Following the latest government advice on social distancing and avoiding public gatherings, BCP Council is taking the sensible precaution to protect the public by reducing some non-essential council services.
- Public toilets are closed until further notice.
- Pier View Room & Branksome Dene Community Room are both closed
- Land trains at the Seafront & Hengistbury Head will not be operating
- Pier Arcade will be closed from Thursday 19th March until further notice
- No beach based RNLI Lifeguarding services are operating
Our seafront car parks, Upton Country Park and Hengistbury Head will be closed to minimise the risk of people congregating in large groups. Please stay at home and don't visit our beaches; for the sake of your health and those you love. We urge you to keep safe and avoid crowds.
Both Bournemouth and Poole Tourist Information Centre are closed, however members of the team will be monitoring emails and phone calls.
Love Beach Life… welcome to seven miles of award-winning beaches!
Nestled beneath a magnificent cliff line, the bay enjoys its own micro-climate, some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK and stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks. Whatever you want from a day at the beach, you’ll find it all here.
Whether it’s chilling on a deckchair, strolling along traditional seaside piers, relaxing in a hired beach hut, enjoying tasty food or just admiring miles of breath-taking coast line – Bournemouth beach is the ideal location whatever the weather or time of year. Every section of Bournemouth’s beach offers a different experience, so why not try out one of many superb water sports or enjoy plenty of family attractions at Pier Approach? There is a bit of the beach with your name on it!
Bournemouth’s stunning coastline is full of action all year round as it hosts fantastic events and festivals. In August, it’s the annual Bournemouth Air Festival – the biggest event of its kind in the world. Offering four days of fantastic flying displays, evening entertainment, shopping and much more – this FREE event is perfect for all ages and tastes. In October Bournemouth lights up with the Arts by the Sea Festival, with ten days of events, installations and experiences for everyone to enjoy.
In order to make your trip to the beach as enjoyable as possible, seafront offices are located across the seven miles with dedicated teams who can help you make the most of your day out, by providing information and LV=KidZone wristbands (July and August only). Deck chairs, sunbeds, windbreaks and parasols can all be hired along the beach – simply help yourself and an attendant will collect the hire charge once you’re settled.
For ease of access to the beach, Cliff Lifts are situated at West Cliff and Fisherman’s Walk, along side zigzag path ways. The Land Train also runs along the promenade – you can travel from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier; via Boscombe Precinct and Gardens; from Bournemouth Pier to Alum Chine; and along our new route from Boscombe Pier to Bournemouth Pier via the East Overcliff for spectacular bay views.
Between 1st May and 30th September, dogs must be kept on a lead on the promenades and paths at all times, and may only be exercised on certain sections of beach* see below.
Dog friendly beaches can be found at Alum Chine, Middle Chine, Fisherman’s Walk and Hengistbury Head between 1 May and 30 September:
The designated dog friendly beaches are as follows:
The border with Poole to Groyne 3 (Alum Chine beach office)
Groynes 5 to halfway between groyne 6 and 7 (Middle Chine to Durley Chine)
Groynes 36 to 45 (Fisherman’s Walk to Southbourne)
Groyne 45 to Hengistbury Head
Please be aware that reflected heat from the sea and sand can quickly create serious problems for dogs left in cars on the seafront.
Enquire at the new, award-winning Tourist Information Centre at Pier Approach, one of our seafront offices or pick up a leaflet when you’re here.
Once you’ve made the most of all our beaches, why not travel further along the Coast and check out more of the beautiful beaches in Dorset, including Poole beaches.
Bournemouth is well known for its great variety of hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and self catering options situated along our stunning coastline. You’ll find luxury international hotel groups, national chains, beautiful boutique hotels, independent and family friendly hotels and guest houses, budget friendly hotels, a great choice of self catering options and caravan and camping parks along our neighbouring coastline and countryside.
A view of the Bournemouth & Poole coastline from Hengistbury Head to Sandbanks
Discover, explore and be inspired by our 10 miles of beautiful coastline!
Beneath the magnificent cliffs, you'll find Bournemouth and Poole's 10 miles of award-winning beaches, from Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve in the East all the way across to Sandbanks in the West.
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Stunning, contemporary Lodges, situated on elevated decking just a few steps away from the soft, beautiful sands of Bournemouth beach, offering picturesque uninterrupted sea views
