Carlo Simone

Highlands End Holiday Park near Eype in Dorset has been named one of the UK's outstanding family campsites for 2026 by Campsites.co.uk. It was one of 47 sites highlighted from a wider list of 123, alongside four other Dorset locations. The park was praised for its Jurassic Coast clifftop setting, sea views, swimming pool, FootGolf course, playgrounds, alpacas, seasonal entertainment, wellness facilities, restaurant and shop. It has a 4.82 out of 5 rating, with 98% of visitors saying they would recommend it.

A local guide suggests ways to spend a day across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, including visiting beaches, walking at Hengistbury Head, exploring Stanpit Marsh, touring the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum and Christchurch Priory, and visiting Poole Quay and Bournemouth Oceanarium. Dining recommendations include Chez Fred, Guildhall Tavern and The Jetty. The guide draws on reader suggestions and emphasizes the area’s coastal scenery, wildlife, heritage attractions, leisure venues and food offerings.

Three residents in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area won £25,000 each in NS&I’s August 2026 Premium Bonds draw. BCP residents won £396,000 in total across 183 prizes, down from £619,000 in July. The winners can check their awards through the NS&I website or app using their holder or NS&I number. NS&I selects winners monthly using ERNIE, a quantum-technology random-number system.

England will ban the sale of high‑caffeine energy drinks to under‑16s starting in April 2027 to address concerns about anxiety, poor sleep and reduced concentration among children. The policy, backed by teaching unions and the Department of Health and Social Care, will require retailers to enforce age restrictions and could result in fines for violations. The British Soft Drinks Association opposes the measure, arguing existing voluntary practices already limit youth access and that most caffeine consumed by minors comes from other sources. The devolved nations are also considering similar bans.

Bournemouth and Poole ranked in the lower half of Which?’s 2026 survey of 135 UK seaside towns, placing 101st and 84th. Bournemouth scored well for its beach but low in areas such as value for money, scenery, attractions, shopping and parking. Poole received stronger overall ratings but still scored poorly for peace and quiet, parking and value for money. Swanage and Lyme Regis performed significantly better, while Bamburgh topped the list and Bognor Regis placed last.

Knoll Beach and Hive Beach in Dorset were named among the UK’s top 50 beaches for 2026 by The Times and The Sunday Times, based on criteria including cleanliness, facilities, accessibility and community engagement. Knoll Beach, part of Studland Bay, is noted for its natural coastline, family‑friendly shallow waters and National Trust amenities. Hive Beach, also owned by the National Trust, is recognised for its shingle shoreline, Jurassic Coast cliffs and the popular Hive Beach Cafe, supported by positive visitor reviews.