Southbourne Beach won in the regional category as part of the Times and Sunday Times' annual best beaches guide. Chief travel writer Chris Haslam visited 543 beaches around the UK, with 50 being included. Criteria analysed included water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene levels at restrooms and showers, and dog-friendliness.
Haslam said: "My Jack Russell, Dave T. Dog, and I have journeyed 5,583 miles and explored 543 beaches. "The 50 beaches that made our list are graced with outstanding natural beauty, superb infrastructure, and a clear sense of pride from those who live, work, and play there.
"I’m still in awe of the beauty of the UK coast. From Kynance to Caithness, and Brancaster to Benone, the beaches of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are the most magnificent on earth.” The full Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches guide for 2024 can be found on .
Haslam was enamoured with Southbourne describing it as encompassing "Bournemouth's soul". He wrote: "Bournemouth’s beach is the finest on the south coast: 9.5 miles of soft sands that run from Hengistbury Head in the east to Sandbanks in the west.
"I spent two days looking for Bournemouth’s soul and eventually found it four miles east at Southbourne.” Southbourne Beach is also well-reviewed on , earning a score of 4.5/5 from 251 ratings.
One person wrote: "It’s so much quieter than the main beach and just such a nice relaxing beach. There is also usually a.
