There is something truly special about Bournemouth as the sun goes down. Whether you are grabbing a bite to eat after a day on the beach, catching a show, or meeting friends for drinks, our vibrant town centre has just been officially recognised as one of the best and safest places for a night out. We are incredibly proud to announce that Bournemouth has retained its prestigious Purple Flag status for the 15th year in a row.

You might already know about the Blue Flag awards that proudly fly over our beautiful beaches. The Purple Flag is the night-time equivalent. Run by the Association of Town and City Management, this international accreditation rewards towns that demonstrate excellence in managing their evening economy between 5pm and 5am. For our residents and visitors, it is a fantastic reassurance that Bournemouth is a secure, entertaining, and welcoming place for everyone.

A Community Effort

‍Keeping our town centre thriving and safe is a real collaborative effort. This 15th consecutive win is the result of brilliant teamwork led by the Bournemouth Town Centre BID, working closely alongside BCP Council, Dorset Police, Townwatch, Bournemouth University, Morebus, and our dedicated local street pastors.

Together, these partners use smart safety initiatives like SentrySIS, a shared crime-reporting platform for police and local businesses, alongside highly visible policing. As David Sidwick, the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, noted, it is this commitment that ensures you can enjoy our town with total confidence, day or night.

A World-Class Experience

‍A great evening out is about more than just feeling secure. The Purple Flag assessors look at the whole picture, from our rich mix of restaurants, bars, and cultural venues to how easy it is to get a bus home. This award proves that Bournemouth delivers a world-class visitor experience across the board.

It is also brilliant news for our student community. With thousands of students calling Bournemouth home, the Students' Union at Bournemouth University highlighted how this award offers vital peace of mind to parents who want to know their loved ones are safe while enjoying everything the coast has to offer.

Plan Your Next Night Out

‍Bournemouth is now one of just 100 Purple Flag destinations worldwide. It is a wonderful testament to the hard work happening behind the scenes to keep our town a place we all love to live in and visit.

Whether you are planning a relaxed family dinner, a weekend coastal getaway, or a lively night out with friends, you know you are in good hands.

Ready to plan your next evening out? Head over to our Food & Drink and Things to Do pages to discover the very best of Bournemouth after dark.