Parks & Gardens

Parks & Gardens in Bournemouth

Bournemouth proudly maintains over 2000 acres of glorious parks and gardens – that equates to 20% of the entire borough!

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has been awarded 23 Green Flags which recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.  In addition Hengistbury Head have also achieved the much-coveted Green Heritage Site Accreditation for its management of the historic features.  More information can be found in the news release.

At the heart of the resort is a 1.5-mile stretch of historic Green Flag, grade II listed gardens, which retain much of their Victorian character and charm. Split into three distinct sections, they start at the Lower Gardens, which have the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award 2021 and lead through the Central Gardens onto the Upper Gardens which end in Poole.

There are 17,000 trees lining the streets of Bournemouth and 30,000 in our parks and gardens! The Bournemouth Tree Trail is a circular, flat walk that highlights some of the most beautiful species. Download or pick up a copy of the tree trail map at the Tourist Information Centre.

The Lower Gardens are renowned for their floral bedding displays throughout the year, which are designed to bring together brilliant colours, subtle textures, height variations and scent. They also play host to many events and attractions during the summer months including the Aviary,  Art Exhibition and concerts at the Bandstand.

Alum Chine boasts an award-winning tropical garden which was laid out with paths, borders and dry stonewalls in the 1920s to create a terrace garden overlooking the bay. There are now many unusual exotic plants in the gardens for people to discover and they also offer a viewing point for fabulous views of the bay.

Take the land train from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Chine Gardens, which features a children’s water play area, mini golf and café. A variety of trees grow on the banks of the chine and the gardens provide habitats for a range of wildlife.  There is a wildlife quiz trail along the pathway all about the plants and animals found in the gardens. While you’re in the area visit the Italianate Gardens just off Boscombe Cliff Road.

Bournemouth has ten sites which are officially designated Nature Reserves. Our green spaces are important havens for local wildlife and offer a wide range of habitats.

For wildlife lovers, Hengistbury Head– at the eastern end of this stretch of coastline – is teeming with life and you can get help with your explorations from the Visitor Centre (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award 2021) . Or head inland and visit one of the area’s more localised nature reserves – Stour Valley, Kinson Common and Turbury Common.