100 Things to do in (and around) Bournemouth 47 – Durley Chine Beach

Durley Chine is the first of three Blue Flag ‘Chine’ Beaches running west from Bournemouth. A chine is a narrow ravine through the cliff formed by a river. During the Victorian era, when Bournemouth first became a seaside resort, several chines, which act as access points to the beach, were transformed into parks.

Durley Chine

Durley Chine is not among the chines transformed into gardens; it merely acts as a Pay & Display Car Park for the Beach. Parking costs around £2.20 per hour. Apart from during peak times, it is usually possible to find free car parking on the cliff top on West Overcliff Drive. Access to the beach is either through the chine itself or via Durley Chine Steps.

There is another access point between Durley Chine and Alum Chine at Middle Chine.

Lifeguards

The Durley Chine Lifeguard tower is in operation from 10 am until 6 pm between 28th May and 4th September.

Bars/Restaurants

There is a Harvester Pub/Restaurant (The Durley Inn) at the bottom of Durley Chine. It also has a beach kiosk selling snacks and drinks.

On the other side of the chine is Chineside beach cafe, which has plenty of seating overlooking the beach, plus a pop up seating area on the beach. It has additional takeaway and ice cream kiosks as well as a shop selling beach goods.

Other Facilities

There are also toilets and an ice cream kiosk on the prom at Durley Chine.

Durley Environmental Innovation Hub

Nearing completion is Durley Environmental Innovation Hub. This series of buildings will provide toilets, recycling facilities, a kiosk and displays ‘focusing on the environmental impact of waste management and single use packaging on the coastal environment.’