Bournemouth Beach
The sand either side of Bournemouth Pier, with RNLI lifeguards, a dog ban from May to September, a land train, mini golf and electric barbecues.
At a Glance
Beach Type
sandy
Dogs
Seasonal restrictions
Lifeguard
Yes (seasonal)
Parking
Nearby
Access
Easy access
Swimming
Swim with caution
Facilities
Activities
The beach at the pier
Bournemouth Beach is the central stretch of sand either side of Bournemouth Pier, with a promenade behind it. Beside the pier you will find restaurants, a cafe, a kiosk for refreshments and ice cream, mini golf, amusements and a garden, all listed on the BCP Council beach page. The TripAdvisor community voted it the number one beach in the UK in 2024.
Lifeguards and swimming
RNLI lifeguards patrol here. The council’s lifeguard page shows daily cover on both sides of the pier, from late March to late September on the current list. That is a longer season than at the beaches further west, which are patrolled from late May to early September. Swim between the red and yellow flags, treat the sea with caution at all times, and check the dates before you travel.
Dogs
From 1 May to 30 September dogs are not allowed on Bournemouth beach. On the promenade, paths and zig zags they must be on a lead at all times. Check the council’s beach page before you set out. If you are travelling with a dog in summer, Sandbanks Beach has a designated dog area open all year at the western end of its promenade.
Parking and facilities
The nearest car parks are Bath Road South and Bath Road North. On the beach there are toilets, an accessible toilet, showers, drinking water and electric barbecue hotplates. Open fires and camping are not permitted on any BCP beach at any time. Accessible toilets are on the east side of the pier building, next to Harry Ramsden’s.
Access
Wheelchair-friendly land trains run along the seafront. A beach wheelchair is available from the beach office at Boscombe, first come, first served from May to September, with a refundable cash deposit. The council’s beach page has the full list of what is provided.
Along the coast
Boscombe Pier is further east along the promenade: see Boscombe Beach. West of Bournemouth, Alum Chine Beach is the largest of the town’s four chines.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Are dogs allowed on Bournemouth Beach?
- Not in summer. Dogs are not allowed on Bournemouth beach from 1 May to 30 September. At other times they must be on a lead on the promenade, paths and zig zags.
- Where do I park for Bournemouth Pier?
- The nearest car parks are Bath Road South and Bath Road North. Check the council's parking pages for charges before you go.
- Is Bournemouth Beach lifeguarded?
- Yes. The council's lifeguard page shows daily cover on both the east and west sides of the pier, from late March to late September on its current list. Dates change, so check before you travel.
- Can I use a beach wheelchair here?
- A beach wheelchair can be borrowed first come, first served from the Boscombe beach office from May to September, against a refundable cash deposit.