bournemouth beach
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Bournemouth Beach

Beaches

Bournemouth beach is one of the most visited beaches in the South West. It was voted the best beach in the UK and has received international acclaim, coming 20th in the world in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards.

Visitors flock to the area to enjoy the beautiful golden sands, crystal clear waters and spectacular views across the bay towards the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Purbeck in the distance. Whether you want an action-packed beach day filled with adrenaline fuelled activities or a lazy afternoon enjoying the sunshine whilst reading a good book, you’re sure to find it on this pristine stretch of sand.

Family friendly beach 

Bournemouth beach is well suited to visitors with children thanks to the variety of facilities and entertainment options on offer. It is well served by a number of bars, cafes and restaurants as well as kiosk selling beach essentials. A land train runs along the promenade, providing the perfect transport option for tiered little legs.

During July and August visitors can collect a coloured wrist band from the beach services office, on which you can write your contact details for your children to wear. The colours correspond to the area of the beach you choose to sit.

Bournemouth beach is said to boast some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK. There are lifeguards on duty throughout the day from 30th April to 30th September.

Hire facilities

Bournemouth has been credited with being the first seaside resort in the UK to have beach huts, with the first one dating back to 1909. Today, beach huts remain available to rent on a daily, weekly or even seasonal basis and come in a variety of size and colours. There are also, deckchairs, windbreaks, sunbeds and parasols for hire.

Bournemouth Beach Pier

Bournemouth Pier is a hive of activity, especially during the summer months. There’s a variety of kiosks selling food and drink as well as souvenirs. There’s also an amusement arcade to while away an afternoon.

If you’re looking for a wet weather activity or an adrenaline fuelled activity to keep the kids entertained, make sure you take some time to visit RockReef. With a variety of climbing walls, a vertical slide and even an artificial cave, it’s the perfect place to let younger members run wild and burn off some steam.

From the end of the pier there’s even a zipline, which you can take all the way to the shore if you’re feeling brave. At 250 metres above the waves, thrill seekers can enjoy spectacular views and the excitement of the wind whizzing through your hair.

Bournemouth beach events 

Bournemouth beach plays host to a number of events throughout the year, which draw thousands of visitors from around the country and even further afield. Perhaps the most popular is the annual Bournemouth Air Festival, which offers four days of free air displays and live entertainment. Other events include the Arts by the Sea Festival and numerous fireworks displays.

Accessibility 

All-terrain wheelchairs are available to hire free of charge, although there is a security deposit payable at the time of collection.

Dogs on Bournemouth Beach

Dogs are only allowed on Bournemouth beach between 1st October and 30th April. 

Getting to Bournemouth Beach 

There are a number of pay and display car parks situated within walking distance of Bournemouth beach.

Directions

Follow signs to Poole and then signs to Bournemouth

Attraction information

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What our guests think

quote marks You’ve converted me to camping! (Or glamping in my case!). I just wanted to thank you for such a lovely stay.... quote marks Sophie, Apr 2024

quote marks Thank you for making our stay so fantastic. For your complete commitment to us during our stay - thank you.... quote marks Mark and Stella , Mar 2024

quote marks What a fabulous place! Our first outing in our new campervan to try it out, the campsite and facilities are... quote marks thewardrobem, Nov 2023

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