Only 180 years ago Bournemouth was just a small fishing village centred around a cleft in the shoreline from where the little River Bourne ran into the sea. From small beginnings as a resort, the arrival of the railway in 1870 gave a huge boost to the number of visitors and economic growth of the town.

The mild climate and the softness of the air filtering through the proliferation of pine trees that had been planted, made it an attractive destination for holidaymakers from throughout the country. It is now estimated that over 2 million people visit Bournemouth annually.

Neighbouring Poole lies beside the second largest natural harbour in the world. Poole harbour has been inhabited for over 2000 years. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries Poole became very prosperous due to its maritime trade but it had to wait until the 1960s for it to regain its real prosperity. The harbour, being so vast, shallow and weather protected, has become a favourite with sailors and wind surfers.

With this history and their superb natural setting, Bournemouth and Poole offer an array of enticing views, so fondly remembered by visitors, so proudly enjoyed by residents.

Through a superb collection of 60 evocative images acclaimed Dorset photographer Roger Holman truly captures the spirit of Bournemouth and Poole.