AWARD-WINNING beaches, Victorian-style piers and incredible sea views are just some of the reasons Bournemouth has become a popular travel destination this Easter.

Booking figures released by National Express show advance bookings to Bournemouth have increased by nearly a quarter compared to Easter last year.

The coach company is adding 13,000 extra coach seats to cope with demand over the Easter weekend - which is also a result of planned engineering work that is set to cause disruption for thousands of train travellers across the country.

Among the rail operators affected are Virgin West Coast, South West Trains, London Midland, Southern Virgin West Coast, Cross Country and First Transpennine.

And according to National Express spokesman, David Wrottesley, "it’s not hard to understand why tourists are head over heels for Bournemouth".

"With seven-miles of glorious beaches, cliff lifts offering incredible views, stunning Victorian Pleasure Gardens and the chance to discover some beautiful sea creatures at the aquarium, it's clear why Bournemouth is a cracking destination for visitors this Easter," he added.

National Express has a number of pick up points in Bournemouth, including Bournemouth Coach Station, Bournemouth Pier and Bournemouth University.