Bournemouth Beach (Bournemouth, United Kingdom)
Welcome to Bournemouth Beach!
A firm favourite with holidaying Brits for decades and voted the fifth best beach in all of Europe by a recent online poll, Bournemouth Beach - an arcing seven-mile belt of unbroken golden sand - is the English seaside at its very best. Standing beneath a striking cliff line and dotted with pretty wooded valleys (“chines”), Poole Bay, as it’s known locally, is a mighty fine-looking stretch of coast, alright. Throw in the fact the bay has its own micro-climate, boasts some of the mildest sea temperatures in Britain and offers sweeping views of the Isle of Wight and Purbeck Hills, and it’s easy to see why holidaymakers descend here in the thousands, year after year after year.
And with no fewer than nine separate beach areas: Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne, Branksome Chine, Canford Cliffs, Shore Road, and Sandbanks holding coveted Blue Flag environmental awards, you’re pretty much assured of finding your perfect day out at the beach, whatever that may be.
Seaside Fun: Things to do in Bournemouth
Bournemouth’s quaint Victorian pier is a fine place to kick off any visit to Bournemouth Beach. Fairground rides and amusement arcades provide casual fun while an indoor climbing wall and cross water zipline offer more thrilling distractions. The beaches on either side of the pier tend to get very busy when the Bournemouth weather boils over, although frequent boat trips, along with the genteel beauty of the nearby Lower Gardens, offer a welcome change of pace.
Stroll up and down the handy zig-zag paths carved into the cliffs to explore the East Cliff as far as Boscombe, where trendy bars and casual eateries await. From there you can catch the child-friendly land train back to Bournemouth Pier, or keep strolling toward the peace of Southbourne and the stunning headland scenery of Hengistbury Head.
Head west from Bournemouth Pier and you’ll eventually come to the millionaire’s playground that is Sandbanks, a diminutive yet highly exclusive peninsula that now boasts the fourth highest land value (by area) on the planet. Take in the luxe properties and panoramic ocean views and you’ll soon wish you had £10m+ to spare.
Take Your Pick of Bournemouth Beach Hotels
With accommodation options ranging from international hotels and guest houses to the ever-popular seaside bed & breakfast, Bournemouth is well set up to welcome travellers on all budgets.
If you’re looking to wind down during your visit then head for the Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel. As well as an indoor pool, three plunge pools and an aromatherapy cave, this conveniently located spa hotel also boasts a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool.
Those in search of fine views will certainly appreciate the seafront setting of the Cumberland Hotel - Oceana Collection. An outdoor pool and charming 1930s features make this stylish art deco property a perennial favourite too.
Our pick for a ‘classic’ seaside hotel would have to be the Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth Carlton. Characterised by traditional guest rooms and a swish, high-ceilinged restaurant, this grand hotel with sea views evokes the golden age of the British seaside holiday with suitable elegance and grace.
Contact
Bournemouth Seafront Information Centre, BH2 5AA, Telephone: +44 (1202) 451781 | Fax: +44 (1202) 451780 | Official site