CHARMINSTER lies within the BH8 catchment and is a growing suburb.

Charminster is one of the oldest parts of Bournemouth, having grown rapidly before World War I.

Many of the shops and services available in the suburb have been established for a number of years.

The first post office in Charminster opened in 1899 and, as early as 1901, John Arthur set up a photographic studio.

By 1903 the original 11 shop had grown to 52, including grocers, butchers and drapers, quickly followed by picture frame makers, a bazaar, fancy repository and wardrobe dealer.

The Roman Catholic Church of the Annunciation, one of many places of worship in Charminster, was completed in 1907.

The Church of St Francis, consecrated on October 3, 1930, dominated the valley below from the highest point of what was by then an almost completely built-up Charminster Road.

The village name derives from the River Cerne and the small minster church of St Mary, resulting in Cernminster, which evolved into Charminster.

Today, Charminster is a thriving cosmopolitan community that fuses a wealth of cultures and influences along its bustling high street with international restaurants, cafes and wine bars, as well as some great specialist independent shops providing unique and varied choices, in a lively, trendy atmosphere.

Due to its close proximity to Bournemouth University, Charminster is home to a large number of students in term time and that influx of youth ensures the area is at the cutting edge of society.

Travel eastwards and you’ll reach Queens Park.

The area used to be common land for local villagers to graze animals and cultivate turf but the vast majority of the parkland is now taken up by the prestigious golf course.