Bournemouth, Dorset (a classic English seaside resort)

Bournemouth is a south coast holiday resort built around a long sandy beach, a classic pier, and leafy gardens that sit just behind the seafront. You can spend the morning barefoot on warm sand, then be back in town for lunch, cocktails, or a show without much effort.

It also has a few contrasts. Alongside the old-school seaside fun, you’ll find modern food spots and nightlife that feel more city than beach town. Nearby is the quieter town of Christchurch, plus not far away you’ll find Sandbanks and Brownsea Island).

If out walking, follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe. If at the coast, read up on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.

Bournemouth beaches, beach huts and the pier

Most visits begin and end at the seafront, because Bournemouth’s beach is the main event. The sand is broad and pale, the promenade is easy to follow, and the town centre sits close enough that you can mix beach time with shopping or a café stop. In summer, the atmosphere feels like a cheerful outdoor theatre, with buckets and spades, and the low hum of people enjoying themselves.

For the best light and a calmer feel, arrive early. Mornings suit families who want space, while evenings can be cooler and quieter for a walk and a photo. If you’re packing for a full day, keep it simple: layers for the breeze, and something warm for later. Bring a reusable bottle and take your litter with you, because the beach only stays beautiful when visitors treat it with care.

Sea conditions can change day to day. Some days feel calm and shallow, other days bring choppier water and stronger pull. Stick to lifeguarded areas when they’re in place, watch the flags, and keep an eye on tides. If you’re with children, stay close, because it only takes a moment for them to drift.

Beach huts and classic seaside moments

Bournemouth beach huts are small wooden cabins along the seafront. People hire them for shade, for changing, and for the simple pleasure of having a “base” for the day. Think of them like a tiny beach living room, great for picnics and keeping your bags out of the sand.

Before you book, check the hut’s location and access. A hut near toilets can make family life much easier, while step-free routes and ramps matter if you’ve got a buggy or limited mobility. It also helps to know what’s nearby, such as a café for a quick hot drink when the wind picks up.

Donkey rides on the beach: welfare tips

Alas the town is one of the few seaside resorts that still offers donkey rides for children. Unlike abroad, donkeys here are inspected for welfare, but most parents now are choosing to move on from donkey rides.

Today The Donkey Charity has welfare experts who oversee the remaining rides on UK beaches, ensuring the animals have clean water, shade and rest areas, and there are also limits on working hours and weight limits for children.

Southbourne funicular railway for big views

A funicular is a small railway that helps you travel up and down a steep slope. The Southbourne funicular is a quick ride, but it’s memorable because it links the cliff top to the beach with a view that feels properly coastal.

It’s also a handy option when your legs are done. Families often enjoy it because it adds a bit of novelty to the day. If you’re travelling with a buggy or mobility needs, expect some limits around steps and space. Plan for a slower pace and have a back-up route in mind.

Nearby Christchurch for a calmer pace

Christchurch suits people who want a quieter half-day. The pace is slower, the riverside walks feel restful, and it’s a good place to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by. A simple plan is a gentle stroll by the water, a café stop, then a wander around the older streets before heading back.

Brownsea Island, a wildlife haven near Poole 

Brownsea is a charming little island near Poole is home to wildflowers and seabirds. And due to being an island with the right kind of trees, it’s a good spot for red squirrels. Learn how to protect both red and grey squirrels.

Arne Nature Reserve is great for birdwatching, with heathland, woodland and saltmarsh all in one place. Head out early or at sunset for your best chance to see wildlife.

Sandbanks (a very expensive nearby suburb)

Sandbanks is apparently the fourth most expensive place to live in the world (John Lennon bought a bungalow here for his Aunt Mimi in 1965). It used to be wild sand dunes, before turning into a mecca for millionaire shorefront homes.

There have been recent problems after a wooden fence was put up, which blocks off parts of the sandy beaches that run from some of the homes ‘back gardens’. Locals are saying ‘nobody owns the sand’ as they are having to walk different routes, sometimes with their dogs.

Back in Sandbanks, one resident (almost 80 years old) was walking her dog at night near the sand, then the security lights went on, CCTV started to film her, and a voice boomed out telling her to ‘go away’.

The best-known residents of Sandbanks for many years were Harry Redknapp and his wife, though they  no longer live here (he is building a new mansion that will be more private, after becoming bothered by  tourists).

The cheapest home on Right Move at Sandbanks is a 2-bedroom flat for £425,000. The most expensive property was is almost £6 million (a 5-bedroom house with 5 bathrooms, a pool, sauna, large lawn and a guest suite).

American writer Zoe Strimpel is mystified by the high prices in Sandbanks:

Sandbanks has none of what I would look for in a seaside home: no wildness, no seclusion, no sense of exposure to the full roar of the elements.

Its naturalness has been manicured out of it, in  accordance with the architectural and landscaping tastes of the football and entertainment elite who have carved it up.

Homelessness in the town centre: how to help

Bournemouth like many seaside towns, has a big problem with homelessness. Local shops can help by purchasing BillyChip, that people can buy and give to local people, to pay for a hot drink and food (and pet food), without giving cash.

The local homelessness charity can help. Also read how to help dogs of homeless people.