Bournemouth Leisure

Bournemouth provides outstanding sporting facilities including a broad variety of spectator sports such as football and cricket. Walking is an especially popular leisure activity and there are numerous fine walking trails, often offering outstanding views of the seafront and the neighbouring countryside.

Football

Football is one of Bournemouths most popular spectator sports. The Bournemouth Football Association was established in 1920 and organises all the major football competitions in the Bournemouth area. Among these are the Hayward Saturday Football League with six divisions, the under 17s Bournemouth Priory Football League and the MA Hart Football Cup Competitions, which are held at weekends.

Surfing

Surfing has been popular in Bournemouth since the 1960s and some of the best waves on Englands south coast can be found in the Bournemouth area. Among popular places for surfing are Bournemouth and Boscombe piers, Southbourne Beach, Highcliffe and Kimmeridge Bay. Bournemouth Bay has a good reputation as a safe surfing spot and is recognised for its clean beaches.

Parks

The Knyveton Gardens in the East Cliff area of Bournemouth extend over two and a half acres. Just a short walk from Bournemouths main train and bus stations, the gardens are also near Boscombe Beach. Visitors can make use of two bowling greens, a caf within the pavilion, a pond, three tennis courts, a sensory garden, a wildlife garden, fabulous flower borders featuring thousands of bedding plants and plenty of seating areas. Knyveton Gardens have received the Green Flag for excellence. Limited parking is available on Frances Road nearby.