Bournemouth is well known for having the safest, cleanest, most beautiful beaches on the South coast. The seven miles of golden sand is divided in to various zones to suit all tastes and ages. Kidzone gives parents ease of mind, whilst designated dog free and smoking free zones mean there's a place for everyone. On the beach you can hire deck chairs, parasols and wind breaks from the helpful seafront staff and in the sea you can be sure you're safe under the watchful eye of qualified lifeguards. First aid stations, lifts and the land train all help to make your visit as relaxing as possible.

Family Fun along the Seafront!

Bournemouth is the best place to have fun beside the sea-safely. We can wave not one but two blue flags for our safe, clean beaches.

Kidzone

Each year thousands of children become separated on British beaches causing worry and distress to parents, who then have the impossible task of finding their child amongst the dense crowds. Worry no more, thanks to an 11 year old local girl who invented the concept of having a Kidzone. Designated areas of beach are characterised by colourful signs and each child is given a free coloured wristband to match the zone where their family is based. Each section of Kidzone is about 50 metres long so the kids have plenty of room to play whilst diligent beach inspectors can easily spot a child who has wondered outside a zone.

Kidzone beaches include:

Alum Chine
Bournemouth West and East beaches
Boscombe West and East beaches
Fisherman's Walk
Southbourne

So in 3 easy steps here's what to do to make sure your kids are a part of Kidzone:

FACILITIES, BEACH BY BEACH

Hengistbury Head and Mudeford Spit

v Mudeford Spit provides sandy beaches on the sea facing side and magnificent views of the harbour on the other side.

v There is a café/restaurant on the harbour side along side a small shop selling everything from toothpaste to arm bands.

v Beach huts can be hired for the day, ask at the station next to the café for details.

v A regular ferry service connects the spit with Mudeford and Christchurch Quays.

v Newly refurbished toilets and showers

v Noddy train service from the Hungry hiker café in Southbourne to the beaches on the spit.

v There are no lifeguards at the spit and swimming in the run (harbour entrance) is very dangerous due to the strong currents.

Southbourne

v Lovely sandy beaches patrolled by lifeguards and cleaned twice a day

v Beach Inspectors office giving details of weather, sea temperature and water quality

v Bistro on the beach, café style in the day, bistro in the evening (need to book well in advance for evenings)

v Beach accessory shop and telephone

v Toilets, showers, beach hut hire, deck chair, parasol and wind break hire. Just ask the helpful beach front staff in the blue T-shirts for details

v First Aid facilities at the lifeguard hut

v Pram friendly slope down to beach near showers on promenade

v Kidzone area

Boscombe

v Lovely sandy beaches patrolled by lifeguards and cleaned twice a day

v Beautiful Victorian pier

v Beach Inspectors office giving details of weather, sea temperature and water quality

v Family Pub/ restaurant on the promenade to the East and café/ restaurant to the West of the pier

v Beach accessory shops and telephones

v Toilets, showers, beach hut hire, deck chair, parasol and wind break hire. Just ask the helpful beach front staff in the blue T-shirts for details

v First Aid facilities

v Amusement arcade

v Kids funfair open in the summer months

v Kidzone area and free kids beach club

Bournemouth

v Lovely sandy beaches patrolled by lifeguards and cleaned twice a day

v Beach Inspectors office giving details of weather, sea temperature and water quality

v Various restaurants, cafes and ice cream kiosks, including the famous Hot Rocks American surf diner on the pier approach.

v Jet Ski, boat and pedalos hire at Bournemouth pier throughout the summer and beach volleyball.

v Café and theatre on the pier and amusements arcade at its foot.

v Small funfair on the pier

v Gift shops selling beach accessories, sweets, ice creams, maps, newspapers and everything else you could possibly need when relaxing on the beach.

v Stalls and various rides can be found at the pier approach providing fun for everyone.

v Boat trips around the Bay from the pier

v Toilets, showers, beach hut hire, deck chair, parasol and wind break hire. Just ask the helpful beach front staff in the blue T-shirts for details

v Kidzone area

Friday night is Fireworks Spectacular Night, with a Festival of Lights for seven weeks from late July.