Author Archives: Leigh Hatts

In today’s Independent Simon Calder looks at hidden gems for stay-at-home travellers. He describes Mudeford Sandbank as “one of the most strangely wonderful locations in Britain” and just as good as Venice Beach, California. See pages 55 and 59.

Moses Dock on Pennington Marshes has not only Creek Cottage but two Tudor buildings which may have been sea salt boiling houses. Now the ground around them is being excavated over two weerks by volunteer archaeologists as part of the … Continue reading →

Eric Pickles has been to Boscombe where he says that he remembered it as “being a dreadful place”. Now he says he is “impressed” and compares the seaside there  to the revival of the canal in Birmingham. All these thoughts … Continue reading →

It is Thursday today but Monday’s fire on the east side of Durley Chine has just been reported by the national press. It was not the main local news on Tuesday as there were two other major fires that night … Continue reading →

Sandbanks will be extra busy with people attending the annual beach polo matches on Friday 9 July and Saturday 10 July. Among those expected is Jodie Kidd who will be there to watch her brother. For the first time there … Continue reading →

Today is going to be hotter than yesterday. Maybe it’s the heat but there are reports of lots of dolphins in Poole Bay. The Bournemouth Daily Echo has film. Not  a day for  a long walk unless you are up … Continue reading →

The New Forest National Park Authority’s Recreation Management Strategy has been published following public consultation. The report touches on the start of the Solent Way which continues the Bournemouth Coast Path beyond Milford-on-Sea. The “coastal path between Lymington and Hurst Castle including … Continue reading →

Today, Monday 14 June, is the 200th anniversary of Lewis Tregonwell coming to Bournemouth with his wife Henrietta. The couple drove over by carriage from Mudeford so that Tregonwell could show his wife the delightful spot known as ‘Bourn’. She … Continue reading →

Although completed just before Easter, the coast path between Mudeford Quay and Avon Beach has just been officially opened. The Mayor of Christchurch blew a horn to mark the reopening in the presence of guests who included residents’ assocation representatives … Continue reading →

The thatched barn at Double Dykes near Hengistbury Head is to be turned into a visitor centre. The plans are on display at the Hiker Café (at the end of Broadway) this week 2pm-5pm until next Sunday 6 June. Bournemouth … Continue reading →