Bournemouth Town Hall is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. The grand, sprawling structure was built in the 19th century, and many of its original features have been retained, both inside and out. Start your explorations of this lovely seaside resort’s main attractions with a visit to the town hall.
When a train station was built in Bournemouth in 1870, it caused the settlement’s population to begin to grow. More and more significant buildings were erected over the years that followed, with work on the construction of the town hall beginning in 1881.
At the time, however, the building was not intended to function as a town hall. It actually began life as the Mont Dore Hotel, a health resort that would capitalize on the fabled healing properties of the local spring water. Note the splendor of its façade, which includes intricate carving over the main doorway. Clearly, this was intended as a getaway for wealthy guests.
It was not until 1921 that the building was converted into the town hall. In between, it spent some time serving as a military hospital, housing injured soldiers during World War I. Listen carefully as you wander around the building’s exterior and you may hear ghostly footsteps. There are rumors that the building is haunted.
Bournemouth Town Hall now serves as a place for the local authority to carry out its day-to-day business. It also has several historic rooms where weddings and other ceremonies are held. Come here as a tourist and you may not be able to explore the building’s interior, but you can instead wander the beautiful grounds, the Central Gardens and Upper Gardens, right next door.
Start your day at Bournemouth Town Hall and you will be well placed to explore the town’s other sights. Find the busy shopping streets of the town center directly to the south, or continue southward to reach popular Bournemouth Beach in around 10 minutes. Close by are attractions including the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre and the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum.
