\\\ Dog Walks
\\\ updated December 2021
Dog-friendly Southbourne, Boscombe And Bournemouth Beaches
Enjoy Bournemouth Boscombe and Southbourne Beaches
WITH YOUR DOG
Dog Beach Restrictions Removed Autumn Winter Spring
Image Featuring Bournemouth Beach, Pier, and Life Guard Station
Image Pet Check
Where are Bournemouth’s Best Dog-Friendly Beaches?
Whether it be a staycation, weekend break, or day trip, you’ll find so much for everyone along the seven-mile stretch of glorious sandy beaches including your dog.
Bournemouth is situated in a southerly facing bay on the south coast of England, a coastal town looking out towards the English Channel.
Boscombe, Southbourne, and Hengistbury Head beaches are to the east, and Branksome Dene Chine, Poole to Alum Chine Beach Office, and Middle Chine to Durley Chine beach to the west of Bournemouth pier.
Dogs are allowed onto the beaches at certain times of the year, restrictions in place during summer.

Sunny summer days see packed beaches and dog restrictions in place 1 May 30 September
Bournemouth Beach and Pier
Bournemouth’s Dog-Friendly Beaches – Featuring dog walking around the UK
Bournemouth is a busy University town, with a prestigious International event venue, which has the added advantage of being a gorgeous sandy beach resort, explored by the Victorians since 1845, developed later than other coastal resorts when the railway arrived at Bournemouth in the 1870s.
The towns have grown over more than a century-and-a-half into day-trip and holiday destinations offering award-winning Blue Flag beautiful stretches of sandy beaches with a cosmopolitan mix of tastes, and particularly, more recently, differing authentic food and restaurant offers.
Today is now a thriving visitor destination with neighbouring towns of Boscombe and quieter Southbourne.
At the end of Lockdown, many thousands of Brits flocked to our wonderful coastal locations and where tourism marketing pictures can be deceiving showing deserted sunny beaches, but in high season these beaches are extremely busy during sunny days as this picture shows
Bournemouth Beach May 2021
Bournemouth and Bournemouth Beach is a very popular region to visit as soon as the sun appears and especially over the holiday season. Trains run very frequently from London Waterloo station, taking just under two hours travel, passing through Basingstoke (just about an hour’s travel by train), and Southampton, which allows you to take your well behaved dog, free of charge train travelling to Bournemouth, or alternatively, you can drive to the town and beach.
Beach car parks become full by 10am in the morning during summer, on sunny days, and parking attendants are out in force slapping parking tickets on cars parked illegally. If you going to make this a special summer day out with your dog, leave early and be prepared not to get caught up in traffic jams.
The beaches are well served with good access including two vehicular railways at West Cliff and Fisherman’s Walk providing lifts from cliff tops to beaches, which dogs can accompany you when travelling up and down. The cliff areas do have great views, where you can take in the views of the Isle of Wight white cliffs to the east and your dog has some space to exercise.
At the town centre beach levels there are wide dedicated promenades where dogs can be walked, but kept on a short lead during peak times, and allowed onto the piers on leads, but not the beach.
Make your way a little further along the beach towards Southbourne, past Boscombe where parking and the beach may be an easier option for you and your dog to enjoy a day out on a busy sunny day.
Bournemouth towards Boscombe and further along to Southbourne there are dog restrictions of taking dogs onto beaches in place May 1st – 30th September due to the high number of visitors. The council operates strict dog restrictions on its beaches during these times.

THE UK’S POLICY TO RESTRICT DOGS ON BEACHES

What Are UK Beach Coast Restrictions?
No dog walking restrictions on selected beaches, promenades. Seaside summer dog walking restrictions. Beach restrictions for dog walks. dogs on leads, sandy beach dog walks. Beach dog walking. Beautiful coastal beach dog walks. Petcheck.UK Blog
Keep readingBournemouth Beach Dog Restriction Signs
Image Pet Check
There are 4 beaches where dogs may be walked during summer months
To the west of Bournemouth Pier
- Branksome Dene Chine, Poole to Alum Chine Beach Office
- Middle Chine to Durley Chine
To the east of Bournemouth Pier
- Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne
- Hengistbury Head

