After the New Forest Marathon: Bournemouth and Poole

The Route: Brockenhurst → Bournemouth → Poole → Brockenhurst Logistics: A direct 30–40 minute drive via the A31 and A35. Limited direct rail; a car is the practical option for covering both towns in a day. Marathon Month: September Duration: Day trip

Brockenhurst ──(30-40 min by car)──> Bournemouth ──(15 min by car)──> Poole ──(30-40 min by car)──> Brockenhurst

The New Forest Marathon's course stays entirely inland, so a day on the open coast at Bournemouth and Poole offers a genuine change of scene, a proper sand beach rather than the forest's own more sheltered coastal fringe. September on the Dorset coast: past the summer's peak crowds but still warm enough for the beach on a good day, with both towns fully open and operating normal hours.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth beach, a long stretch of flat, level sand backed by cliff-top gardens, is an easy walk for legs still recovering from the marathon, with the Victorian pier at its centre. The Bournemouth Gardens, running inland from the seafront through the town centre, offer a shaded, flat alternative if a full beach walk feels like too much the day after 42.2 km.

Poole

A short drive west, Poole Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world, with Poole Quay offering a level waterfront walk past working boatyards and the town's small maritime museum. Brownsea Island, reachable by a short ferry from Poole Quay, is a National Trust nature reserve known for its red squirrels, a good option for anyone wanting a slower, low-effort extension to the day.

Where to eat: Poole Quay has a run of harbourside pubs and restaurants suited to an easy lunch with water views. In Bournemouth, the seafront itself carries a wide spread of casual food options, from fish and chips to sit-down restaurants overlooking the beach.

Getting Back

The return drive to Brockenhurst retraces the A35 and A31, taking 30 to 40 minutes from Poole.