Why Move to Westbourne

Westbourne has quietly established itself as one of the South Coast's most desirable postcodes. This tree-lined enclave perfectly balances village vibes with urban sophistication, offering residents a delightful mix of independent boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and that all-important community spirit. Dive into our guide to why Westbourne continues to be one of the South Coast's best-kept secrets.

Westbourne's rental market offers genuine variety, from converted Victorian villas around Poole Road and Seamoor Road commanding £1,200-£1,800 for a two-bed flat, to substantial family homes on the tree-lined streets like Augusta Road and St Michael's Road where four-bedroom properties can reach £2,500-£3,200 monthly. The sweet spot for many renters is the area between Westbourne village and Alum Chine, where you'll find well-maintained Edwardian terraces and purpose-built blocks within a 10-minute walk of both the high street and beach. Properties closest to the seafront naturally carry a premium, whilst those tucked behind the main Poole Road drag offer better value without sacrificing the Westbourne lifestyle. Most landlords expect a minimum 12-month tenancy, and competition is fierce during the summer months when properties can receive multiple applications within days of listing. The local letting agents like Winkworth and Chesterton Humberts dominate the market, though increasingly you'll find quality properties advertised directly by landlords on Rightmove and Zoopla. Parking can be a deal-breaker for many properties, particularly the period conversions, so factor in the potential £100+ annual cost for a residents' permit if off-street parking isn't included.

When it comes to giving your children the best start in life, Westbourne's educational offerings are hard to beat. Talbot Heath School on East Overcliff Drive, an independent day school for girls aged 3-18, consistently ranks among the top schools in the South West, with A-level results that regularly see 85% of grades at A*-B. Grammar school hopefuls are brilliantly positioned, with both Bournemouth School for Boys and Bournemouth School for Girls accepting significant numbers of Westbourne pupils each year - the former achieving 98% A*-C GCSE grades and the latter boasting Oxbridge entry rates of around 15% annually. St Michael's Church of England Primary School provides an excellent faith-based option with strong community ties, whilst the innovative Livingstone Academy brings a fresh approach to primary education with its focus on creative learning and outstanding pastoral care. What's particularly clever about Westbourne's location is that you're also within the catchment area for some of Poole's top-performing schools, including Poole High School, giving you genuine choice when decision time arrives. Add in excellent nursery provision at places like Westbourne House Nursery and the proximity to both Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth, and you've got educational provision sorted from cradle to career.

Image from Talbot Heath School

Getting about from Westbourne is refreshingly straightforward, making it the perfect base for exploring the wider area or commuting further afield. The train journey time between Westbourne and Bournemouth Station is around 6 min and covers a distance of around 3 miles, with services departing every 30 minutes from nearby Branksome station. This makes popping into Bournemouth town centre for shopping, dining, or catching onward trains to London absolutely effortless. The bus network is equally impressive, with several bus lines including the 16, 18, M1, and M2 stopping near Westbourne, whilst the Unibus U4 provides a direct link to Bournemouth University. Getting to Poole takes just 7 minutes, opening up the beautiful harbour town and its excellent shopping at Dolphin Quays, not to mention access to the Sandbanks peninsula and chain ferry. Morebus also runs regular routes that extend further out to Salisbury, Swanage and the Purbecks, so whether you're after a day trip to Corfe Castle or fancy exploring the Jurassic Coast, you're brilliantly connected without needing to worry about parking or navigating country lanes.

Westbourne, Dorset offers a delightfully diverse shopping experience centered around independent, locally-owned businesses that prioritize personal service and expertise. The village boasts an exceptional collection of artisanal food shops including French patisseries, expert butchers, award-winning cheese and wine bars, and specialty delis, alongside well-curated boutiques for women's, men's, and children's fashion that range from contemporary cool to vintage glamour. Creative souls are well-served by established music shops dating back to the 1920s and fine art galleries, while practical needs are met through quality DIY stores, professional kitchen designers, and reliable pharmacies that offer personalized care. The area also features an impressive array of charity shops perfect for unique finds, complemented by convenient chain stores and specialty gift shops housed in charming locations like the historic Westbourne Arcade. What truly sets Westbourne apart is the genuine passion and knowledge of its shopkeepers, who transform routine errands into enjoyable experiences through their commitment to quality, sustainability, and personal service.

For more details, check out our guide to Westbourne's shopping highlights

Images from ROSE the store

Westbourne boasts a remarkably vibrant community spirit supported by an impressive network of clubs and associations that cater to diverse interests and skill levels.

The area's social fabric is strengthened by traditional establishments like the Conservative clubs offering live music, sports viewing, and social activities, alongside community-focused organizations such as the Rotary Club and specialized support groups like Say Aphasia.

Creative pursuits flourish through cultural venues including the prestigious Bournemouth Arts Club with its annual exhibitions and member-elected system, and the relaxed JAM Art Club offering life drawing sessions in a pub setting.

The performing arts scene is particularly dynamic, featuring everything from the accomplished Centre Stage School of Dance teaching 400 students aged 2-19, to the friendly Chicken Soup Choir welcoming singers without auditions, the 40-strong Westbourne Orchestra performing charitable concerts, and specialized dance schools like Tango Fandango and WABS that stage major productions at venues like the Pavilion.

Sports enthusiasts are equally well-served with facilities ranging from traditional bowling clubs at Argyll Gardens and Branksome Park, to tennis courts with floodlit facilities and onsite cafés. You can try out martial arts training through JKA Karate Club, or improve your running abilities at Westbourne Running Club. It is also worth mentioning the inclusive Victoria Community Boccia Club for people with disabilities, as well as Branksome Chine Surf Lifesaving Club which provides beach safety training.

This rich tapestry of organizations creates multiple pathways for residents to connect, learn, contribute to charity, express their creativity, and maintain physical fitness while building lasting friendships within the community.

For more details, check out our guides to Westbourne's social clubs, cultural and arts clubs, sports and fitness clubs, and performing arts, music, and dancing clubs

Image from the Chicken Shop Choir

This little pocket of foodie heaven serves up everything from The Westbourne Grill House's legendary steaks and Chez Fred's award-winning fish and chips, to Mediterranean delights at Romanzo Greek Taverna and authentic Asian cuisine at spots like Dilli Haat and Art Sushi. The café scene is equally brilliant – Le Petit Prince Patisserie brings proper French flair whilst Maravi roasts their beans on-site for coffee perfectionists, and Lollipops Cafe is an absolute godsend for parents needing their caffeine fix alongside soft play. For a proper seaside treat, you've got stunners like Chineside at Durley Chine offering beach views with your brunch, and the much-talked-about Rockwater Branksome has quickly become the place to see and be seen since opening. Whether you're after a lazy weekend brunch, refined dining at Dane & Port, or just fancy a pint at The Libertine, everything's within an easy stroll along Poole Road and the surrounding streets. You'll never be stuck for somewhere delicious to eat in this little corner of foodie paradise.

For more details, check out our guide to Westbourne's best eateries

Images from The Hutch