The Beaches of Dorset – Alum Chine, Bournemouth
A gently sloping sand and shingle ‘Blue Flag’ beach considered safe for bathing. The south facing beach is in easy walking distance from the centre of Bournemouth, Westbourne and Sandbanks.
Roadside parking is available along the Overcliff Drive, whilst there are also various pay and display car parks close by. There is a lifeguard service here between May and September, a pirate-themed large adventure playground, toilets with baby changing facilities, lost children centres, pubs and ice cream kiosks. Popular for swimming (watercraft free zones at certain beaches), sailing, fishing, surfing, canoeing, jet skiing, windsurfing, power boating, pedalo hire, beach hut hire and water-skiing.
A three kilometre undercliff walk leads from Fisherman’s Walk east to Hengistbury Head. The Bournemouth cliffs provide an ideal habitat for the nationally rare sand lizard and smooth snake, as well as many plant species.