Jane's Midlife Journey

The Blue Flag awarded Branksome Chine Beach is the second of three Chine Beaches between Bournemouth and Poole. 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 of these chines were transformed into linear gardens.

How to get to Branksome Chine Beach

Branksome Chine Beach is a couple of miles west of Bournemouth along the prom by foot, bike, scooter or land train. By car, it is 3 mile drive via West Cliff Road and The Avenue.

By Bus

The No 50 Breezer bus, which runs between Bournemouth and Swanage, stops at Branksome Chine a 2 minute walk from the beach. During the summer, the 70 Breezer bus is another option.

Access

With both the car park and bus stop right next to the beach, Branksome Chine Beach is one of the easier Bournemouth beaches to access.

Further along, in either direction, there are a series of stepped and zigzag paths providing further pedestrian access points. Note: some of the paths are steep and/or have steps.

Parking

Branksome Chine Car Park is a small (104 space) Pay & Display car park adjacent to the beach. Parking costs are seasonal, costing between £1.80 and £3.20 for an hour. Further details can be found here. There is additional parking 500 metres away in the larger and cheaper Beach Road Car Park. Beach Road is open between April and September and costs £2.40 for an hour. Details can be found here. On the cliff top between Branksome Chine and Branksome Dene, there is some free roadside parking.

Beach

The beach at Branksome Chine is predominantly sandy with the odd hummock.

Food and Drink

Dominating the beach is Rockwater, which describes itself as “a space to eat, drink, connect, work, play and be inspired.” As well as a restaurant, they offer exercise classes and other events such as quizzes and a book club. Prices are a bit steep – a burger and chips will set you back £21. There is a range of seating options both indoors, outdoors and on the beach itself.

Across the car park is a Rockwater takeaway outlet offering snacks (including breakfast baps and sourdough toasties) and drinks. In addition, ice cream kiosks can be found a little further along the beach in either direction.

Toilets

There are toilets at the edge of the car park next to the Rockwater Shack. There are more toilets a five minute walk in either direction.

Other Facilities

• Drinking Water
• Beach Huts
• Showers
• Barbecues

A little further along the beach is the Branksome Dene Room, available for private hire if you fancy a beach party in this 1920s Art Deco Pavilion overlooking the sea.

Water sports

At Branksome Dene, there is an area of the beach designated for water sports. Shaka Surf is located here, offering surf and SUP lessons plus equipment hire. They also host the annual UK Dog Surfing Championships – yes really.

Lifeguards

The Branksome Chine Lifeguard tower is manned from 10 am until 6 pm between 23rd May and 6rd September 2026.

Branksome Chine Beach for Children

The sandy beach with gentle shelf to the sea is ideal for children. There is a play area on the cliff top at Pinecliff Gardens, with large wooden sculptures for children to climb on. Shaka Surf offers surf and SUP lessons as well as surf clubs and parties. Rockwater has a children’s menu.

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted on Branksome Chine Beach between May and September. There is a dog friendly beach area at Branksome Dene.

• Updated: April 2026

I hope you found this information useful. For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth here.

For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth with young children, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth with Babies and Toddlers here.