Bournemouth, a picturesque coastal town in the UK, offers a variety of accessible options for families with strollers to enjoy the beautiful beaches. Whether you’re looking for buggy-friendly zig zags, inclinators, cliff lifts, or land trains, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make your beach trip with a stroller a breeze.
Buggy-Friendly Zig Zags
Many of Bournemouth’s beaches feature buggy-friendly zig zags that allow you to easily access the beach with a stroller. One such example is the East Overcliff Drive beach, which is a quieter alternative to the main Bournemouth beach but still offers nearby facilities. These zig zags make it simple to navigate the terrain and reach the sand with your stroller.
Inclinators
For those who prefer a more effortless way to get to the beach, Bournemouth offers inclinators at certain locations, such as East Overcliff Drive. These inclinators can transport you and your stroller from the cliff top down to the beach, eliminating the need to navigate the steep zig zags.
Cliff Lifts
Bournemouth’s cliff lifts are another accessible option for families with strollers. These lifts can take you from the cliff top to the beach, and carers as well as children under 5 can travel for free, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice.
Land Trains
Bournemouth’s wheelchair-friendly land trains provide a scenic way to explore the seafront while accommodating your stroller. These trains can take you along the bay, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views while making your way to different beach locations.
Mobi-Mats and Wooden Boardwalks
At some beaches, such as Boscombe and Sandbanks, you’ll find Mobi-mats and wooden boardwalks that make it easier to push a stroller onto the sand and closer to the water’s edge. These are typically in place during the bathing season, which runs from May 15 to September 30.
It’s important to note that while pushchairs can generally go on the sand, they may be challenging to push due to the softness of the sand. Using the Mobi-mats or wooden boardwalks can make the experience much more manageable.
Accessible Beaches in Bournemouth
When it comes to finding the most accessible beaches for families with strollers, some of the top options in the Bournemouth area include:
- Alum Chine
- Bournemouth
- Boscombe
- Gundimore (Christchurch)
- Avon (Christchurch)
- Friars Cliff (Christchurch)
- Sandbanks (Poole)
- Shore Road (Poole)
- Branksome Chine (Poole)
- Studland
These beaches offer easier access and close parking, making it more convenient to get your stroller to the beach.
Accessible Beach Huts
For those looking for a more comfortable beach experience, Bournemouth offers three purpose-designed, fully disabled-accessible beach huts available for hire at Boscombe beach. These huts have enough space for four wheelchair users, accessible parking spaces, and nearby toilet facilities.
Parking for Disabled Tax Exempt Vehicles
If you’re traveling with a Disabled Tax Exempt Vehicle, you can park on the Undercliff Drive promenade car park in Bournemouth. However, you’ll need to pay the car park charges unless you have a valid Disabled Tax Exempt Permit issued by the BCP Council.
By taking advantage of the various accessibility options available in Bournemouth, families with strollers can enjoy a hassle-free and enjoyable day at the beach. Whether you choose to use the buggy-friendly zig zags, inclinators, cliff lifts, or land trains, Bournemouth offers a range of solutions to make your beach experience with a stroller a memorable one.
References:
– Accessible Seafront – BCP Council
– Day Trip: Beaches of Bournemouth – Bikinis and Bibs
– Can I get a pushchair down on the beach? – Tripadvisor