South East England : Bournemouth Pier

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Bournemouth Pier is sat amidst a golden sand beach sat in front of one of the most vibrant towns on the south coast and is excellently located for a full on resort beach experience. The beach is the in the middle of the huge strip of sand that runs all the way from Christchurch harbour in the east to the entrance to Poole harbour in the west - nearly 10 kilometres of perfect, unbroken beach.

The surf is best here when a swell runs up the Channel and wraps around Swanage Headland into Poole Bay. The main peak is immediately left of the pier and runs east as a right-hander. The waves are best at around mid tide but can be quite heavy and with the pier novices should take care. This is and will be the best break along this length of coast until the artificial reef opens up at Boscombe Pier in 2008.

The beach is extremely well provided for by the local facilities with a lifeguard presence, public toilets, changing huts, information centre, The Waterfront Centre and many cafes and restaurants. A great beach with great urban facilities and nightlife just a stone throw away.
Details
Driving Access: Minor road behind the beach but a navigational maze
Car Park spaces: 150
Price: Over than £5, pay and display
Beach facilities: Lifeguards, toilets, changing huts, café and restaurants
Beach type: Fine white sand
Break type: Beach
Pub: The Neptune
Sort of wave: Spilling
Peaks: Shifting beach break
Left/Right: Both
Offshore wind direction: Northerly
Local highlights: Amusements, pier, The Waterfront Centre and the local nightlife
National Trust: No

Ratings
Ability: Novice - Legend
Kids: 2 - plenty in town
Other stuff: 3 - Plenty in town
Access: 3 - Car parking directly behind the beach
Urban proximity: Close the nightlife
Water quality: Good

  Accomodation:

Book local holiday cottage*

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