Bournemouth’s Blue Flag Beaches
A Local’s Guide to Bournemouth’s Best Beaches
If you’re staying with The Coastal Stay, one thing you’ll quickly realise is that you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches. Bournemouth’s coastline stretches for over seven miles, with each beach offering its own character. Some are lively and full of cafés, paddleboarders and families, while others are quieter places where you can simply switch off and listen to the waves.
One of the best things about staying at Pelican House is that you’re close enough to explore them all. Whether you’re planning a morning swim, an afternoon with the family or a sunset walk along the promenade, here’s our guide to the beaches we think are well worth visiting.
Bournemouth Beach – The Classic Choice
If it’s your first time in Bournemouth, this is where to start.
Just a short stroll from The Coastal Stay, Bournemouth Beach is exactly what most people picture when they think of the town. A huge sweep of soft golden sand stretches either side of the famous pier, with clear water, colourful beach huts and plenty going on throughout the day.
Despite being one of the UK’s most popular beaches, it rarely feels overcrowded because there’s simply so much space.
You’ll find everything you need within a few minutes’ walk:
- Bournemouth Pier
- Beachfront cafés and restaurants
- Ice cream kiosks
- Beach hut hire
- Deckchairs and sun loungers
- Public toilets
- RNLI lifeguards during the summer
- Watersports and paddleboard hire
If you’re staying with children, this is probably the easiest beach to spend an entire day without needing to leave.
Walking time from Pelican House: Around 10 minutes.
Perfect for: Families, couples, first-time visitors and anyone wanting the full Bournemouth experience.
Alum Chine – A Local Favourite
Head west along the promenade and you’ll arrive at Alum Chine.
It’s noticeably quieter than Bournemouth Beach, but still has everything you’d expect. Many locals actually prefer Alum Chine because it feels a little more relaxed while still offering fantastic facilities.
The walk down through Alum Chine Gardens is beautiful, particularly in spring and summer when everything is in bloom.
There’s also:
- Children’s playground
- Tropical gardens
- Beach café
- Crazy golf
- Seasonal lifeguards
- Wide sandy beach with plenty of space
If you’re after a peaceful afternoon without venturing too far, this is a brilliant choice.
Walking time from Pelican House: Around 20 minutes.
Perfect for: Young families and relaxed beach days.
Durley Chine – Sunset Spot
Durley Chine often gets overlooked by visitors, which is a shame.
It’s tucked between Bournemouth Beach and Alum Chine, offering the same golden sand but usually with fewer people.
As the sun begins to set, this is one of our favourite places to sit with a takeaway coffee and watch the evening light over Poole Bay.
The promenade here is also ideal for cycling or an evening stroll.
Perfect for: Couples and evening walks.
Sandbanks – Famous for a Reason
Around a 15-minute drive from Pelican House, you’ll reach Sandbanks.
It’s one of the UK’s most exclusive coastal areas, famous for its luxury homes, beautiful marina and crystal-clear water.
The beach itself is stunning.
The sand is soft, the sea is often calmer than Bournemouth, and it’s an excellent place for swimming, paddleboarding and simply enjoying the scenery.
Because the water stays relatively shallow, it’s particularly popular with families.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also catch the Sandbanks Ferry across to Studland and spend the day exploring Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
Driving time from Pelican House: Approximately 15 minutes.
Perfect for: Swimming, paddleboarding and beautiful scenery.
Boscombe Beach – Bournemouth’s Surf Scene
If you enjoy being active, Boscombe is the place to go.
Home to Boscombe Pier, this beach has become Bournemouth’s watersports hub.
You’ll often see surfers, paddleboarders and beach volleyball taking place throughout the summer.
Facilities include:
- Surf school
- Paddleboard hire
- Beach cafés
- Volleyball courts
- Skatepark nearby
- Wide promenade
Even if you’re not planning to get in the water, Boscombe has a lively atmosphere that’s quite different from Bournemouth Beach.
Walking time from Pelican House: Around 30 minutes along the seafront.
Perfect for: Watersports, surfing and younger visitors.
Southbourne Beach – Escape the Crowds
Continue east from Boscombe and you’ll eventually reach Southbourne.
This stretch of coastline feels completely different.
The cafés become smaller and more independent, the crowds thin out, and the pace slows.
It’s one of our favourite places if you’re looking for a quieter day by the sea.
Early mornings here are especially beautiful, with the sunrise over the bay making it well worth an early start.
Perfect for: Peaceful beach days and long walks.
Hengistbury Head – Dorset at its Best
If you’ve got half a day to spare, don’t miss Hengistbury Head.
This spectacular nature reserve marks the eastern end of Bournemouth’s coastline and feels a world away from the busy promenade.
You’ll find dramatic views across Christchurch Harbour, sandy beaches, coastal paths and plenty of wildlife.
The walk up to the top is gentle, and the panoramic views are some of the best in Dorset.
If you continue towards Mudeford Spit, there are some lovely cafés where you can stop for lunch before heading back.
Driving time from Pelican House: Around 15 minutes.
Perfect for: Walking, photography and nature lovers.
Which Beach Should You Choose?
If you’re only visiting for a weekend, we’d recommend trying more than one.
- Bournemouth Beach if you want the classic seaside experience.
- Alum Chine for a quieter family day.
- Sandbanks for beautiful water and stunning views.
- Boscombe if you enjoy surfing or paddleboarding.
- Southbourne when you simply want to relax.
- Hengistbury Head if you’d rather swap the beach towel for a scenic walk.
The beauty of staying with The Coastal Stay is that you’re close enough to enjoy them all.
Our Tip
Don’t just visit the beaches during the day.
Some of our favourite moments happen in the evening.
Grab fish and chips, walk down to Bournemouth Pier and watch the sun disappear behind the Purbeck Hills. In summer, the promenade comes alive with people cycling, jogging and enjoying the sea air, while the beach takes on a completely different atmosphere as the crowds drift away.
It’s one of those simple experiences that guests often tell us becomes a highlight of their stay.
Staying with The Coastal Stay
Whether you’re visiting Bournemouth for a weekend break, a family holiday or a longer coastal escape, our boutique apartments are perfectly placed for exploring the coastline.
Guests can also enjoy:
- Boutique self-catering apartments
- Easy self check-in
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Walking distance to Bournemouth town centre and the beach
- Discounted access to RISE Gym & Spa
- Complimentary RISE Gym & Spa guest passes included with Apartments 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10
- Extended stay discounts for longer bookings
- Direct booking benefits through thecoastalstay.co.uk
We look forward to welcoming you to Bournemouth and helping you discover why so many of our guests return year after year.
