June in Westbourne has been a quiet kind of wonderful. While the headlines went to some of the bigger events happening across Bournemouth, our village has been getting on with what it does best: serving great food, offering brilliant independent shopping, and looking absolutely gorgeous in the summer sunshine.
And with July now in full swing, there’s plenty coming up that’s worth planning around. Here’s your update.
What’s New in Westbourne
Sharp-eyed visitors to Poole Road may have noticed a wonderful new addition to the Westbourne community. Julia’s House, the local children’s hospice charity, has opened its fifteenth shop right here in Westbourne, offering a beautifully curated range of pre-loved women’s and men’s clothing, homeware, jewellery, books and children’s clothing at affordable prices. Every pound spent supports this vital local charity. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:30am to 4:30pm.
A New Literary Landmark at Alum Chine
Westbourne has always had a special literary connection and a stunning new sculpture has just brought that story to life. A brand-new installation celebrating Robert Louis Stevenson has been unveiled at Alum Chine, commissioned by BCP Council and funded through a UK Government grant.
Stevenson moved to Westbourne in 1884 with his wife Fanny, naming their home ‘Skerryvore’ after a lighthouse built by his uncle. In three years here he wrote Kidnapped, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, A Child’s Garden of Verses and much of Treasure Island, an extraordinary body of work produced in this small Dorset village.
The sculpture, by artist Tim Ward of Circling the Square, captures Stevenson’s literary themes through its design, drawing on the duality of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Stone markers with ‘lost pages’ of his works are placed along the historic chine, inviting visitors to walk in his footsteps. Skerryvore Gardens, the memorial garden on the site of his former home, is a short walk from the village centre, with the sculpture a further 20 minutes through the chine towards the beach.
Part of BCP’s Coastal Art Trail – find out more at explorebcp.co.uk.
World Cup Westbourne
June was a great month for sport in Westbourne, with pubs throughout the village screening World Cup 2026 matches to full houses. England’s group stage run had the whole area buzzing, and the World Cup Final on 19th July promises to be another big night. If you’re planning to watch in Westbourne, book ahead, the village’s pubs fill up fast for big occasions.
Wimbledon 2026
Wimbledon is in full swing, the Championships run until Sunday 12th July, and there’s no better place to watch than in one of Westbourne’s brilliant pubs. Whether you’re following every serve or just soaking up the summer atmosphere over a cold drink, the village has plenty of great options. Check out the above pubs to watch the matches locally, and don’t forget to book, big matches draw a crowd.
Coming Up in July
Bourne Free Pride Festival – 10th to 12th July: Bournemouth’s annual LGBTQ+ Pride festival returns this month, taking over Meyrick Park for three days of live music, the iconic Pride Parade, family entertainment, and community celebration. Westbourne is perfectly placed for a Pride weekend; stay local, eat local, and support the independent businesses that make this village what it is. The Saturday parade winds through Bournemouth town centre and is well worth watching. Sunday’s family day is free.
Friday Night Fireworks – from 24th July: One of the highlights of the Bournemouth summer is back, free fireworks every Friday evening at 10pm from Bournemouth Pier, running through to the end of August. After dinner in Westbourne, it’s an easy trip down through the chines to catch the display from the beach. Durley Chine and Alum Chine both offer wonderful clifftop views.
The Westbourne High Street This Summer
The flower pedestals are in full bloom and we think Westbourne looks particularly beautiful right now. Whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time, summer is the perfect time to explore the Victorian Arcade, discover a new independent café, browse the boutiques on Seamoor Road, or simply sit in the sun with a coffee and watch the world go by.
Our high street is at its best between June and September, and we’d love to see you here. Check our events calendar at lovewestbourne.com for the latest, and follow us on social media for daily inspiration.
This is Westbourne in the summer. There’s nowhere quite like it.