Northbourne stands on what was once part of the Ensbury Estate one of the earliest settlements that sprung up along the River Stour before Bournemouth was founded.
The historic Grade II Listed Dower House in Wimborne Road is to the west of the suburb.
Hill View road links Northbourne to Redhill.
There are several Gateways on to The Stour and the scenic Stour Valley Nature Reserve which runs along down to the Hamlets of Throop and Holdenhurst creating a series of countryside Walks The former Old Vicarage serves as a Toby Carvery.
Northbourne is part of the Bournemouth West parliamentary constituency.