Jane's Midlife Journey

Alum Chine Beach is the second of three Blue Flag ‘Chine’ Beaches running west from Bournemouth. A chine is a narrow ravine through the cliff formed by a river. During the Victorian era, when Bournemouth first became a seaside resort, these chines, which act as access points to the beach, were transformed into parks.

History of Alum Chine

Alum Chine got its name from the alum mining which took place here in the 16th century. Alum was used in dyeing, tanning and painting. The mines eventually became uneconomical and closed in the 17th century.

Some notable former residents include author Robert Louis Stevenson, who lived in a house (Skerryvore) overlooking the Chine from 1884 until 1887. It is believed that he wrote his most famous works; Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde whilst living in Bournemouth.

In 1892, an 18 year old Winston Churchill allegedly fell/jumped from a bridge in Alum Chine whilst staying at his aunt’s house. This resulted in him breaking his legs and rupturing a kidney. After the accident, he was in a coma for 3 days and bed ridden for 3 months.

How to get to Alum Chine Beach

Alum Chine is a mile west of Bournemouth along the Prom by foot/bike or on the land train. By road, it is 2 miles along West Cliff Road/Alumhurst Road.

By Bus

Bus no 33 stops at Alum Chine, stopping just a couple of minutes walk from the beach. During the summer, the No 70 Breezer Bus, which runs along the coast between Poole and Christchurch, is another option.

Access

The car park is close to the beach, making this one of the easiest beaches for access. Alternative access points are to walk down from the cliff top through Alum Chine. There is additional access just to the east at Middle Chine. There is step free access via the chines.

Parking

There is a small car park (92 spaces) at Alum Chine, which fills up fast in summer. Prices are seasonal, costing £3 for an hour or £2.50 for two hours in winter. Full details can be found here. If you opt to walk down through the Chines or the Gardens, there is some free roadside parking in West Overcliff Drive and the surrounding area.

Beach

The beach is mainly sandy. There can be a narrow bank of shingle near the water’s edge.

Alum Chine Gardens

Alum Chine is home to beautiful subtropical Gardens and boasts both Green and Blue Flag awards. The gardens were laid in the 1920s and replanted in the 1990s.

Note: The gardens are currently closed due to the risk of coastal erosion.

Food and Drink

Vesuvio is an Italian Restaurant at the bottom of Alum Chine. It specialises in pizza and pasta, but also sells breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, salads, cakes etc. It has a vegan menu and a children’s menu. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

There is also an ice cream kiosk on the Prom adjacent to Vesuvio.

Toilets

There is a toilet block on the Prom next to Vesuvio.

Other Facilities

• Beach huts
• Drinking water
• Shower

Lifeguards

The Alum Chine Lifeguard tower is manned from 10 am until 6 pm between 24th May and 7th September.

Alum Chine Beach for Children

Alum Chine is a great family friendly area. It is slightly removed from the more rowdy beaches nearer the city centre. In addition to a sandy beach with lifeguard patrol, there is also a Treasure Island themed children’s playground.

Vesuvio has a small children’s menu with dishes such as pizza, pasta and chicken nuggets for £7. And of course, there’s the ice cream kiosk…

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted on Alum Chine Beach between May and September. There is a year round dog friendly beach area just west of here, running between Alum Chine and Branksome Dene Chine.

• Updated: October 2025

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.