8 of the Best Beaches in Bournemouth

“Bournemouth is a classic British seaside town with seven miles (11km) of sandy coastline that stretches in an arc around Poole Bay. Many of the beaches in the area are Blue Flag awarded, with excellent waterside amenities to boot. Bournemouth itself is a buzzing resort town with plenty to keep families and friends occupied off the sand, too, whether it’s relaxing at a cafe or wandering around a local museum. Here’s our roundup of the best beach holidays in Bournemouth.

Bournemouth Beach
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Bournemouth Beach is the busiest beach in the area and the best option if you want to keep near to the action.

It’s right in the city centre, with cafes, ice cream shops, the Oceanarium, Bournemouth Gardens and the Bournemouth Big Wheel a step away.

There’s a walking and cycling promenade that runs west from Bournemouth Beach for three miles (5km) to Shore Road, while cliff lifts on either side of the pier provide access from the town centre to the sand. For an indoor diversion, the charming Russell-Cotes Museum is less than 10 minutes’ walk from the beach.

Durley Chine Beach
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A Blue Flag beach, Durley Chine Beach is half-mile (1km) west of Bournemouth Pier. While it’s a lot quieter than the central Bournemouth Beach, it still has the Chineside Café for tea and snacks, and the Durley Inn for pub grub and drinks, both with big open terraces overlooking the water.

Durley Chine Beach is especially good for families with young children, as there are easy-to-reach changing facilities and RNLI lifeguard stations.

Alum Chine Beach
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One of the most popular beaches in Bournemouth is Alum Chine Beach, another Blue Flag awardee with unspoilt sand. It’s great for kids thanks to a pirate-themed playground, baby-changing facilities and plenty of ice cream kiosks.

The serene Alum Chine Tropical Gardens is a five-minute walk up the hill from the beach. There’s also disabled access with free beach wheelchairs. Alum Chine is also great for dog owners, as there is a dog-friendly section running from the beach office to Branksome Dene.

Canford Cliffs Beach
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Canford Cliffs is the right place for a quiet stroll or swim, sitting about halfway between Poole and Bournemouth. There is a huge stretch of sand here, as well as a promenade and an ice cream kiosk.

Cafes and shops are a half-mile (1km) north in the village centre. Lifeguards are only present in July and August, and dogs aren’t allowed in summer.

Shore Road Beach
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At the west end of Poole Bay, near the start of the Sandbanks Peninsula, you’ll find Shore Road Beach, a sloping stretch of sand that’s great for swimming and watersports. Shore Road Beach gets very busy with surfers and paddlers, thanks to the Watersports Academy, which offers all types of water activities, including kitesurfing, windsurfing, sea kayaking and paddleboarding.

All the usual amenities are present: cafes, changing rooms and kiosks. Dogs are only allowed from October to April.

Sandbanks Beach
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Out at the very southwestern tip of the Bournemouth coast is Sandbanks Beach, a busy peninsular community with golden-sand along the southern side. In summer, it’s a great place for a party, as the British Beach Polo Championships are held here.

As with the above, all the usual amenities are present, including several cafes overlooking the sand, as well as a barbecue area and a crazy golf course. For dinner, pop in for lobster or Dover sole at Rick Stein’s Sandbanks.

Boscombe Beach
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A land train and promenade connects Bournemouth town centre to Boscombe Beach a mile and a half (2.5km) to the east.

This is a great beach for sporty types, as you’ll find surf shops, sand volleyball nets, a bouldering area and even beach yoga classes. All the typical amenities are present, including promenade cafes and kiosks.

Southbourne Beach
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Southbourne Beach is four miles (6km) east of Bournemouth Pier, situated near the sleepy community of Sandbourne. Though there’s plenty of sand-and-shingle beach to attract surfers and families, the real draw here is the network of clifftop pathways that offers coastal walks with stunning views.

The Fisherman’s Walk Nature Trail leads from Southbourne Grove down towards Portman Crescent, from where you can carry on down a zigzag walk to the beach or take the 1930s cliff lift.

Find somewhere to stay by checking out our hotels in Bournemouth.”

Do you enjoy days out with the family? Discover more beach holidays in the United Kingdom.