Southbourne Looking Towards Bournemouth
Bournemouth is a very popular region as soon as the sun appears and over popular holiday periods. The council operates strict dog restrictions on its beaches during these times. We highly recommend avoiding the area if you have your dog accompanying you for a special day out and to make your way to Southbourne Beach.
Southbourne Beach is highly recommended during summer months, situated east of Bournemouth’s favourite award-winning beaches, boasts an exceptionally clean, sandy, and shingle beach. Access to Southbourne Beach is directly from Southbourne high street through Fisherman’s walk. Fisherman’s Walk Beach is perhaps the finest and less busy than all the Bournemouth beaches and dog-friendly. It will make a far more relaxed day out with your dog enjoyable.
YOU MAY LIKE TO READ

Should I Walk My Dog On Summer Beaches?
Are beaches safe for summer dog walks? Summer dog walks on beaches. Dog walks on beaches. Keep dogs cool. How does the sun affect my dog? Dog summer beach and weather safety. Petcheck.UK Blog
Keep readingOctober to April – Beautiful walks along coastal routes and sandy beaches
Packed summer beaches are not places for you and your dog to enjoy on a day out, dogs can become anxious, can suddenly bolt, or even nip at passers-by acting totally out of character.
Autumn, winter, and springtime are perfect dog walks but see colder, shorter days and longer, darker evenings so the best time for walking is generally around early lunchtime when its the brightest and warmest, however, the tides may be high, providing less open space at the backshore for walking and enjoying the freedom of enjoying being let off the lead. It’s best to check local tide times before leaving home and plan your walks accordingly rather than making a special journey and being disappointed.
Wintertime may see rough seas and it’s really advisable to stay away from the sea with your dog. Walking on the promenades is a great alternative.
In case of pet emergencies, Bournemouth has a choice of several differing vet practices available serving domestic pets and you can feel safe by the water knowing that both Mudeford towards the east and Poole towards the west of Bournemouth town have lifeboat stations. The RNLI has a website with helpful advice to remind yourself about sea safety.

If you are staying in the area, then Sykes Holiday Cottages rental lettings offer locations mostly at Swanage, and with selective properties available at Bournemouth. If you’re looking for something a little different then there are several barn conversion styles, beach style, and several period properties available for you, and your pet.
Beach doggie tips –
- To take lots (more than usual) of fresh water and a collapsible bowl for your thirsty dog. Seawater is salty and will make your dog even more thirsty.
- Have old towels to dry your dog if they’ve been swimming. Provide them with towels to sit on, rather than the sand, and towels help to clean off the sand before going home!
- A sun canopy or umbrella shade is important, not just for you, but also for your dog who can catch sunburn as much as you can. Check out Pet Check Shop for supplies.
- You may need to use a short and/or long dog lead during restriction times, and take a dog muzzle if you prefer your dog to wear one on busier beaches. Dogs can act out character in new, unknown places often feeling anxious.
- Please remember to take your rubbish home with you. That includes dog poop which is your responsibility to clean up at all times.
To get the very best out of a special day trip – plan in advance.
- Pre-book your car park space if necessary.
- Check all local social media before setting out including if there are traffic build-ups in the area so you are not wasting time sitting in a hot car.
- Check tide times for the best times to be on the beach. We recommend two hours after high tide allows the tide to be going out, sand and shingle drying out and gives more space on the beach.
- Remember to buy sun block for you and your pet before its too hot weather, apply before leaving home.
- Ensure your dog has ventilated space in your vehicle and also sunshades protecting them from direct sunlight whilst travelling.
Pictures of Boscombe Beach and the wide Boscombe promenade
RECOMMENDED EATS

Quickly before you go
Try Urban Reef at The Overstrand directly overlooking Boscombe Beach
DOGS
“Dogs are welcome anywhere on the ground floor terrace decked areas. We have water bowls for our furry friends and delicious fresh food & drink for their less furry families”.
Prices and information correct at the time of writing.
Picture courtesy Bournemouth.com and Visit Bournemouth Bournemouth
\\\ PET CHECK SHOP
SHOP FOR ALL YOUR PET SUPPLIES TODAY

Pet Check Shop
Trusted dog, cat, rabbit, small pet, pet brands and shop including 24/7 vet, insurance, food, dog clothing, UK dog-friendly staycations, pet sitting, outdoor clothing, pet gifts, pet books. Petcheck.UK. Shop.
\\\ LATEST PET CHECK BLOGS
\\\ Copyright © Pet Check UK PetCheck.Blog 2020-2021 Design Horizon