Springbourne, Pokesdown & Boscombe

Originally a small village, Boscombe experienced rapid growth in the late 19th century following the arrival of the railway in 1870, transforming into a fashionable Victorian seaside resort. Wealthy visitors flocked to the area in search of health and leisure by the sea, with Boscombe Pier—opened in 1889 and designed by Archibald Smith—becoming a central attraction, once featuring a concert hall at its end. Though damaged during WWII, the pier has since been restored and now offers a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. The Royal Arcade, built in 1893, remains a striking example of Victorian architecture and continues to operate as a Grade II listed shopping arcade. Boscombe also has literary ties through Shelley Park, the former home of Sir Percy Florence Shelley, son of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, whose estate played a significant role in the area’s cultural and residential development.