Bournemouth is a popular holiday resort near Dorset on the south coast of England. It is part of the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole unitary authority, which has a population of 400,196. Bournemouth has sandy beaches, gardens, parks, and several theaters and cinemas. Several steep valleys called chines lead down to the sea from high ground to the north of Bournemouth. During the summer, ferries connect the town with Poole and Swanage. Many people stay at hotels in Bournemouth when visiting the New Forest. See also Dorset.
