Rules on Bournemouth beaches that all visitors need to know

If you are coming to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole or need a refresh on some of the rules of our town then look no further. 

READ MORE: Canford Cliffs named seaside property hotspot by Rightmove

The rules all visitors need to know:

Dogs on the beach:

New rules prohibiting dogs from accessing a number of beaches came into force at the start of the month, running all the way through until the end of summer.

The restrictions have been put in place by BCP council from 1 May to 30 September.

Dogs are only allowed on some beaches in BCP

Dogs must be under control at all times and they must also be kept on leads on the promenades, piers, zig zags and footpaths and owners must clean up after their dog.

Failure to comply with the council's rules puts owners at the risk of a fine of up to £1000.

There are a number of beaches across the region however that your dog is permitted.

READ MORE: Dog-friendly beaches in BCP this summer

Car parking

All visitors to the area are asked to park responsibly. Parking wardens are in operation across the year and the number of attendants is increased during the summer months to crackdown on illegal parking.

Cars parked on double yellow lines, causing an obstruction or blocking access may be towed. 

Illegal parking in Bournemouth last summer

READ MORE: Thousands of parking fines handed out in BCP this year

Littering and recycling

To keep our beaches clean, 400 triple sized bins are being installed on the seafront.

Recycling bins along the seafront are often contaminated and therefore need to be treated as general waste. 

Please ensure your waste is disposed of in the correct bins to help protect the area and the planet.

If you litter you could face a maximum fine of £150.

Overnight camping

No overnight sleeping or camping is allowed on the beach, seafront, cliffs or car parks.

Be prepared to be disturbed as a 24-hour beach patrol will be repeatedly visiting to gather evidence for prosecution and you could face a £1000 fine. 

Open fires

Open fires, fire pits and fire bowls are not permitted at any time on the beaches, promenades, cliffs or cliff tops.

Open fires are not allowed on BCP beaches

Our beaches are surrounded by unique cliff habitats which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Their dry nature means they are vulnerable and sparks from open fires can cause horrific damage. 

You could risk a fine of £1000.

Barbecues (BBQs)

Disposable barbecues are only permitted at the beach between 6pm and 10:30pm.

Gas barbecues are not permitted at any time.

When you’ve finished with your barbecue, please extinguish it carefully with water and leave it next to the bins on the promenade for collection by our waste teams. Do not bury or put hot BBQs into bins.

Communal electric BBQs have been installed on the seafront to reduce litter and the impact on the environment.

Beach BBQs

The hotplates are free to use and available between Easter and 31 October between 10am to 10pm, on a first, come first served basis. 

Barbeques for groups of 30 or more

You will need our permission to hold a barbeque with this number of people.

It must take place in a designated barbeque area between 6pm and 10.30pm.

For barbeques for groups of 30 or more, you will need to read the BBQ guidance and complete an application form.

Sand dunes

Our sand dunes are a Site of Special Scientific Interest site and are a delicate ecosystem. Stay off the dunes to help us maintain this unique site and protect their fragile habitats.

Cycling, skating and skateboarding

In July and August, cycling, skating and skateboarding are not permitted on the seafront promenades or paths between 10am and 6pm.

Beryl e-scooters at Boscombe Pier

These activities are permitted between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers at any time of the year.

Music

Please consider other people and keep any music to a reasonable volume.

If your music can be heard within fifty feet of its source, a Seafront Ranger will ask you to turn it down.