Bournemouth beaches

4 of the Best Beaches near Bournemouth

  • Share on Facebook

With over seven miles of golden sand beaches, an abundance of things to do, and lots of family-friendly fun to choose from, the best beaches in Bournemouth might just be the holiday sweetener you’ve been looking for. 

Boasting some of the best beaches in the UK, Bournemouth is located on the South Coast of England and has everything you could want in a resort town. Whether you're looking for a wild adventure, total relaxation, or something in between, you’ll find all this and more at Haven’s nearby Rockley Park Holiday Park

To help you navigate all seven glorious miles of pristine beach, we’ve highlighted the best beaches near Bournemouth.

1. Sandbanks Beach

1. Sandbanks Beach

24 minutes from Rockley Park Holiday Park

For those looking for a more luxurious experience, the Sandbanks (also known as the “Palm Beach of Britain”) offers a more fancy day out. 

On the stretch of golden beaches that run east from Poole Harbour all the way to Bournemouth, you’ll find the Sandbanks. Boasting pristine beaches and all kinds of water sports, it's an ideal spot for adults and families with older children. You can choose to spend your days basking in the sun on the beach or making memories as you windsurf, fish, golf, sail, and kiteboard throughout your holiday. 

Whether you are looking to have some good old-fashioned family fun at Boscombe Pier, observe the natural beauty of the area at Hengistbury Head, or simply relax on the beach, the best beaches in Bournemouth have something for everyone. With seven miles of pristine beaches, family-friendly entertainment, and vibrant nightlife, Bournemouth and its surrounding beaches are an excellent consideration for your next UK holiday.

2. Alum Chine Beach

27 minutes from Rockley Park Holiday Park

Just west of the hugely popular Bournemouth Beach and Pier lies another beach that is a favourite amongst locals and young families alike. Alum Chine Beach is another of Bournemouth’s Blue Flag award-winning beaches. 

Much like Southbourne Beach, Alum Chine is a locally beloved spot because it’s exceptionally clean, big, and situated away from the crowds that frequent the busier beaches in the area. Because of its family-friendly facilities, Alum Chine Beach has also become a favourite for young families. The kids will enjoy playing on the large pirate-themed playground and watching the land train from Bournemouth Pier drive by. Parents will love the pubs and ice cream kiosks.

Discover breaks in Dorset

Seaview  self catering holidays

Seaview, Dorset

Weymouth Bay self catering holidays

Weymouth Bay, Dorset

Rockley Park self catering holidays

Rockley Park, Dorset

Littlesea self catering holiday

Littlesea, Dorset

3. Boscombe Beach

3. Boscombe Beach

35 minutes from Rockley Park Holiday Park

After getting some TLC, Boscombe Beach has become an excellent place to bring the family. Swim, dig, and play all day long while enjoying fewer crowds and a quieter environment than some of the more popular Bournemouth locals.

Boasting a large stretch of pristine beach, those craving adventures will find themselves drawn to this popular surfing destination, hoping to catch the perfect wave. Whether you're hoping to make some fun family memories or looking to ride the waves, the fun doesn’t stop on the beach. When you need a break from the sun and maybe a bit to eat, continue your day at Boscombe Pier. Fun-seeking visitors will find plenty to do, including more than 30 different activities and so many yummy food and drink vendors at The Coastal Activity Park.

4. Hengistbury Head

4. Hengistbury Head

44 minutes from Rockley Park Holiday Park

At the easternmost tip of this seven-mile stretch of some of England’s most stunning coastline, is Hengistbury Head - a place of settlement and ceremony for over 12,000 years.  

Every year, over one million visitors travel from near and far to experience the history, natural beauty, and wildlife. Enjoy breathtaking views from atop Warren Hill or sip a cuppa as you overlook the Mudeford Sandspit. Stop to have a rest on a beautiful strip of golden sand overlooking the ocean. Enjoy a bite to eat from one of several eateries throughout the reserve. There’s so much to see and do here, making it a brilliant day out.

Start planning your Great British break

Important information

New holiday homes from £34,995 – UPDATED 28 February 2025

*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.

Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.

As of 28 February, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan-y-More, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cardigan View, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay,

Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.

Let2offset - make no site fee payments for 7 years

Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.

‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview.  The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.

‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion.  

An example of how ‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £667.08 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £673.17. The monthly difference equates to £23.17, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures.

Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024.

Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.

Owner’s 'Appy Meal Deal for £7.99

All day, every day* - collection only

Only available to Owners staying on park

Any pie, fishcake or large sausage, small chips, any side and a soft drink

Upgrade to regular cod or haddock^ for £3

Owners can use their discount on top of this offer

Only available in Cook’s venues and not from our Cook’s vans. Offer includes any pie: Minced Beef and Onion, Chicken and Mushroom, Steak or Cheese and Onion, fish cake or large sausage (choose from plain or battered) and a portion of small chips, any side and a soft drink. Sides include curry sauce, gravy, beans or mushy peas. Drinks include any soft drinks can or bottled water (excludes Coca Cola). ^Some of our Cook’s do not serve haddock - in this case, an upgrade to cod will be the only option of fish to purchase. Dishes cannot be changed or swapped for alternatives. Non-inclusive of upgrades or add-ons. Discount is applied if all dishes and drinks are purchased together, and this must be in the same transaction. Available daily, subject to venue opening hours. *Some of our Cook’s do not open for lunch trading. Offer is only available when ordering via QR code, app or website and for collection only. Offer is only available to Owners who are staying on park. Owners can use their owner discount on top of this offer. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time, without notice. Offer is valid March 2025 - November 2025. Prices include VAT. This offer can be used in conjunction with all other offers. Offer not available in any on-park franchises. Haven Holidays is a trading name of Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England and Wales, no 0401166

Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995 – UPDATED 17 January 2025

*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.

Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.

As at 17 January 2025, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan y Mor, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cala Gran, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay.

Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.

Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.

Get the latest Haven exclusives!

Receive Haven news and offers to your inbox

By providing your email address, you are consenting to being updated on all things Haven! Manage preferences via your account or by clicking the update preferences link in our emails. Privacy policy