Bournemouth (/ ˈ b ɔːr n m ə θ / ⓘ BORN-məth) is a coastal resort town in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole unitary authority area, in the ceremonial county of Dorset, England. The 2021 census built-up area had a population of 196,455, making it the largest town in Dorset.