Independent Shopping in Westbourne: Boutiques, Gifts & Specialist Shops

If there is one part of Bournemouth most associated with independent shopping, it is probably Westbourne.

Just west of the town centre, this compact neighbourhood has built a reputation for boutiques, specialist shops, gifts, interiors, art and independent fashion, all centred around Poole Road, Seamoor Road and the historic Westbourne Arcade. Bournemouth’s official tourism site describes the area as a destination for chic boutiques and independent shopping, with the Victorian arcade still at the heart of it.

Unlike a conventional high street, Westbourne feels made for browsing. You can move from fashion to footwear, gifts to art supplies and lingerie to menswear within a few minutes, then stop for coffee before carrying on.

These are some of the independent shops worth knowing.

Attico is one of Westbourne’s most recognisable independent gift shops, tucked inside the historic arcade.

Its appeal is in the variety. Expect quirky gifts, home accessories, artwork, books, children’s items and unusual finds that feel much more individual than the standard high-street selection. The shop describes its collections as carefully curated, which sums up the experience well - it is the sort of place where you go in without needing anything and still come out with something.

Address: 23 Westbourne Arcade, Westbourne, Bournemouth BH4 9AY
Phone: 01202 769777

Instagram: attico.group

Click HERE to discover more

Images: Instagram

House of Heels is a family-run boutique specialising in women’s shoes and accessories.

The shop stocks a curated mix of boots, court shoes, sandals, loafers, trainers and occasion styles, with brands including Caprice, Tamaris, Peter Kaiser and Marco Tozzi. Its focus is very much on combining style with comfort, which makes it useful whether you are looking for everyday shoes or something for a wedding or special occasion.

The personal service is part of the appeal too, with the boutique run by husband-and-wife team Jo and Paul.

Address: 82A Poole Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth BH4 9DZ
Phone: 01202 761984

Instagram: houseofheelsboutique

Click HERE to discover more

Images: WestbourneLifestyle

Mabel & Jacks is one of Westbourne’s longest-standing specialist boutiques and one of the strongest examples of why independent shopping still matters.

The store specialises in lingerie, nightwear and swimwear, with more than 20 years of expertise and a free personalised bra-fitting service. Its ranges include brands such as Panache, Wacoal, Elomi, PrimaDonna and Gossard, with inclusive sizing extending to larger cup sizes and clothing sizes.

The boutique won the Personal Touch Award at the 2025 Stars Best Shop Awards, reflecting the sort of specialist service that can be difficult to replicate online.

Address: 64 Poole Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth BH4 9DZ
Phone: 01202 755677

Instagram: mabelandjacks

Click HERE to discover more

Images: WestbourneLifestyle

Westbourne’s boutique scene is not only aimed at women.

The Changing Room on Seamoor Road specialises in designer menswear, with brands including Armani, Hugo Boss, GANT, Lacoste, Paul Smith and CP Company among its collections. The shop also offers personal styling, private shopping and complimentary alterations on menswear purchases.

That combination makes it particularly useful if you are shopping for a special occasion or want more guidance than you would normally get from a larger department store.

Address: 9 Seamoor Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth BH4 9AA
Phone: 07836 781332

Instagram: thechangingroom_wb

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Images: WestbourneLifestyle

For something completely different, Overbury’s Fine Art Supplies adds another layer to Westbourne’s independent shopping mix.

Located in Westbourne Arcade, it specialises in professional and hobby art materials, including paints, papers, brushes and other creative supplies. It is exactly the kind of specialist shop that helps give Westbourne a more individual identity - useful for established artists, students and anyone who simply wants to try something creative.

Phone: 01202 116176

Instagram: overburysfineartssupplies

Click HERE to discover more

Images: WestbourneLifestyle

The Grade II-listed Westbourne Arcade is one of the neighbourhood’s biggest draws in its own right.

Built in 1884-85, the covered Victorian arcade links Poole Road and Seamoor Road and remains home to an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafés and specialist businesses. It even contains Bournemouth Colosseum,  the UK’s smallest cinema with just 19 seats.

The arcade gives Westbourne something many shopping districts lack: genuine character. Even if you are only passing through, it is worth slowing down and looking into the smaller businesses rather than treating it simply as a shortcut.

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Images: Westbournelifestyle

What makes Westbourne stand out is not one particular boutique.

It is the concentration of independents in such a small area.

You can browse gifts at Attico, find specialist footwear at House of Heels, book an expert fitting at Mabel & Jacks, explore designer menswear at The Changing Room and pick up art supplies at Overbury’s - all within a relatively short walk.

Add the cafés, restaurants and historic arcade and shopping in Westbourne feels more like an afternoon out than a list of errands.

That is exactly why it remains one of Bournemouth’s strongest destinations for anyone who wants to shop beyond the usual high-street names.