Green tourism, sustainable tourism, and eco-tourism—there are so many names for them, but the definition remains the same: low-impact, environmentally friendly tourism that values, enhances, and protects the environment.
The Bournemouth and Poole surrounding areas are one of great natural beauty, with its 10 miles of golden beaches, the world’s second largest natural harbour, and more award-winning parks and beaches than any other destination!
We are committed to ensuring our natural environment is beautiful for visitors and residents to enjoy all year round; please help preserve it for future generations. Here are some easy steps to ensure you get the most out of your visit and help preserve this beautiful area.
Don’t let Poole, Christchurch and Bournemouth go to waste!
We want you to enjoy a clean and litter-free environment, so throughout the towns (and seafront), there are recycling and non-recycling bins for everyone to use. However, we would ask that if you cannot find a bin, please take your rubbish with you.
Remember, “Litter-free coast and sea!”
Try Local, Buy Local - Tickle your tastebuds
We produce some of the best-quality food and drink in the country and want to share it! With a reputation for freshly caught fish, organic blue cheeses, and specialist breads, Dorset Food draws on centuries of expertise and learning and has a reputation that’s well deserved. Visit one of the many local food festivals or relax in a tearoom and indulge yourself with our local Dorset apple cake—treat yourself to a uniquely Dorset experience! Poole has some fantastic locally caught fish restaurants, so try them!
Poole is also an accredited Fairtrade town, showing Poole’s commitment to supporting Fairtrade and using products with the Fairtrade mark. Businesses and organisations across Bournemouth and Poole have been recognised for their commitment to serving up sustainable fish by becoming one of the first sustainable fish cities.
Local food, tourism, and hospitality have started working together through the Real Local Flavour project to increase the number of local products found in menus and accommodation breakfasts. Sampling fantastic local food and drink makes your visit more memorable, so look out for the great range of local foods available and treat yourself to a unique experience!
Explore what’s on your doorstep and discover a different world
There’s something exciting to be found around every corner, so stretch your legs and explore what’s on our doorstep. Poole and Bournemouth have award winning parks, gardens, and beaches. Discover the chines that lead to the beaches or take two wheels. Cycle maps are available from the Tourist Information Centre.
Go to Swanage on the open-top bus over the ferry—the best bus ride anywhere. Give the car and driver a holiday; it’s a much better view by bus, boat, or train. Poole and Bournemouth are well served by public transport, or try a local guided tour of the area and discover the hidden gems with an expert. Stretch your legs and enjoy some of the fantastic walks in the area.
