Bournemouth's Lower Gardens have charmed visitors since the Victorian era. With tree-lined paths, vibrant flowerbeds, and water features, this gardens offer a serene escape in the heart of the town. 

A Victorian legacy

Bournemouth’s Grade II listed Lower Gardens were created on an area of marshy heathland. In the late 1830s landowner Sir George Gervis employed the architect Benjamin Ferrey to create parkland beside the Bourne Stream.

Development began in 1840 and in 1859 permission was granted for it to become a public pleasure ground. In 1871 a competition for a garden design was won by Philip Henry Tree, an aptly named architect from Sussex. He mapped out new tree plantings, pathways and flowerbeds.

The Pine Walk Bandstand

The Pine Walk Bandstand dates from 1933 and replaced the original 1884 version. 

In earlier days, performances featured the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra and members of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Regular concerts still entertain both residents and visitors, there are concerts with a range of musical styles including brass bands, jazz combos and choirs.

Do walk along the pathway behind the bandstand. Known as Invalids Walk, a nod to Victorian times, it was the route for patients being wheeled in bathchairs from the local sanitorium to sit in the sunshine and take in the health-giving sea air along the promenade.

Children’s Corner

At the base of Invalids Walk is Children’s Corner, a family-friendly spot where generations of children have played by the Bourne Stream. This area continues to delight young visitors, with shallow waters perfect for paddling and toy boat sailing.

The Rockery

Take time to enjoy the rockery beside the Pavilion Theatre. Constructed as the largest municipal rockery in Europe c1930, you will find a variety of tropical and subtropical plants suited to our moderate seaside climate.

How to get here

The postcode of this site is: BH2 5BD 

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