Things to do Hertfordshire
The jaw-dropping beaches 100 minutes from Hertfordshire that are too beautiful not to visit
There are actually five blue flag beaches that makeup Bournemouth Beach, Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman's Walk, Manor Steps and Southbourne
People enjoying hot weather at Bournemouth beach in Dorset (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)
Spanning a staggering seven miles, Bournemouth Beach is a series of different award-winning beaches, all nestled beneath a magnificent cliff line and it's just over an hour and a half from Herts.
One of the disadvantages of Hertfordshire is the lack of beaches, we are sort of in the middle and have to travel over to the coasts in order to get our feet on the sand or for a paddle but this beach is not too far if you are driving.
Bournemouth is a coastal town, well known for having a variety of hotels, guest houses and B&Bs that are all situated on the coastline so if you really like it that much, you could always stay for a while.
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There are actually five blue flag beaches that makeup Bournemouth Beach, Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman's Walk, Manor Steps and Southbourne.
Nestled beneath a wonderful cliff line, the bay has its own micro-climate which boasts some of the warmest temperatures in the UK and has stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks, it is a perfect day out.
The beaches are spread out across ideal locations and regardless of the weather, so you can go any time during the year.
Whether it's to take the kids to build sandcastles, chill along the pier, enjoy some amazing food or just take in the stunning location that extends for miles.
On the beach website, there is the option to do a Beach Check which allows you to see just how busy the beach is before you go so you can make sure it is the right time for you.
There is a local park and ride which costs £5 and has a free bus every 15 minutes, they run daily from July until September.
If you're planning on taking your four-legged friend for a stroll, there are some rules you need to remember. All dogs must be kept on a lead on the promenades, piers, cliff paths and zig zags and may only be exercised on certain sections of the beach.
Between May 1 and September 30, these are the dog-friendly beaches:
Branksome Dene Chine, Poole to Alum Chine Beach Office
Middle Chine to Durley Chine
Fisherman's Walk, Southbourne
Hengistbury Head
The beach won TripAdvisor's best of the best award in 2021 and each one offers a different experience.
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Alum Chine Beach
Alum Chine is one of the favourites in Bournemouth and is particularly loved by locals for its wide, exceptionally clean, sandy and shingle beaches located further to the West of Bournemouth away from the busy part of Bournemouth Pier and the town centre.
Durley Chine Beach
Similar to Alum Chine, Durley is a clean, wide beach which is also away from the pier, It can be accessed via a sloping car park or from Middle Chine.
The beach is popular with young families due to convenient facilities such as toilets, lost children centres and the RNLI.
Fisherman's Walk Beach
Somewhat quieter than the main Bournemouth beaches of East Cliff and West Cliff, Fisherman's Walk is still a bustling friendly beach with acres of sand.
It is one of four in Bournemouth to possess a coveted Blue flag in recognition of high standards of cleanliness and water purity.
Manor Steps Beach
Manor Steps Beach recently received a Blue Flag Award. Manor Steps is a delightful location on Bournemouth's seafront. An ideal family choice for a day or a stay at the beach as it is close to amenities and restaurants.
There are 24 beach lodges available to rent for overnight stay, accommodating up to six people.
Southbourne Beach
Southbourne Beach is one of Bournemouth's favourite Blue Flag award winning beaches, particularly loved by the locals for its wide, exceptionally clean, sandy and shingle beaches situated further to the West of Bournemouth, away from the hustle and bustle of Bournemouth Pier and the town centre.
Access Southbourne beach directly from Southbourne high street through Fisherman's walk.
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