Description:
Alum Chine beach is located on the west side of
Bournemouth signposted from the A35 Wessex Way. A pay and display carpark is in Alumhurst Road.
Alum Chine is situated at the opening to one of Bournemouth's famous Chines, it is a narrow beach backed by a long promenade lined with a number of beach huts. The main access point is at the Chine itself which is adjacent to the public toilets. The beach is gently sloping and sandy, providing safe bathing, with no sudden shelving or rip currents. Visitors can participate in a wide range of traditional seafront activities and there is an Italian restaurant/café. A
modern children's play area and
paddling pool are available.
The Chine offers shaded paths; the popular
Treasure Island themed children's play area (author Robert Louis Stephenson lived close by) a paddling pool, and bowls, catering and toilet facilities within the adjacent Argyll Gardens.
The nearby
Tropical Gardens provide an oasis of tranquility in which to soak up the seafront atmosphere and has been honoured with the
Green Flag award. Alum Chine is a level walk, or short train journey, to Bournemouth Pier and town centre. A guided walk leaflet is available from Alum Chine beach office.
A chine is a steep dry river valley and Alum Chine is the largest of four Chines within Bournemouth.
It is not as nearly as busy as its neighbours to the west. Again this beach has been awarded the
Blue Flag and is a top quality beach with clean and safe bathing. The beach is zoned to separate swimmers and water craft and offers intense lifeguard security, plus the added facility of
KidZone, making it a safer place for the lost child.
With the
Blue Flag award winning beach down below, the gardens have become renowned for their award-winning facilities, striking landscape design and stunning views.
Beach huts are available to hire for one or more days
Tel:- 0845 055 0968.
W.C's for everyone including disabled and baby changing facilities.
There is an Italian restaurant called
Vesuvio on the seafront and the
Pacific Bar and restaurant overlooking the Chine.
Delight in the relaxed atmosphere of the wooded chine and magnificent sea views. If you prefer a quiet moment, the tropical gardens, which have their origins in the 1920's, provide an ideal area for contemplation.
Alum Chine including Argyll Gardens have held Green Flag Awards since 2000
By foot, a short drive or bus trip, takes you to Westbourne where there are various individual shops, a M & S food store, pubs, a wine bar or two. The bus company runs a service number 17 and the
open topped yellow bus during the Summer.
Dogs are not permitted from May to September, during which time dogs on the promenade must be kept on a lead. There are exercise areas to the east and west of the Blue Flag beach.
Places to visit on a rainy day are:- Grand Bingo and Social club, Westbourne. Bournemouth's only independent bingo club is open six days a week. Tel:- 01202 763118.
Pier Approach, Bournemouth There are many activiries undercover at the foot of the pier.
The Arcade is a great place to visit with lots of new attractions and a bright, well lit, family friendly atmosphere. There are market stalls games and a whole host of other attractions throughout the summer.
