Wonderland Experience

If you are starting your adventure from Bournemouth Seafront why not pop into Smugglers Cove for a festive game of mini-golf or enjoy a nostalgic ride on the Carousel or take your seasonal family-friendly challenge to the next level at Pier Amusements. Before you set off through the Gardens make sure you take a quick selfie under the Giant Bauble as a reminder of your visit and admire the splendour of the Moscow Tree towering over the Seafront conjuring up visions of icy forests and twinkling starlit skies.

As you make your way out of Pier Approach towards Bournemouth’s beautiful Victorian Lower Gardens you will find yourself stepping into a fairy tale world past the symbolic, glittering Bethlehem Tree, complete with its very own Nativity scene inviting you into a festive world.

As you continue through the Gardens lookout for the spectacular Seattle Tree with its shimmering baubles of light stacked high into the night sky. Making your way past the Pavilion Theatre the Grade II listed Rockery has been transformed with stunning streams of light which appear to be cascading down the rocks like a gentle ‘waterfall’ trickling between the mini-Christmas trees. On your left don’t miss the cuddly polar bears hiding in the wooded area amongst the enchanting, sparkling illuminations.

Following the main path to the left will take you past the majestic golden PaybyPhone Reindeer towering between the blue glacial glow of the impressive South Western Railway St Petersburg tree and the spectacular shimmering pink glow of the Warsaw Tree.

An alternative route, bearing right past the Rockery, will lead you through a curtain of light up the Pine Walk with gingerbread people, a cuddly teddy and some giant presents nestled in amongst the trees. A quick detour and you will find yourself out on Westover Road with its enchanting trees of light with their own selection of illuminated presents.

At the heart of the trail is the awesome walk-through Bournemouth Wonderland Tree which towers over the gardens at an impressive 60ft.  Decorated with 30,000 individually programmable LED lights it is a spectacular sight at any time, but if you make sure you catch one of the music and light shows (on the hour and half hour) you simply won’t be able to resist getting into the Christmas spirit!

Trail continues below….

Once you have taken all the photos you want of the Wonderland tree there is still plenty to explore around Christmas Tree Wonderland.  For the energetic there is the Ice Rink with its Moguls Bar and in the Town Square you will find plenty of ideas for Christmas presents amongst the Alpine Christmas Market stalls as well as the opportunity to relax and enjoy a festive tipple in the Alpine Lodge bar.

When you are ready to continue on your way you can choose between wandering up Commercial Road past the giant Father Christmas and on to the Triangle with its array of decorated trees, or in the other direction you will find the spectacular 10m high Colour Changing tree of light in Beale Place. Moving up Old Christchurch Road and on towards Horseshoe Common and the Lansdowne roundabout the illuminations continue with decorated trees, presents, drop lighting and sparkling installations all designed to enhance your festive shopping experience.

To round off your visit be sure to drop into one of the multitude of cafes, restaurants, bars and hotels across the town to sample their festive fare and take what by then will be a well-earned rest!