Bournemouth Beaches
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.
Bournemouth has four Blue Flag beaches - Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman's Walk and Southbourne.
Bournemouth Beach is also one of the safest beaches in the UK with RNLI Lifeguards based all the way along our seven mile stretch of beach – full season cover runs from 30 April to 30 September.
Dogs on Beaches
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:
Border with Poole to Groyne 3 (Alum Chine beach office)
Groynes 5 to 7 (Middle Chine to Durley Chine)
Groynes 32 to 41 (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.
Click here to view the Bournemouth beaches guide
Click here to view beach safety information
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.
