Bournemouth Β· Dorset

Bournemouth Beaches The Complete Guide

Seven miles of clean, sandy, Blue Flag beach from Alum Chine to Southbourne.

Bournemouth’s beaches are the reason most people come seven continuous miles of gently shelving golden sand, backed by cliffs, chines and a promenade you can walk end to end. Several hold Blue Flag and Seaside Award status for water quality and facilities.

They divide into five main beaches, west to east: Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Bournemouth Beach (by the pier), Boscombe and Southbourne each with its own character, from the quiet wooded chines in the west to the surf and watersports at Boscombe.

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Beach safety

Swim between the red-and-yellow flags where lifeguards are on patrol, check the tide before walking under the cliffs, and never use inflatables when the orange windsock is flying offshore winds can carry them out to sea.

Common Questions

Bournemouth Beaches The Complete Guide questions

Are Bournemouth's beaches sandy?

Yes the entire seven-mile stretch from Alum Chine to Southbourne is sand, making it one of the longest continuous sandy beaches in the UK.

Are dogs allowed on Bournemouth beach?

Dogs are welcome year-round on designated stretches (including parts of Southbourne, Alum Chine and Fisherman's Walk) and on all beaches outside the summer restriction, which runs roughly May to September on the central beaches.

Do Bournemouth beaches have lifeguards?

The main central beaches have RNLI lifeguard cover through the summer season, with flagged swimming zones. Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags.

Planning your visit?

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