Alum Chine is the calmest and most westerly of Bournemouth’s five beaches, tucked below the leafy West Cliff and reached down a wooded ravine a “chine” in local Dorset dialect. It trades the busy amusements of the town centre for a gentler, more local mood, making it a favourite with families who want space to spread out.
What to expect
The wide golden sand shelves gently into Poole Bay, and summer lifeguards patrol between the flags. Behind the beach lie the small but lovely Alum Chine tropical gardens, planted with palms and subtropical shrubs, plus a pirate-ship themed play park that keeps children happily occupied for hours.
Getting there
The beach sits between Westbourne and the seafront, a short stroll down through the chine from the clifftop. A footbridge crosses the ravine, and the level promenade links east towards the pier and west to Branksome.
Nearby
Follow the prom east to Durley Chine Beach and its eco beach hub, or carry on to the livelier Bournemouth Beach beside the pier.
