Southbourne Beach is a Blue Flag Beach on the eastern side of the suburb of Southbourne, four miles from central Bournemouth. I love all Bournemouth’s beaches, but I think this might be my favourite. It’s not too crowded, has all the facilities I need. Oh, and the view’s not bad either…

Getting There

The A35 connects Bournemouth to Southbourne. From here, take Southbourne Overcliff Drive/Southbourne Coast Road, which runs along the cliff top. Buses No 1 and M2 stop at Southbourne Crossroads, approximately a 7 minute walk away. In the summer, a Beach Bus runs along the coast road and stops at Warren Edge.

Access

The beach can be accessed from the Coast Road via St Catherine’s Path or from the car park via Warren Edge Path. Both paths are sloped and step free. Alternatively, the beach can be reached from the Prom, which runs from Southbourne to Poole via Bournemouth.

Parking

Warren Edge has a Pay & Display Car Park. Parking fees are seasonal; up-to-date rates can be found here. There is also some free roadside parking.

Beach

A wide expanse of golden sand. There is sometimes a line of shingle along the water line.

Food and Drink

SOBO Beach

If you haven’t visited Southbourne Beach recently, there have been some changes. The former restaurant, Bistro on the Beach, was demolished to make way for a larger building two storey building, which is planned for 2024. In the meantime, new in 2022 and staying for 2023, a trendy new pop-up, SOBO Beach, has been constructed.

Consisting of a row of brightly coloured shipping containers, which house the Flamingo Grill, Wok Shack, an Ice Cream Hut and a Cocktail Bar. In addition, there is a Double Decker Bus Bar/VIP Lounge. All surrounded by elevated seating behind a Perspex fence, so you can sit and enjoy the view whilst imbibing even on those less than perfect English summer’s days. If it is a perfect summer’s day, there is additional beachfront seating.

There is another Ice Cream Kiosk (seasonal) by the bottom of Warren Path.

Toilets

There are two sets of public toilets; one in a portacabin next to SOBO Beach and another (permanent building) adjacent to Warren Path.

Other Facilities

• Shower
• Drinking Water
• Beach Huts
• Surf Lifesaving Club

Lifeguards

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

Southbourne Beach for Children

Southbourne Beach is popular with families. Its distance from Bournemouth means it is usually a little less crowded than neighbouring beaches. It has a safe, patrolled beach. SOBO Beach has a children’s menu and an ice cream kiosk.

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted on Southbourne Beach between May and September. There is a dog friendly beach to the right, between Southbourne Beach and Fisherman’s Walk Beach. If you have a hot dog, SOBO Beach sells doggie ice creams and donuts.