The sandy beach was awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for 2024, with reviewers calling it “simply beautiful”
Every time the summer holidays roll around, everyone seems to have the same idea — leading to packed beaches and very little of the relaxation time we seek at the coast.
We’re blessed in the UK to have so many stunning beaches that are perfect for a sunny day out, but one destination that tops everyone’s list is Bournemouth. The town’s location on the coast makes it a relatively straightforward place to travel to for much of southern England.
Boasting golden sand — unlike many of the UK’s pebble beaches — Bournemouth is ideal for sunbathing and there’s plenty to do on the seafront. But despite is seven-mile length, Bournemouth beach gets full very quickly during peak summer holiday season.
Thankfully, there is one hidden gem not too. far away that offers a quieter alternative. Southbourne beach is so impressive, it was handed a Blue Flag award in 2024.
About four miles east of Bournemouth town centre, Southbourne is one of Bournemouth’s most frequented beaches, It’s situated near Boscombe pier and can be accessed directly from Southbourne high street, reports Surrey Live.
It boasts all the amenities needed for a family day out, including RNLI lifeguards, baby changing facilities and a cliff lift. This unique feature makes the beach accessible to all.
With a rating of four and a half stars on Tripadvisor, reviewers clearly think it’s worth the journey. Visitors have used the site to express their delight at Southbourne beach.
One reviewer wrote that the beach has “golden soft sand” and another called it a “beautiful beach without the crowds”. Others described the beach as “simply beautiful”, “a lovely place to stroll” and a “little gem”.
Reviewers often highlight the cleanliness of the beach when sharing their experiences, with one saying “Amazing stretch of sandy beach from Hengisbury Head to Bournemouth. Very clean.
“Great for a walk, picnic or swim. Probably less crowded than Bournemouth beach in peak season.”
For those planning an extended visit, there’s the option to rent one of the many beach huts, though it’s wise to book well ahead of time.
TripAdvisor contributors have noted this too, with one remarking that: “There is an ice cream kiosk, public toilets, lots of beach huts but no shops as this is very much a residential area.”
Dining out is a breeze with several fish and chip shops available both by the seaside and closer to the main shopping areas. For those seeking a change of scenery, the green expanses like Southbourne Overcliff offer stunning views over the bay.
