Jane's Midlife Journey

Coming from Bournemouth, the first of Poole’s four Blue Flag Beaches is Canford Cliffs Beach. This beach has fewer facilities than some of its neighbours, which can make it a good option on a busy day, as it can be slightly less crowded.

How to get to Canford Cliffs Beach

From Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs Beach is 2.2 miles along the Prom. By road, it is a little further, following W Cliff Road/The Avenue. By bus, the No 50 Purbeck Breezer Bus runs between Bournemouth and Swanage, stopping at The Anchorage in Canford Cliffs Village. From here, it’s around a 10 minute walk to the beach. In summer, the No 70 Beach Breezer Bus runs along the coast road between Hengistbury Head and Poole, also stopping at Canford Cliffs.

Access

The beach is accessed via a zigzag path from Cliff Drive (note: there are a lot of steps) or via Canford Cliffs Chine. This tree lined chine runs from the cliff top down the beach (no steps). At the bottom are pretty wooden beach huts set in a garden.

Parking

There is free roadside parking on the cliff top.

Beach

Sandy.

Food & Drink

Beach catering facilities are limited to a kiosk selling drinks and snacks. However, there are pubs, restaurants and shops on the cliff top or in the pretty little village of Canford Cliffs just a few minutes’ walk away.

Toilets

The beach has a toilet block.

Other Facilities

• drinking water
• beach huts

Lifeguards

The Canford Cliffs Beach Lifeguard tower appears to be unmanned for 2023.

Canford Cliffs Beach for Children

At the top of Canford Cliffs Chine are picnic benches and a children’s play area with a pirate ship.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on Canford Cliffs beach between May and September. 

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.

• Updated: April 2023