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Offered languages
- German
- English
Step back into the 19th century and discover how a desolate, smuggler-infested heathland was masterfully engineered into England's premier sanctuary for health, wealth, and seaside hedonism. On this immersive walking tour, you will uncover the fascinating, and sometimes medically bizarre, origins of Bournemouth. From grand hotels built as giant therapeutic machines to cliff-top promenades designed for the Victorian elite, explore the architectural triumphs and tragic ironies of a town built entirely on the promise of a cure.
- A 3.6 km self-guided tour with 7 stops over 116 min
- Ideal for travelers interested in Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation and History & Memory
- Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
From Bournemouth's main station, take public transport toward Bournemouth Town Hall. Get off at the nearest stop and walk the final few minutes to Bournemouth Town Hall (Former Mont Dore Hotel), Bournemouth, United Kingdom. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.
From East Cliff Promenade, walk to the nearest public transport stop and travel back to Bournemouth's main station. The departure point is East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, United Kingdom. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.
Itinerary
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1
A magnificent building originally constructed in 1881 as a grand health spa, encapsulating the town's origins as a medical resort.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Originally built in 1812 as the private mansion of Lewis Tregonwell, marking the genesis of the town.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Lower Gardens
A specific path in the Lower Gardens planted with pine trees, designed for invalids to breathe in 'health-giving' pine-scented air.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Bournemouth Pier
Evolving from a simple wooden jetty to a grand iron structure, the pier represents the shift to seaside leisure and entertainment.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Royal Bath Hotel Spa
Opened in 1838, this was Bournemouth's first luxury hotel, cementing its status as a premier resort for the upper classes.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Built in 1901 by the owner of the Royal Bath Hotel, this extravagant villa showcases the immense wealth and eccentric tastes of the Victorian elite.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
Offering sweeping views of the bay, this location provides a concluding perspective on how the natural geology was harnessed to create the Victorian seaside vision.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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