Poole Bay beach-by-beach guide including parking and amenities

If you're looking to venture further than the piers, but you're not sure what amenities are available or where you can park - we've got the guide for you.

From cafes to restaurants, arcades and forests there's plenty to explore along our gorgeous coastline. 

READ MORE: Rules on Bournemouth beaches that all visitors need to know

READ MORE: Pictures: What goes into cleaning BCP's beaches everyday

The conurbation has now secured nine Blue Flag awards for Alum Chine beach, Durley Chine beach, Fisherman’s Walk beach, Southbourne beach, Branksome Chine, Canford Cliffs, Shore Road, Sandbanks and Manor Steps. 

Here's out beach-by-beach guide to Poole Bay:

Alum Chine

Car park: Alum Chine Car Park, Westbourne, Bournemouth BH4 8DP

Alum Chine Beach is probably one of Bournemouth's favourite Blue Flag award winning beaches, particularly loved by residents.

It is conveniently located away from the hustle and bustle of Bournemouth Pier and the town centre.

There is a pirate-themed large adventure playground, toilets with baby changing facilities, lost children centres, RNLI lifeguard stations, pubs and ice cream kiosks. 

Boscombe Beach

Car park: Overstrand Car Park, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH5 1BT

The iconic Boscombe beach is home to its own Pier and is loved by residents and tourists alike. 

With climbing boulders, slacklining, table tennis and volleyball on hand plus equipment available to hire, challenge the family to a tournament with one of the many beach activities on offer.

RNLI Lifeguards operate at this beach from May to September.

Bournemouth Beach

Car park: Bath Road South - Car Park, Bath Rd, Bournemouth BH1 2EW

Crowds flock to Bournemouth beach on Saturday, June 5

Arguably the most famous beach on Poole Bay, Bournemouth Beach is approached from the town centre through Pier Approach through the Lower Gardens.

There are abundant seafront attractions to enjoy including cafés and restaurants, the historic pier, the Oceanarium, Tourist Information Centre and water play area. 

Branksome Chine

Car park: Branksome Chine surface car park, Pinecliff Rd, Poole BH13 6LP

Branksome Chine is home to a lovely promenade filled with beach huts and a range of amenities including  beach huts, shop, bar and restaurant.

There is also good disabled access and a safe swim zone. 

Canford Cliffs

Car park: Western Road (off-street), BH13 7BH; 50 spaces, 2 disabled

Canford Cliffs is a tranquil and quiet area loved by residents, situated between Shore Road and Branksome Chine.

It has Blue Flag status, with sandy cliffs and picturesque wooden huts and is within walking distance of Canford Cliffs village, which offers a range of restaurants and local shops.

Durley Chine

Car park: Durley Chine Car Park, BH2 5JG

The beach is popular with young families due to convenient facilities such as toilets with baby changing facilities, lost children centre and RNLI lifeguard tower.

East Cliff 

Car park: E Overcliff Dr, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH1 3AN

Located between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers, East Cliff beach is a quieter location than the major beaches but is in close walking distance of all the amenities. 

There is also a new pop-up pizza restaurant at this beach.

READ MORE: Pictures: New pizza restaurant opening on Bournemouth beach

People enjoy Bournemouth's stunning beaches.

Flaghead Chine Beach

Car park: on road limited spaces at Haven Road, BH13 7LP

Flaghead Chine is a wide, sandy beach, sloping gently to the sea; perfect if you want to get away from the crowds. Although there are fewer facilities, there is something unspoilt about Flaghead Chine that makes it extra special.

Hengistbury Head

Car park: Hengistbury Head car park, BH6 4EN   

The epic headland of Hengistbury Head is at the end of Poole Bay.

It is an outstanding site for wildlife and archaeology and offers beautiful beaches and views across the New Forest, Isle of Wight and Purbecks.

There is a visitors centre, toilets, cafe and ice cream shack as well as a large car park. 

Manor Steps

One of Bournemouth's quieter beaches, popular with locals and close to Boscombe pier and Fisherman's Walk.

In between Bournemouth and Boscombe Pier there are limited amenities here but it is in close walking distance to toilets and shops. 

Sandbanks

Car park: Sanbanks, Banks Rd, Sandbanks, Poole BH13 8QJ

Winner of the Blue Flag award for more than 30 years, Sandbanks has been voted as one of Britain's best beaches.

There are a range of restaurants and cafe's, toilets and RNLI lifeguards operate at this beach.

Southbourne Beach

Car park: Southbourne Coast Rd, Southbourne, Bournemouth BH6 4EN

Southbourne Beach is another one of Bournemouth's favourite Blue Flag award winning beaches.

The beach is popular with young families due to convenient facilities such as toilets with baby changing facilities, lost children centres, RNLI lifeguard stations, pubs and ice cream kiosks.