Southbourne may only be small, with a population of around 19,000 people. But this genteel suburb three miles east of Bournemouth boasts two Blue Flag Beaches. Fisherman’s Walk Beach is easy to reach from Southbourne via Fisherman’s Walk; a pretty, tree lined park which connects the main high street (Southbourne Grove) to the clifftop.

Getting There

The A35 connects Bournemouth and Southbourne. Buses No 1 and M2 stop in the Southbourne end of Fisherman’s Walk. During the summer, the beach bus stops at the top of Fisherman’s Walk Zigzag.

Access

The beach is accessed from the cliff top via Fisherman’s Walk Zigzag or from along the prom.

Cliff Lift

If mobility is an issue, or you just fancy a ride, you can travel the 39 metres from the cliff top to the prom and vice versa via the cliff lift, which has been ferrying visitors up and down to the beach since 1935. The lift costs £1.85 per journey. Weekly passes (£11.50) and annual passes (£37) are also available. The lift operates daily between Easter and October from 10 am to 5 pm. Cash is not accepted.

Parking

There is free roadside parking available on the cliff top.

Beach

The beach is predominantly sandy. There can be a bit of shingle along the shore line.

Food and Drink

There is a kiosk on the beach selling snacks and beach goods. This is the only catering beachside. However, there are a couple of good options on the cliff top.

Cafe Riva

This small café with plenty of outdoor seating sells some cooked food but is primarily a place where people meet up for coffee and cake. They have an extensive range of cake, which friends tell me is very good (I’ve not tried any myself because it’s not very allergy friendly).

The Commodore

Just across the road is The Commodore Pub. This has plenty of tables inside, plus a beer garden, all with great views across the bay. It offers a typical pub grub style menu (this I have tried!) and an extensive selection of drinks. I’m currently trying to work my way through the gin menu…

Beach Barbecues

There are 3 public barbecues which are available for use from Easter until October between 10 am and 10 pm.

Toilets

There are toilets at beach level and more toilets on the cliff top.

Other Facilities

• Drinking water
• Shower
• Beach huts
• Deck chair hire
• Beach office

Lifeguards

There is an RNLI Lifeguard Station on Fisherman’s Walk Beach, which is manned from 10 am until 6 pm between 27th May and 3rd September.

For Children

There are a children’s playground and a mini golf course on the Overcliff above the beach. Mini Golf costs £3 a round (£2.50 for children). Café Riva and The Commodore offer a children’s Menu.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on Fisherman’s Walk beach between May and September, however the area to the east, between Fisherman’s Walk and Southbourne Beaches is a year round dog friendly beach. If you like to pamper you pooch, you can order a Puppachino (an espresso sized cup full of whipped cream with a gravy bone and a doggy style flake) at Café Riva.