Popular with local families, Southbourne is a Blue Flag beach and is sandy with some shingle. It is reached by cliff paths.

Picture taken with the help of Bournemouth Helicopters
Where is it? East of Bournemouth and Boscombe, approached via Southbourne Coast Road. From the A338 turn off at the Cooper Dean roundabout and follow the signs.
Best features: The recently replenished beach is now huge. It’s a quieter beach, popular with bathers, as it has no sudden shelves or rip currents.
Local facilities and shops: The beach is a short distance from Southbourne Grove shopping centre. Deck chairs and beach huts are for hire. The huts are available to hire by the day, or pre-book for a week, call 0845 055 0968.
Great for the kids? The beach runs the LV= KidZone scheme with staff help to find lost children quickly.
How far are the loos? There are five male WCs and five female, one disabled toilet and baby change facilities.
Parking: There is pay-and-display parking at three sites on Southbourne Coast Road.
Public transport: Yellow Buses’ open-topped number 12 stops at Southbourne Coast Road in the summer. From nearby Belle Vue Road, catch numbers 22, 31 and 68.
How about pets? Dogs are not permitted on the Blue Flag beach. Dog exercise areas are provided on nearby stretches of beach, the nearest being Fisherman’s Walk. Peak season, dogs on the promenade must be kept on a lead.
Wet weather options:
Highcliffe Castle This Grade-1 listed building is a must, with cliff-top grounds and spectacular sea views. With a permanent exhibition of its history and owners, it's a perfect romantic getaway.
Beaulieu Palace House and Gardens With its fascinating Abbey, and, for the motoring enthusiast - the National Motor Museum. Here you will find one of the finest collections of vehicles and memorabilia in the world from early vintage models, to Damon Hill's winning Formula 1 car.
Castlepoint and Castlemore outdoor shopping centres Situated just three miles from Bournemouth town centre and are full of brand name stores and restaurants.
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