When flying along the south coast I made it clear in my initial call that I was going to be keeping clear of controlled airspace (they sounded busy, the small dogleg didn't bother me as I was out for an enjoyable bimble). As I turned over Sandbanks I was told that if I wanted to 'drift in' to CAS they wouldn't have a problem so long as I stayed below 2,000 feet.
Bournemouth Radar was indeed extremely busy yesterday, however we do endeavour to accommodate (and even offer) zone transits whenever possible. Particularly if it means a single can remain 'feet dry' Sandbanks - Hengistbury
