Location
The Old Stables is ideally located in a quiet cul-de sac about 800 metres from both Branksome Dene beach and from the centre of Westbourne Village.
In Westbourne you will find a Victorian shopping arcade (home to the smallest cinema in the world) and an array of bistros, bars, and boutiques as well as tea rooms, an artisan baker, a butcher, an art gallery and a bookshop. There is also Marks and Spencer food hall, Tesco Extra, Boots and a Post Office.
Branksome train station provides a direct line to London Waterloo in around 2 hours and has services to Bournemouth and Poole, which can also be reached by bus. Other bus routes include Parkstone and Branksome, or take an open top bus to Swanage. Bournemouth Airport is a 15 minute drive away.
The beach is dog friendly in certain sections all year round and can be reached via various wooded chines which are stunning in June when the Rhododendrons are at their best. In high season the RNLI are on duty at nearby Branksome Chine and paddle boards can be hired on the beach at Branksome Dene Chine. Bicycles and other water sports equipment can also be hired locally.
The Inn on The Park is a short walk away for a pub lunch/evening dinner which sometimes has live music, whilst beach options include the Italian restaurant 'Vesuvio' and Branksome Cafe which offers coffees and light bites. There are further coffee and ice cream (including vegan ice cream) outlets along the beach front and a shop at Branksome Chine for beach necessities.
Sandbanks is within walking distance - take in some jazz or enjoy an alfresco coffee or cold drink at the Jazz Cafe, or perhaps a cocktail at the Sandbanks Hotel or the Haven Hotel. There's a handy little Tesco's on the harbour where you can watch the kite surfers, kayakers and paddle boarders.
The chain ferry at Sandbanks takes cars, pedestrians and cyclists over to the the Purbecks, including Studland Bay owned by the National Trust, home to its own beaches as well as picturesque Old Harry's Rocks and some lovely old pubs with amazing views.
Enjoy the crazy golf and dinner at Rick Stein's on the road down to this famous area of luxury harbourside property.
