Photo: andreboeni / Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Boscombe Beach
Sandy beach beside Boscombe Pier with Mobi-Mat access in summer, surfing equipment hire, climbing boulders, RNLI lifeguards and a lead rule on the promenade.
At a Glance
Beach Type
sandy
Lifeguard
Yes (seasonal)
Parking
Available
Access
Easy access
Swimming
Swim with caution
Facilities
Activities
The beach by the pier
Boscombe is the next stretch of sand east of central Bournemouth, centred on the historic Boscombe Pier, with views across Poole Bay. This page is about the beach and Undercliff beside that pier. The seafront here is more geared to activity than the central strip: the facilities include surfing equipment hire, climbing boulders and slacklining alongside restaurants and a kiosk for refreshments and ice cream. For the area around Bournemouth Pier, see Bournemouth Beach.
Lifeguards and swimming
RNLI lifeguards patrol Boscombe. On the council’s lifeguard page, Boscombe East is covered from late March to late September, and Boscombe West from late May to early September. Red and yellow flags mark the patrolled bathing areas. Treat the sea with caution, and check the dates in force before you travel.
Dogs
Dogs must be kept on a lead on the promenade, paths and zig zags at all times. Summer dog restrictions apply on BCP’s Blue Flag and Seaside Award beaches from 1 May to 30 September, so confirm what applies on Boscombe’s sand on the council’s Boscombe page and its dogs on beaches page, which lists the stretches open to dogs all year.
Parking and facilities
The nearest car parks are Boscombe Undercliff, which sits next to the beach and gives level access, and Overstrand. Facilities include toilets, an accessible toilet, showers, drinking water and electric barbecue hotplates. Accessible toilets are at Boscombe Overstrand, next to the Urban Reef restaurant and the Prom Diner, about 200 metres west of the pier. Open fires and camping are not permitted on any BCP beach.
Access
Mobi-Mat beach access matting is laid from May to September, and a beach wheelchair can be borrowed from the beach office, first come, first served, with a refundable cash deposit.
Along the coast
Further east, Southbourne Beach is wider and quieter, with fewer attractions behind it.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Where is the Boscombe Beach car park?
- The nearest are Boscombe Undercliff car park, next to the beach, which gives good level access, and the Overstrand car park. Check the council's pages for charges.
- Can I hire a surfboard at Boscombe?
- Surfing equipment hire is listed among the facilities at Boscombe beach. Opening times vary, so check with the operator before you plan a session.
- Is there help for getting on to the sand?
- Mobi-Mat access matting is in place from May to September, and a beach wheelchair can be borrowed first come, first served from the beach office.
- Are the lifeguards on duty all summer?
- The council's current list shows Boscombe East patrolled from late March to late September and Boscombe West from late May to early September. Check the lifeguard page for the dates in force.