Bournemouth caravan parks provide a variety of self-catering accommodation options including static caravans, holiday lodges and touring pitches. These Bournemouth caravan parks are located close to the coast, offering convenient access to Bournemouth’s sandy beaches and local amenities. They cater to families, couples and groups seeking comfortable, flexible stays with facilities such as children’s play areas, on-site shops and leisure options.
This page details the main caravan and holiday parks in and around Bournemouth, covering their locations, accommodation types, facilities, accessibility and pricing. It also explains how to choose the right park for your needs and provides practical information on travel and booking.
Main Caravan and Holiday Parks in Bournemouth and Surrounding Area
Bournemouth and its nearby suburbs host several well-established Bournemouth caravan parks. Most are within 3 to 5 miles of the town centre and seafront, making them convenient bases for beach days and exploring local attractions.
- Compton Acres Holiday Park lies about 3 miles west of Bournemouth town centre, near Westbourne. It offers a mix of static caravans and holiday lodges set in landscaped grounds. The park includes a children’s play area and is approximately a 15-minute walk from Alum Chine beach, which has a Blue Flag award for water quality and facilities. Blue Flag status is an international eco-label awarded for clean and safe beaches.
- Hengistbury Head Holiday Park is situated on the eastern edge of Bournemouth, near Christchurch. It provides touring pitches for caravans and motorhomes alongside holiday lodges. The park borders the Hengistbury Head nature reserve, giving direct access to coastal paths and a quiet beach area popular for walking and birdwatching. Hengistbury Head is a designated Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest.
- Rossmore Leisure Park is located around 4 miles north of Bournemouth town centre, near Broadstone village. It specialises in static caravans and holiday lodges with on-site amenities including a convenience shop and children’s playground. The park is a short drive from Bournemouth’s main beaches and town centre.
- Bournemouth Sands Holiday Park sits close to the East Cliff, within walking distance of Bournemouth Pier and the town centre. It offers holiday lodges and caravans with facilities such as a café, secure parking and easy access to seafront attractions.
- Southbourne Holiday Park, about 3 miles east of Bournemouth town centre, provides static caravans and lodges close to Southbourne beach. The park features a children’s play area and is near local shops and cafes along the seafront.
These Bournemouth caravan parks vary in size and atmosphere. Some focus on family-friendly leisure with entertainment and play facilities, while others provide quieter surroundings near nature reserves or coastal trails.
Choosing a Bournemouth Caravan Park for Your Stay
Selecting the right Bournemouth caravan park depends on your priorities including accommodation type, facilities, location and the style of holiday you want.
Types of Accommodation
Most Bournemouth caravan parks offer static caravans, which are fully furnished units suitable for short breaks or longer stays. These typically include bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms and lounge areas. Static caravans vary in size from two to three bedrooms.
Holiday lodges are generally larger and more modern than caravans, often with better insulation, double glazing and features such as decking or hot tubs. Lodges suit visitors seeking more space and comfort.
Some Bournemouth caravan parks provide touring pitches for caravans, motorhomes or campervans. These pitches usually offer electric hook-ups and access to shared facilities such as showers and laundry.
Facilities and Activities
Family groups often prefer Bournemouth caravan parks with on-site children’s play areas, entertainment programmes and shops or cafés. For example, Compton Acres Holiday Park has a play area and landscaped gardens, while Bournemouth Sands Holiday Park includes a café and secure parking.
Bournemouth caravan parks close to natural reserves or coastal paths, such as Hengistbury Head Holiday Park, appeal to walkers, birdwatchers and those seeking peaceful surroundings. Some parks have leisure centres or swimming pools, though many focus on outdoor activities and easy access to the beach.
Location and Accessibility
Bournemouth caravan parks near Bournemouth town centre or the seafront enable easy walking access to restaurants, shops and attractions. Bournemouth Sands Holiday Park is within 10 minutes’ walk of Bournemouth Pier and the town’s shopping areas.
Bournemouth caravan parks on the outskirts, such as Rossmore Leisure Park and Hengistbury Head Holiday Park, offer quieter, more rural settings with more green space. These may require a car or local bus to reach the beach and town centre.
Costs and Booking Information for Bournemouth Caravan Parks
Prices vary by park, season, accommodation type and length of stay.
- Static caravans and holiday lodges typically range from around £300 to £700 per week during peak summer months (July and August). Off-peak rates, such as autumn and spring, can be significantly lower, often under £300 per week.
- Touring pitches for caravans and motorhomes generally cost between £20 and £40 per night depending on facilities and location. Some Bournemouth caravan parks offer discounts for longer stays or midweek bookings.
Additional charges may apply for electricity, gas, cleaning or linen hire. It is important to check the specific terms and inclusions with each Bournemouth caravan park before booking.
Most Bournemouth caravan parks require advance booking, especially during school holidays, weekends and bank holidays. Booking early is advisable to secure preferred dates and accommodation.
Getting to Bournemouth Caravan and Holiday Parks
Most Bournemouth caravan parks near Bournemouth are accessible by car, with free or paid parking provided on site. Bournemouth lies on the A338 trunk road, linking to the M27 and M3 motorways. This facilitates travel from London (around 2 hours by car) and other parts of southern England.
Public transport options include local buses connecting Bournemouth town centre with nearby Bournemouth caravan parks such as Compton Acres and Hengistbury Head. The nearest mainline train station is Bournemouth railway station, approximately 2 miles from the seafront. From the station, taxis and buses provide onward travel to Bournemouth caravan parks.
For visitors arriving by coach or public transport, some Bournemouth caravan parks offer shuttle services or can advise on local bus routes. Cycling is also possible, with some Bournemouth caravan parks located near designated cycle paths.
Who Uses Caravan and Holiday Parks in Bournemouth
Bournemouth caravan parks attract a wide range of visitors.
- Families with children often choose Bournemouth caravan parks with play areas, entertainment and easy beach access. The combination of self-catering accommodation and on-site facilities suits family holidays.
- Couples and retirees may prefer quieter Bournemouth caravan parks near natural reserves or coastal paths for walking, birdwatching and relaxation. Parks such as Hengistbury Head Holiday Park offer peaceful surroundings close to nature.
- Self-catering holidaymakers appreciate the flexibility of static caravans and holiday lodges at Bournemouth caravan parks, which provide kitchen facilities and comfortable living spaces near the coast.
- Touring caravanners and motorhome owners use the touring pitches at Bournemouth caravan parks as a base for exploring Bournemouth and the wider Dorset coastline. The parks provide electric hook-ups and access to local amenities.
Related Information and Further Reading
For more on Bournemouth’s outdoor attractions and activities, see the Things to Do section, which includes detailed guides to the Beaches and Attractions. To plan your trip, the Visitor Information page offers advice on travel and weather.
Accommodation options beyond Bournemouth caravan parks are covered in Where to Stay and Hotels. For family-friendly outings, the Bournemouth in the School Holidays guide is useful.