Insider’s Guide to Southbourne

First things first… Southbourne beach. The length of the beach is lined with colourful beach huts giving it a quintessentially british feel. There are no crazy crowds here, just soft sand, clear water, and space. Pack a picnic or grab some fish and chips, and enjoy the laid back vibe. Perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, sandcastle making or just lounging with a book.

Dogs are welcome at Southbourne Beach, but there are a few rules to keep in mind, especially during the summer months. Here’s the scoop:

During the summer (May 1 to September 30) dogs are restricted from the main sections of Southbourne Beach (between Fisherman’s Walk and Hengistbury Head). However, you’ll find designated dog-friendly areas outside of these zones where your pup can run free on the sand and splash in the waves.

During off-Season (October 1 to April 30), the whole beach becomes dog-friendly! It’s the perfect time for long, carefree walks with your furry friend, with fewer crowds and cooler weather.

This little town is packed with places to eat, drink, and make your taste buds very happy. Here are just a few of our favourite spots:

Sobo beach– Situated on the beach promenade, this is a vibrant venue which combines excellent food with a casual ambiance. The venue frequently hosts community- focused events, live music and beachside activities.

Deli Rocks —a cozy spot where the coffee’s strong, the pastries are flaky, and the vibe is just right.

Bigwigs Bakery – BigWigs is a must-visit spot for bakery enthusiasts. This family-run bakery is celebrated for its artisan bread, fresh pastries and treats.

Baffi – Wood-fired, handmade, and utterly delicious pizzas.

Cafe Riva – Perched on Southbourne cliff top and boasting panoramic views of the Purbecks & Isle of Wight, this place is a must visit.

The Larder House– It’s all about local, seasonal ingredients, served in the kind of setting that makes you want to stay all night. Bonus points if you sneak upstairs to ‘The Library of Liquor’ after your meal. A hidden speakeasy, complete with vintage charm and dangerously good cocktails!

Ludo Lounge – A relaxed cafe-bar with a family friendly atmosphere, Ludo Lounge serves an eclectic menu including brunch, hearty mains and veggie options.

Restaurant Roots – This Michelin star recommended gem focuses on innovative yet approachable tasting menus. It offers an intimate dining experiences with creative flavour combinations. Advanced booking is highly recommended.

The heart of Southbourne is its high street, ‘Southbourne Grove’. It’s a mix of independent shops, quirky boutiques, and friendly cafés. Here are some local favourites:

Sugar Mango – This boutique specialises in unique gemstone and silver jewellery, and lifestyle gifts.

Parlourmentary – A delightful deli shop that offers a curated selection of British and European cheeses, cured meats, and provisions.

Haywood Wines – family-run shop offering an eclectic collection of wines, spirits, and beers. The friendly service and high-quality selection make it a local favourite.

BH6 Books & Home – An independent bookstore that combines books with home decor items, offering a cozy shopping experience for book lovers and those looking for unique.

Flaming Nora’s – Known for its eco-friendly, retro, and traditional toys and gifts, this shop is ideal for finding something quirky and sustainable.

For the adventurous types, Hengistbury Head is just around the corner. This wild and wonderful nature reserve is the perfect spot for a hike, bike ride, or even a bit of bird-watching. Climb to the top for panoramic views that’ll make you stop in your tracks. It’s Dorset at its best.

The beach at Hengistbury is relatively unspoilt with ironstone cliffs and soft sand under foot. The spit is famously lined with colourful beach huts and is popular amongst both visitors and locals. Park on the ‘mainland’ at Mudeford Quay and either walk the 20-30 mins up and over the foresty sides to the ‘Head’, or catch the land train to the Hiker Cafe. The train runs between Easter and October and is perfect for pushchairs or those who are less mobile.

The Head itself is a site of significant archeological importance, and there have been excavations here since the 1800’s. The area is also home to over 500 plant species, 300 types of birds, a superb variety of insects, reptiles and small mammals, all of which is well documented in the visitors centre.

Dogs are allowed on the trails year-round, and the walk to Mudeford Spit is ideal for active pups. Just keep them on a lead in the nature reserve areas to protect local wildlife.

*Insider Tip* Time your walk for sunset. The golden light over Christchurch Harbour is pure magic.

Aside from the numerous hours that can be spent exploring the coastline for shells and making sandcastles, Southbourne has some other great offerings for families…

Tuckton Tea Gardens – Think gingham tablecloths, homemade cakes, and a riverside view that feels like stepping into a simpler time. You can even hire a little rowing boat to explore the River Stour.

Wick Ferry – Hop on this tiny, old-fashioned ferry to cross the river. On the other side? Gorgeous walks, Christchurch Priory, and plenty of spots to sit and watch the world go by.

Traveling to Southbourne is relatively easy, whether you’re coming from nearby towns or further afield.

The nearest train station is Pokesdown. It’s served by regular trains from London Waterloo, Southampton, and Poole. From the station, it’s a short taxi ride or walk to the High Street.

Southbourne is around a 2-hour drive via the M3 and M27 from London. Once in Bournemouth, follow signs to Southbourne.