Sunny Bournemouth Information
News from The Chocolate Box
Bournemouth Event Guides, Things To Do, Places To Go, Seasonal Delights and Holiday Ideas
Best Restaurants Near Bournemouth Pier — 2026 Guide
From fish and chips on the sand to smart seafront dining and hidden Italian gems, here's our favourite places to eat near Bournemouth Pier — all within a short walk of the seafront.
More info →
Parking Near Bournemouth Beach — Where to Park & What to Pay
A local's guide to parking at Bournemouth beach: the best car parks, cheapest options, free street parking secrets, and what to expect on a summer weekend.
More info →
Hotels Near the BIC Bournemouth — A Local's Guide
Staying near the Bournemouth International Centre? Here's our insider guide to what's within walking distance, how to get to and from shows, and where to stay for the best BIC experience.
More info →A Guide to Avoiding Hidden Hotel Booking Fees
A traveller's guide to spotting resort fees, city taxes, parking charges and card surcharges — and how The Chocolate Box keeps pricing simple and honest.
More info →
Bournemouth Friday Summer Fireworks 2026
Free Bournemouth Pier fireworks light up the seafront every Friday at 10pm from 24 July to 28 August 2026. Book a Friday night stay at The Chocolate Box Hotel — a short stroll from the beach.
More info →
What's on in Bournemouth in 2026 — your June to December guide
From the Bournemouth Air Festival to Christmas Tree Wonderland, here is your full guide to the festivals, music nights, and shows lighting up Bournemouth and Poole from summer right through to the end of 2026.
More info →
Why Bournemouth is the UK's best seaside escape
Seven miles of golden sand, the warmest sea on the south coast, sub-tropical gardens running into town, and a clifftop sunset that rivals the Med. Here is why Bournemouth keeps stealing the top spot.
More info →
A foodie's guide to Bournemouth — where to eat (and where to start)
From beachside fish and chips to MasterChef-led café dining, here is our insider list of where to eat in Bournemouth — including a few of our own favourites within walking distance of the hotel.
More info →
Dog-friendly Bournemouth — bring the whole family (the four-legged one too)
Dog beaches all year round, miles of clifftop walks, pup-friendly pubs and our own dog-friendly rooms — Bournemouth is one of the UK's best places to bring your dog.
More info →
Bournemouth in winter — Christmas Tree Wonderland and cosy coastal escapes
A magical illuminated Christmas trail, an ice rink on the Square, frosty clifftop walks and our log-lit lounge waiting at the end. Why winter is the most underrated time to visit Bournemouth.
More info →