Alum Chine Beach

A chine beach

A chine is a steep, wooded valley that cuts down through the cliff to the sea, and Alum Chine is the largest of Bournemouth’s four. The beach at its foot is a Blue Flag beach. Unlike the pier beaches to the east, this is a family stretch with a children’s play area, a kiosk selling refreshments and ice cream, and restaurants. There is also a garden, drinking water and a beach office.

Lifeguards and swimming

RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach. On the council’s lifeguard page, Alum Chine is covered from late May to early September. Red and yellow flags mark the patrolled area. Treat swimming with caution and check the dates in force before you go.

Dogs

From 1 May to 30 September dogs are not allowed on Alum Chine’s main beach. On the promenade, paths and zig zags they must be on a lead at all times. The beach has a dog wash, which is useful in the cooler months when dogs are allowed. The council’s Alum Chine page carries the current rule, and a separate council page lists beaches open to dogs all year.

Parking and facilities

The nearest car park is the Alum Chine car park. Facilities include toilets, an accessible toilet and showers. The accessible toilets are seafront unisex facilities with RADAR key access, next to the children’s playpark. Open fires and camping are not permitted on any BCP beach at any time.

Access

There is a beach office on the seafront. The accessible toilets beside the playpark need a RADAR key, so bring one if you need it, and check the council’s page for what else is provided.

Along the coast

For the central strip with the pier, see Bournemouth Beach. Further west, Branksome Chine Beach is the next of the chines.