Bournemouth Central
Bournemouth’s seafront is among the busiest and best resort beaches in the country. The central stretch of beach, around the pier, attracts thousands of visitors every day in peak season. Go-ahead management has made it one of the safest, cleanest, most enjoyable beaches on which to lay your bucket and spade.
Where is it? In the centre of town. Just follow the signs from the A35 Wessex Way and the A338 spur road.
Best features: The quality of the beach environment and the proximity of so many other attractions make it Dorset's favourite spot for locals and tourists alike. And if you tire of the beach, you can stroll along the pier and enjoy the attractions around Pier Approach.
The seafront is the focal point for a host of summer events, including weekly firework displays in peak season.
Local facilities and shops: Within a stone’s throw of the beach, there is the Waterfront complex, with a Big Steak Pub and Wacky Warehouse, a KFC and the Exchange Bar and Grill. Near neighbours are Harry Ramsden’s, surf restaurant Hot Rocks and seafront restaurant café West Beach, named the AA’s Best Seafood Restaurant 2005/06.
The pier and the Pier Approach also offer ice creams, snacks, amusement arcades, a theatre and more. The beach has traditional attractions such as deck chairs and beach huts, as well as lifts on the East Cliff and West Cliff. The huts are available to hire by the day, or pre-book for a week, call 0845 055 0968.
Bournemouth town centre, with its wide array of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, is only a short, level walk through the Green Flag awardwinning Central and Lower Gardens.
Great for the kids? Summer fun events are put on especially for the children, and Bournemouth pioneered a LV= KidZone initiative, which involves handing out colour-coded armbands on each stretch of beach so children don’t stay lost for too long, even on a crowded day.
How far are the loos? Two sites contain loos for men and women, mother and baby rooms and two loos for people with disabilities.
Parking: There are several car parks in the vicinity, the closest being Bath South, from which you don’t need to cross a road – as long as you can find a space. Alternatives include Bath Road North, Central car park in Hinton Road, the BIC and Priory Road.
Public transport: The nearest bus stop is a short walk from the seafront, by the BIC on Exeter Road. From here, Yellow Buses serves most of Bournemouth and Christchurch via the following routes: 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 17, 20, 21,22, 23, 32, 34, 35, 69.
Wilts and Dorset and Yellow Buses services from the Square and the Triangle provide links with the rest of the conurbation and beyond.
How about pets? No dogs are allowed on the beach between May and September. During the peak season, dogs on the prom must be kept on a lead. The nearest designated dog exercise area is west of Durley Chine. Seafront staff enforce bylaws requiring owners to clear up after their pets.
Other points of interest: Anglers often fish from a platform on the pier, which is also the boarding point for boat cruises around Poole Bay. There is a no-smoking section of beach between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers.
Wet weather options:
Oceanarium, Pier Approach Sharks, stingrays, turtles & clownfish...all your favourites are here plus hundreds more weird and wonderful creatures too! To discover the wonders of the deep for yourself ring 01202 311993.
Stokewood Road Leisure Centre, Winton This indoor swimming pool hosts daily inflatable sessions during school holidays and also features a well-equipped gym. Ring 01202 529658.
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