Bournemouth Beach is the heart of the resort the wide, golden stretch of sand directly beneath the pier, where most people picture a Bournemouth beach day. It’s the busiest and best-equipped of the town’s beaches, and the easiest to reach: the pier, the Lower Gardens and the Oceanarium are all right behind it.
What to expect
The sand shelves gently into Poole Bay, which keeps the water shallow and calm close to shore reassuring with children. Through the summer, RNLI lifeguards patrol between flags, and you’ll find deckchairs and beach huts for hire, ice-cream kiosks and cafés strung along the promenade.
Getting there
Bournemouth Beach is a ten-minute walk downhill from the town centre and train links, straight through the Lower Gardens to the pier. There’s step-free access via the promenade, and beach wheelchairs can be booked in season.
Nearby
Walk out along Bournemouth Pier for the best view back over the bay, or follow the promenade east towards Boscombe and its watersports.
