting neighbourhood improvements.

YMCA Bournemouth has launched a £25,000 fundraising appeal to provide specialist mental health support for people living in its supported accommodation. The Staying Well, Staying Housed campaign will fund a HealthBus mental health nurse for 48 days over 12 months, helping residents access early support, improve wellbeing and reduce the risk of losing their accommodation.

Bournemouth’s play areas are being repaired, refurbished and redesigned through BCP Council’s £4.6 million first phase of its Plan for Play. Projects include major improvements at Kings Park and Muscliff Park, alongside new equipment and repairs at sites across Boscombe, Moordown and other neighbourhoods. The programme is placing greater emphasis on accessible equipment, imaginative play and ideas contributed by local children and families.