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 with the sand between your toes, strolling along the pier, relaxing in with an ice cream, building sandcastles, 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 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 has been ranked as the NUMBER ONE beach in the UK by TripAdvisor in 2024. Among the many voters comments, praising the golden sand, brilliant walks, cleanliness, and stunning views, was this from visitor Daisy700 that sums it up perfectly: 'Couldn’t believe how beautiful it was. Honestly, felt like being abroad. Nice clean sand, clear blue skies, and blue water'.
Dogs are allowed on all beaches from 1 October to 30 April. At all times, you must clean up after your dog. Failure to comply risks a fine of up to £1000.
From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are not allowed on any of our Blue Flag or Seaside Award beaches, and dogs must be kept on the lead on all promenades, piers, zig zags, and footpaths at all times.
The beaches that can be used for dog walking all year round are:
Bournemouth beaches
Western side of the Alum Chine Beach Office to Branksome Chine Beach Office, Poole
Middle Chine to Durley Chine
East of Fisherman’s Walk beach to Southbourne
Hengistbury Head
Christchurch beaches
Mudeford Sandbank
Gundimore Beach
Friars Cliff Beach (only between the wave wall and Groyne H4 at Highcliffe Beach)
Highcliffe Beach (no dogs between groynes H4 and H8 from 1 May to 30 September)
Poole beaches
Eastern side of Branksome Chine beach office to the Western side of the Alum Chine Beach Office, Bournemouth
Western end of Sandbanks promenade to Haven Point by the chain ferry
Guide dogs are allowed on all our beaches all year round, but only when working, in a harness, and controlled by a lead.
Beach hut hire
You can sit back and relax in one of Bournemouth's many beach huts available to hire throughout the year, for more information please visit the beach hut hire page.
KidZone
Free to all visitors and residents, the KidZone is a beach safety scheme which protects and reunites lost children and vulnerable adults with their families or guardians during the busy summer months by the sea. The KidZone scheme runs from 14 July up to (and including) 3 September.
Stay in touch – Stay together – Stay safe
Grab a free wristband from the KidZone, BCP Seafront Staff or RNLI Lifeguard Towers
Write a parent or guardian’s mobile number on the wristband of your child or vulnerable adult
Agree on a safe meeting place in case you get split up, like the RNLI Lifeguard Towers
Stay close, and don’t let your child go near the sea without you
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Bournemouth ranked amongst the child-friendly beaches in England
New research from Twinkl found that Bournemouth was the most child-friendly beach for families in England, as featured in Twinkl’s Family Day at the Beach and Out and About summer initiatives.
Looking for accommodation in Bournemouth… a perfect place to stay by the sea…
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.
Bournemouth Beach tops TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards Best Beaches 2019
WOOOO! THANK YOU ALL! Bournemouth Beach tops the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2019 for Best Beaches AGAIN! Voted #1 in the UK, #6 in Europe & #20 Worldwide!!🌍#LoveBournemouth🏆🌊☀️🤩 www.bournemouth.co.uk
Boscombe Pier is the perfect vantage point to watch volleyball, table tennis and swingball on the beach. If you are feeling adventurous, try scaling the nearby, purpose built boulders next to the pier or have a go at slacklining!
Manor Steps is a Blue Flag beach in a delightful, quieter location on Bournemouth's seafront. An ideal family choice for a day or a stay at the beach, Manor Steps is close to amenities and restaurants.
A firm fixture in Dorset’s social calendar, Sandpolo brings world-class polo to Sandbanks in Poole. The unique, high-energy format makes one of the oldest equestrian sports easier for both newcomers to follow, and dedicated polo fans to enjoy.
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