Branksome Chine is the second of three Blue Flag 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, which act as access points to the beach, were transformed into linear gardens.

Getting There

Branksome Chine 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. The No 50 Breezer open top bus between Swanage and Bournemouth stops at Branksome Chine.

Access

There is a car park and bus stop right next to the beach. Further along, in either direction, there are a series of stepped and zigzag paths providing further pedestrian access. Note: some of the paths are steep and have uneven 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 £1.40 and £2.50 for an hour. Details can be found here. There is further parking 500 metres away in the larger and cheaper Beach Road Car Park. Beach Road is open between April and September and costs £1.90 for an hour. Details here. On the cliff top between Branksome Chine and Branksome Dene there is some free roadside parking.

Beach

Sandy with the odd hummock.

Food and Drink

There is a small Rockwater takeaway food outlet. The former seafront restaurant is being developed into a larger Rockwater complex. There are ice cream kiosks a little further along the beach towards Branksome Dene.

Toilets

There are toilets at the edge of the car park next to the Beach Office. 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.

At Branksome Dene there is an area of the beach designated for water sports.

Lifeguards

The Branksome Chine Lifeguard tower is manned from 10 am until 6 pm between 27th May and 3rd September.

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 close to Beach Road Car Park. The stretch of beach towards Branksome Dene is a dedicated water sports area. Here, you will find Shaka Surf surf school which offers surf and SUP lessons and hire, as well as surf camps and parties.

Dogs

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