Bournemouth Central Beach

Probably one of the busiest and well known resorts in the country, Bournemouth’s central beach is one of the top attractions.

In fact Bournemouth Beach has been awarded the new Seaside Award, which replaced the Quality Coast award, by Keep Britain Tidy for its fantastic facilities and cleanliness.

Plus is was named best beach in the UK, as awarded by TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2018!

And it’s also the only seafront in the country to receive a silver standard award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme, a scheme aimed at promoting green friendly behaviour.

With glorious, pure golden sand, warm waters and a number of attractions nearby it is no surprise that it attracts thousands of visitors each year.

And when the sun does shine upon us the beach becomes a mecca for sunworshippers, in fact at some times it can be difficult to find a spot!



Of course Bournemouth was also the first place in the country to have beach huts, with the first one being built way back in 1909 and nowadays they are as popular as ever!

The daily and weekly charge varies depending upon the time of year and they also offer “block” periods. Full pricing details can be found on the Bournemouth Council website and bookings can be made by telephoning 01202 451781. You may also find some beach hut tenants that rent out their beach huts directly.

Beach wheelchairs are also available to hire for free, although a refundable deposit will be required, and the traditional deck chairs are also available to hire.

And if you need to escape from the beach for a while why not take a stroll along the Bournemouth Pier? The current pier was originally built in 1880 and has undergone numerous repairs and redevelopment over the years yet has not lost the original feel. The pier theatre was renovated in 2014 and is now home to RockReef, an indoor adventure centre featuring Clip ‘n’ Climb, a Pier Cave and Highline. And you will not want to miss the PierZip (not that you could as it stands at a height of 60ft!). It is the first pier to shore zip wire in the world and will have you wizzing over the waves to the beach below!

The pier also features an amusement arcade and a number of kiosks offering the traditional souvenirs. Local boat trips also stop at the pier, perfect for escaping the crowds on the beach and getting out to sea for a while!

You will also find a number of restaurants nearby such as the wonderful seafood restaurant West Beach which is directly on the beach and the modern Aruba restaurant which overlooks the pier. But if it’s just a quick bite you’re after then you’ll find the traditional fish and chips take-away nearby!

And of course the town centre is just a 10 minute stroll away through the beautiful Lower Gardens.

Bournemouth Beach also operates ‘Kidzone‘ a beach safety scheme which operates during the high season. You can obtain a free waterproof wristband from the seafront office or a member of the LV=Kidzone staff on which you write a contact number and attach to your child’s wrist. You then sit within the colour-coded beach markers matching the colour on your wristband. There are 8 colour coded zones between Southbourne and Alum Chine. If a child does get lost the seafront services team will co-ordinate with the RNLI and volunteer lifeguards, LV=KidZone staff and police in conducting a seafront-wide search to reunite the child with their family.

The popular land train runs from the pier to Boscombe pier one way and Alum Chine beach the other way and is a nice alternative to walking!

Beach Barbeques are permitted after 6pm. Disposable BBQ’s can be left beside the plastic bins along the promenade. Please ensure that you dowse hot coals first and take all rubbish with you. For BBQ’s of more that 30 people an application must first be submitted to the council.

Dogs are only allowed on Bournemouth Beach out of season, between 1st October and 30th April, and please remember to clean up after your dog and help keep Bournemouth Beach one of the best beaches in England!

The beach area here is also the centre for some of Bournemouth’s main events and attractions such as firework displays over the sea and the exciting and free air festival.

There are a number of car parks in the area and on-street parking, although this is metered and does fill up very quickly.

Bournemouth Beach Services & Amenities

• Lifeguards May to Sept, 10.00am – 6.00pm
• Toilets
• Drinking water points
• Outdoor showers
• Baby changing
• Beach huts
• Deck chairs
• Child friendly – Kidzone
• Beach shop/kiosk
• Traditional seaside pier
• Amusements
• Cafe/restaurant
• Land train
• Dog friendly (October to April only)
• Beach car park (Pay and Display) – Sat nav postcode: BH1 2EW
• Beach office