Beaches and Waterfront

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Our beaches and seafront attract tourists in their thousands every summer. Keeping our seven miles of golden beach clean and safe is a big task, which is why we need your help. We have some guidelines about using our beaches so that you can enjoy our seafront all year round

Alum Chine

Alum Chine - a scenic route to the Bournemouth seafront

Manor Steps

Information on the new overnight beach huts at Manor Steps in Bournemouth as part of a long term plan to develop a world-class seafront.

Durley Chine

Bournemouth Council is redeveloping the existing catering facility at Durley Chine and building a new beach office and public toilets.

Accessible seafront

There's a lot going on at Bournemouth seafront. We want everyone to enjoy this. There are disabled access beach huts and other accessible facilities.

Bathing Water Quality

Bathing Water quality is regularly monitored by the Environment Agency between May and September.

Beach Awards

Bournemouth's beaches have won several awards for water quality, environmental management and reducing waste.

Beach Guidelines

We want everyone to enjoy Bournemouth's beaches. Please consider others and help keep the area tidy. BBQs or parties of more than 30 need permission.

Beach Huts

We have over 1,400 beach hut sites along Bournemouth's 7 miles of award winning sand.

Beach Management Scheme

Bournemouth Beach Management Scheme is a programme of work, planned from 2015 to 2032 to protect Bournemouth's coastline.

Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers

Over half a million people visit Bournemouth Pier a year. Boscombe Pier has a heritage trail, where you can learn about its history.

Improving the Seafront

The Seafront Strategy aims to improve the seafront's natural strengths and identities. There are four areas we want to improve.

Cliff Lifts

Bournemouth's cliff lifts can get you to the beach easily, while giving you a great view of the coast.

Land Trains

Our scenic land trains take you along the beach between Alum Chine, Bournemouth Pier and Boscombe Pier.

Lifeguards

There are lifeguards on Bournemouth beach between May and September. We've also got some advice for safe swimming.

The Seafront

Bournemouth has seven miles of soft, golden sand. You can visit our two piers, ride our cliff lifts and rent out a beach hut.

Seafront Toilets

There are seventeen public toilets across Bournemouth seafront. Most of these are open all year.

Cycling On The Seafront

You can cycle on Bournemouth seafront, but please be careful around pedestrians and consider our rules.

Watercraft

During certain times, watercraft cannot go beyond six knots or launch from the beach.