Bournemouth Beach Guide

Buckets and spades at the ready...

Buckets and spades at the ready...​

With so many incredible beaches to choose from, Bournemouth really is a sand and surf lover’s dream! Whether you want to relax with a good book, enjoy a seaside stroll, or grab a board and hit the waves, you’ll find plenty of options.

RICH IN HISTORY

Hengistbury Head

The beautiful Hengistbury Head is an area of special scientific interest, with archaeological sites from the Early Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman and Medieval period. It’s a popular spot for dog walking. However, swimming isn’t advised due to strong undercurrents.

A relaxing spot

Southbourne Beach

Southbourne Beach is much calmer with fewer people and a more chilled-out feel. This makes it the perfect place to unwind and take in the sea air. You can park here for free before meandering your way down the zig-zag cliffs to the sandy shore. 

for seashore sports

Boscombe Beach

Boscombe is a continuation from Bournemouth beach and is busy with surf hire, volleyball, climbing, table tennis and other activities. It’s considered a reasonably safe spot for swimming and RNLI lifeguards are regularly at the area. You can also explore Boscombe Pier during your visit.

A UK FAVOURITE

Bournemouth Beach

With 5 Blue Flag Awards and 7 miles of soft golden sand, Bournemouth is considered one of the UK’s most popular beaches. And we can see why! There is plenty to do here, from sea swimming and zip wiring, to exploring the eateries and enjoying the pier amusements. 

popular among locals

Alum Chine Beach

Alum Chine is a Blue Flag beach and a popular choice among locals. It tends to be quieter and more relaxed than the bustling Bournemouth beach. if you’re bringing kids here, they will love the playground and tropical gardens. Plus, you can see the famous Old Harry Rocks.

watersports and more

Sandbanks Beach (Poole)

A 30-minute drive from Summerbreeze, Sandbanks is a beautiful Blue Flag beach with plenty to see and do. Hire a paddleboard, kayak, jet ski, or dinghy from the Watersports Academy, or take a boat trip to Brownsea Island, which is the largest of the islands sitting in Poole Harbour. 

feeling abroad

Studland Beach (Poole)

With its rolling sand dunes, it’s tempting to sit on the shore of Studland Beach and imagine you’re in Mexico. This is a remote, yet very beautiful, beach that extends across 4 miles of coastline. The sheltered shores tend to be a good area for swimming and dogs are welcome all year round.

Hengistbury Head
rich in history

Hengistbury Head

The beautiful Hengistbury Head is an area of special scientific interest, with archaeological sites from the Early Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman and Medieval period. It’s a popular spot for dog walking. However, swimming isn’t advised due to strong undercurrents.

Southbourne Beach
a relaxing spot

Southbourne Beach

Southbourne Beach is much calmer with fewer people and a more chilled-out feel. This makes it the perfect place to unwind and take in the sea air. You can park here for free before meandering your way down the zig-zag cliffs to the sandy shore. 

Boscombe Beach
for seashore sports

Boscombe Beach

Boscombe is a continuation from Bournemouth beach and is busy with surf hire, volleyball, climbing, table tennis and other activities. It’s considered a reasonably safe spot for swimming and RNLI lifeguards are regularly at the area. You can also explore Boscombe Pier during your visit.

a UK favourite

Bournemouth Beach

With 5 Blue Flag Awards and 7 miles of soft golden sand, Bournemouth is considered one of the UK’s most popular beaches. And we can see why! There is plenty to do here, from sea swimming and zip wiring, to exploring the eateries and enjoying the pier amusements. 

Alum Chine
popular among locals

Alum Chine Beach

Alum Chine is a Blue Flag beach and popular choice among locals. It tends to be quieter and more relaxed than the bustling Bournemouth beach. if you’re bringing kids here, they will love the playground and tropical gardens. Plus, you can see the famous Old Harry Rocks.

Sandbanks Beach and Poole Harbour
watersports and more

Sandbanks Beach (Poole)

A 30 minute drive from Summerbreeze, Sandbanks is a beautiful Blue Flag beach with plenty to see and do. Hire a paddle board, kayak, jet ski or dinghy from the Watersports Academy, or take a boat trip to Brownsea Island, which is the largest of the islands sitting in Poole Harbour. 

Sandbanks Beach and Poole Harbour
feeling abroad

Studland Beach (Poole)

With its rolling sand dunes, it’s tempting to sit on the shore of Studland Beach and imagine you’re in Mexico. This is a remote, yet very beautiful, beach that extends across 4 miles of coastline. The sheltered shores tend to be a good area for swimming and dogs are welcome all year round.

Your questions

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a question we're asked quite a bit, but the truth is, each beach offers something different. In summary, Hengistbury Head is great to take the dog and dog walks. Bournemouth, Southbourne, Boscombe, Alum Chine and Sandbanks beaches are sandy, safe and shallow and great for swimming and building sandcastles. Head to Central Bournemouth if you want lots to do and see with lots of other attractions. 

Yes, the closest sandy beach is Southbourne beach and would take an hour to cycle there. It is a little hilly in areas.