Jane's Midlife Journey

Heading west from Bournemouth, the first of Poole’s three 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 a 2 mile walk/cycle along the Prom. By road, it is a little further, following W Cliff Road/The Avenue.

By bus

The No 50 Purbeck Breezer Bus, which runs between Bournemouth and Swanage, stops at Canford Cliffs Parade. From here, it’s around a 7 minute walk to the beach. In summer, the No 70 Beach Breezer Bus is another option.

Access

The beach is accessed via a zigzag path from Cliff Drive. (via a lot of steps) or via Canford Cliffs Chine. This tree lined chine runs from the cliff top down the beach (and allows step free beach access). At the bottom of the chine are picturesque wooden beach huts set in a garden.

Parking

There is free roadside parking on the cliff top.

Beach

The beach here is a beautiful expanse of golden sand.

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

Canford Cliffs beach will not have lifeguards in 2026

Canford Cliffs Beach for Children

At the top of Canford Cliffs Chine are picnic benches and a Treasure Island themed children’s playground. This playground is about to be refurbished with a new pirate ship complete with climbing equipment, slides and a zip wire. Around the ship, themed play zones will feature balancing equipment, rope swings and rocking springers. For younger children there will be a play tower, balance beams and a communication panel. The park is due to reopen by the summer.

Dogs

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

• 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.