From beaches, green spaces, quality fish and chip shops, historic pubs, churches and museums, there’s a lot to explore.
It also has the benefit of having a lot of great attractions on its doorstep, including the Jurassic Coast and the green spaces of the New Forest.
However, there are a few things you really need to visit or do in BCP to call yourself a true local.
7 places you need to visit before you can call yourself a true BCP local
Chez Fred
Chez Fred is a famous institution in the BCP area, with the Westbourne fish and chip shop earning rave reviews for its offerings.
Run by three generations of the Capel family since opening in 1989, Chez Fred is said to provide a “warm welcome and the simple pleasures of great fish and chips”.
It’s also a place that is recognised nationally, having earned the favour of The Good Food Guide, and it’s often included in the conversation for best fish and chip shops in the UK on Reddit threads.
Sitting at a 4.7/5 on Tripadvisor from more than 2,300 reviews, it’s safe to say the quality is something that has remained consistent over the years.
Going here to sample the food at least once is a must for being a BCP local.
Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island is said to be a unique haven for wildlife (Image: John Millar/National Trust Images)
Out in Poole Harbour, you can find the iconic Brownsea Island, which serves as an important habitat for a lot of wildlife.
This “unique haven” is the last spot in the UK where you can still see red squirrels in the wild, along with birds such as kingfishers, common and Sandwich terns and oystercatchers.
The National Trust adds: “Free trails help you explore the island, there is a natural play area and fantastic picnic spots, an island adventure waiting for the whole family.”
Having an important spot just a short ferry trip away is one great aspect of living in BCP.
Hengistbury Head
Hengistbury Head offers great views from its top, as well as a beach and a wildlife spot (Image: Julia Rosser/Camera Club)
Found between Bournemouth and Christchurch, Hengistbury Head is able to offer a lot for a few hours.
Climbing up to the top of the cliff to sample the stunning views of the coast is a key activity that many BCP locals have done.
It also serves as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with it being home to over 500 plant species and 300 types of birds.
Additionally, there is a beach at the foot of the headland you can make use of, which is especially great in the warmer months.
Sandbanks
The affluent neighbourhood of Sandbanks is located between Bournemouth and Poole, and it can make for a pleasant day out.
It’s famous for its beach with golden sands, crystal waters and Blue Flag status it has held for 35 years.
On summer days, it is breathtaking to experience, and there are also plenty of well-regarded eateries in the area if you want to make the most of that.
Castlepoint
Shopping at Castlepoint is something most BCP locals would have done, with it being one of the largest shopping parks in the UK.
There are more than 35 stores located here and over 2,800 parking spaces to make use of.
Businesses that can be found here include Nike, Argos, Boots, Footlocker, Mountain Warehouse, New Look and many more.
Shell Bay
Shell Bay is well-regarded for its unspoilt sandy beach (Image: Robin Boultwood/Camera Club)
While not being in BCP, Shell Bay is connected to it through the Sandbanks ferry, meaning many people in the area would have made the short trip over here.
This is another example of a stunning beach on the Dorset coast, with the unspoilt sands being great to enjoy in the warmer months.
Alongside that, the Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant can be found here, which makes for a lovely dinner spot.
Bournemouth Oceanarium
Right by the main pier at Bournemouth beach, the Bournemouth Oceanarium is likely something many people have visited.
A huge number of aquatic species can be seen here, including stingrays, sharks, sea turtles, penguins, otters and jellyfish.
Visitors can also experience talks on some of the animals, with there being feeding time experiences for the otters and penguins.
Do you agree with this list, and should anything be added to it? Let us know in the comments.