Boscombe Green Bowling Club

Lawn bowling isn't everyone's idea of a thrilling afternoon, but there's something genuinely absorbing about watching the bowls roll across the green at Boscombe. The club sits just outside Christchurch, and it's the sort of place where retired couples spend their summers and club members treat the sport with proper dedication.

You'll see the immaculate green - and I mean immaculate, these clubs don't mess about with maintenance - flanked by benches where spectators can sit and follow the matches. The atmosphere is respectful, almost meditative. It's not a tourist trap; it's a working sports club, so you'll want to ring ahead and check whether visitors can watch or if you need to be a member.

This works best if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Meadowbank Holidays or Sandhills Holiday Park and fancy a gentler afternoon. Families with fidgety kids will find it dull after twenty minutes, but if you're the sort who appreciates watching a skilled game unfold - or you're genuinely interested in the sport - it's worth the detour from Christchurch.

The real value is as a slice of local life rather than a headline attraction. Go if you want to see how people actually spend their time here, not if you're ticking off must-dos. Allow an hour to watch a few ends and chat with members if they're friendly.