Alum Chine is the tropical-planted ravine at the west end of Bournemouth Beach. The chine footpath drops from Westbourne down to the seafront in 12 minutes, past palms, ferns and the Chine children’s play area. The beach at the mouth is the shallowest safe swim on the 7-mile stretch.
Local knowledge in 60 words.
Enter from Alumhurst Road at the top or from Undercliff Drive at the bottom; both routes are pushchair-friendly on smooth tarmac. Middle Chine and Durley Chine sit either side and connect via the Overcliff clifftop path. The land train runs from Alum Chine east to Boscombe Pier Easter to October, £3 single.
Three closest hotels.
- Chine Hotel (West Cliff). Boscombe-side property, older feel, summer outdoor pool. Direct 5-minute walk to Alum Chine via Studland Road. Rate band £120 to £220.
- Marriott Highcliff. West Cliff Road corner, sea view rooms above floor 5. 12 minutes to Alum Chine on foot via the clifftop path. Rate band £180 to £340.
- Collingwood Hotel. Priory Road at the top of the Chine, family-focused, patio rooms with garden access. 4 minutes to the top of Alum Chine. Rate band £110 to £190.
Practical tips.
- Dog rule: dogs permitted on-lead through the chine gardens year-round; the beach at the mouth follows the 10:00-18:00 May-September ban.
- Parking: Alum Chine car park on Alumhurst Road is £3 per hour, £15 daily; free after 18:00 in low season.
- Seasonal: the play area gets busy 10:00-14:00 in school holidays; arrive before 09:30 for a quiet visit and empty benches.