Summer Sobo Kids

If you’re a parent like me, then you will likely be wondering what to do over the summer with your little, or not so little ones. Whether you are visiting Southbourne during the holidays or you’re already a local, there is something for the whole family. Here are my top recommendations of how to have the perfect beach or high-street day in Southbourne and where to get all your holidays bits and bobs to make your day extra special.

Southbourne Beaches

Hundreds flock to Bournemouth beach every summer, but head east and you will discover the wonders of Southbourne beaches, they offer so much more than sand and sea!

Sobo Beach, Southbourne

‘The UKs number 1 beach venue and community in the heart of Southbourne’

Not only is this a beautiful stretch of coastline, but you can also get delicious food and coffees from Sobo Beach from 9am-8pm 7 days a week. No need to book. Over the summer there will be kids workshops.

There are also lots of fun events for mums and dads such as beach yoga, meditation, group swims and silent discos (if you get a night off!) you can also hire the party bus for summer parties.

Cafe Riva, Southbourne

Head west to the next slope, Fisherman’s Walk and either stroll or take the lift to the top where you will find Cafe Riva. By day a cafe selling hot food, coffees, cakes and ice creams, and by early evening an outdoor music venue! Check out what summery events are on via their instagram page.

**Friday Fireworks**
As a special treat why not stay up late, head over to Bournemouth Seafront, and watch the Friday Fireworks. Maybe even grab a bite in a Bournemouth bistro!
Every Friday at 10pm between 26th July - 23rd August. Courtesy of Coastal BID and our local hotelier businesses.

Sobo High-street: For all Your Beach Needs & Beyond!

You will be able to find everything that you need for the perfect beach day on Southbourne High-street; Buckets, spades, beach balls, sun creams, postcards, picnics & ice-creams. And if you prefer a day meandering along the high street, then read on to find out about summer workshops for kids and where to get coffee for parents!

Beach Bits Directory

Southbourne General Store - Buckets, spades, umbrellas!

Flaming Noras - Beach toys

Sugar Mango - Beach bags & accessoires

Sainsbury’s /Tesco/Coop/One Stop/Boots- Suncreams, water, plasters

Postoffice - Postcards & ice creams

Parlourmentary - Homemade Ice creams

Coffee Catalogue!

For all you coffee fans, ie all parents! Here is a catalogue of all our fabulous baristas along the Grove, grab a take away for the beach, re-useable cup scheme coming soon (more of this in our next blog), or sit in and enjoy people watching. Starting at the far east end of the high-street (Southbourne Grove) and heading west towards Pokesdown, you will find:

Little Perth (coffee & flowers), The Peppermill (coffee & cafe) Harry’s, (coffee & food) Ludo Lounge, (coffee & restaurant) Costa (coffee & bites), Bake House 24 (coffee & baked goods), Wild & Ginger, (coffee & artisan bakery) Syds Slaps, (coffee & slaps! (sandwiches), Coffee#1 (coffee & cakes), Quaff & Tipple (coffee & deli), The Bakehouse (coffee & fry-ups), Velo Domestique (coffee, bikes & burritos!), Casa Carols (Coffee & Spanish cuisine), Brewhouse & Kitchen (coffee, craft beers & food) Sobo Fitness (coffee & gym)

Alternative Beach Activities

If you’re not a beach lover, then why not head along Southbourne high-street, and pop in to a boutique or two.

Pause at Midday Lifestyle for inventive art workshops for kids. Check out their summer timetable below, and or pop in for bespoke gifts. (They also sell coffee too!)