It was timely that I put up my post on my Bournemouth Beach walk a day or two ago – if you haven’t read it, there is a link here. The reason is that Bournemouth Beach has been voted the best beach in the UK, fifth best in Europe, and 14th best in the world according to Trip Adviser! That’s quite an accolade!
Its hard to know whether it is specifically Bournemouth because Bournemouth Beach is just part of a continuous and unbroken 10 mile long beach that stretches from Hengistbury Head in the east to South Haven Point in the west. This beach takes in Southbourne, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs, Sandbanks and various chines along the way. There is a promenade running along nearly 8 miles of this beach so you can see why it is so popular with walkers and cyclists, especially in winter. Oh, and there is the land train!
The picture above was taken at the Sandbanks end and it shows virtually the whole length of beach with Bournemouth in the middle distance, and Hengistbury Head on the extreme right in the distance. As with many beaches, it doesn’t maintain itself and work is needed from time to time to replace sand that has been washed down the beach by the prevailing tides.
It is of course a safe beach, with lifeguards on hand and also systems to ensure children don’t get lost. It might not look like it’s needed but the picture below would look very different in the peak summer season when there is barely an inch of sand free. It is easy for little people to get lost then.
Is it my favourite beach? I’d have to say no. Whilst I enjoy walking it in the winter, it is far too commercialised for me as Bournemouth is a busy holiday resort, and I prefer my coastal walks to be in much more wild and remote areas.
Interestingly, Hengistbury Head also features in the top 10 UK beaches, as does Weymouth, just 25 or so miles to the west as the crow flies. So three of the top ten are within a 30 mile stretch of the south coast. It might well be that Bournemouth comes out top because of its tourist attractions and facilities rather than purely because of its beach. In any event, polls such as this will always be subjective!
Nevertheless, it is a clean and well maintained beach with lovely sand, and it is an accolade which should be celebrated. So the pictures below are my celebration of Bournemouth Beach……..despite the fact that it is not my favourite 🙂 !
I should say that the pictures were all taken during winter months!
And of course, if you walk here, you just might find a pot of gold 🙂 !
Thanks for stopping by and for celebrating the success of Bournemouth Beach 🙂 !
Do check out my new Time to Reflect blog. There is a link here.
Until next time,
Your friend
The Dorset Rambler
If you would like to contact me, my email address is terry.yarrow@gmail.com – comments and feedback are always welcomed.
All words and pictures in this blog are the copyright of The Dorset Rambler and may not be reproduced without permission.
The Dorset Rambler 
Lovely photos – it’s been a few years since I’ve been to that beach but it was July and very busy. 🙂
Thanks Lynette. I keep well away in July and August especially. I never quite understand why people want to be packed in like sardines when you wouldn’t have to go far to find a much emptier Beach.