South East England : Southbourne Beach

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Southbourne beach is a stunning strip of white sand that nestles in a perfect sheltered spot underneath some high cliffs. Its so secluded that once on the beach you wouldn't believe that you were next to one of the largest towns on the south coast. The beach is the eastern end 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. There are wooden groynes at regular intervals all along the beach, which collect the sand into permanent sand bars, so the surf breaks in predictable peaks. The waves are best at around mid tide but can be quite heavy and with the groynes novices should take care. The beach is extremely well provided for by the local facilities with a lifeguard presence, an excellent Bistro and public toilets. Just to cap it off there is an unusual amount of free parking along the road above the beach! An all round fantastic beach.

Details
Driving Access: Navigate through town as the beach isn't well signed
Car Park spaces: 200
Price: Free on cliff top road
Beach facilities: Toilets, café, lifeguards and changing huts
Beach type: Fine white sand
Break type: Beach
Pub: There are plenty in town
Sort of wave: Spilling
Peaks: Shifting beach break
Left/Right: Both
Offshore wind direction: Northerly
Local highlights: The beach itself
National Trust: No

Ratings
Ability: Novice - Legend
Kids: 1 - Just the beach
Other stuff: 1 - Just the beach
Access: 2 - Short walk down steep path
Urban proximity: Close to town
Water quality: Good

  Accomodation:

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