Seven miles of sand, and the details that decide where you stay
Hotels, parking and beaches in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, compared from the hotels, council and operators themselves.
Where to stay
Hotels and places to stay, compared on the details that decide a booking.
Where to stay in Bournemouth: the areas comparedDurley Chine and Fisherman's Walk hold 2026 Blue Flags; 11 areas from the West Cliff to Highcliffe compared on distance to the Square, nearest beach and hotels.
Dog-friendly hotels in Bournemouth: fees and rules comparedDog fees at 11 Bournemouth hotels run from £5 to £30 a night on the hotels' own websites. Limits on size and number, where dogs may go, and which rooms are excluded.
Hotels near the BIC Bournemouth: walking times and parkingThe Hermitage faces the BIC; 13 hotels within a 20-minute walk compared on estimated minutes to the BIC and Pavilion, and parking from free to £28 a night.
Seafront hotels in Bournemouth: sea-view rooms and balconies comparedAt most Bournemouth seafront hotels only rooms named Sea View face the sea. Room names to book at 11 hotels, which have balconies, and the cliff lift status.
Family hotels in Bournemouth: room sizes, kids' clubs and cotsSuncliff's largest family room sleeps 6, The Riviera's sleep 3 to 5 and THE NICI charges nothing extra for children. Room sizes, kids’ clubs and cots at 11 hotels.- Hotels with pools in Bournemouth: indoor, outdoor and swim times9 of 12 Bournemouth and Sandbanks hotel pools checked are indoors; The Cumberland heats its outdoor pool late spring to summer only. Kids’ swim times, day passes.
- Spa hotels in Bournemouth: facilities, hours and age rules comparedThe Connaught, Queens and Christchurch Harbour include spa use in the room; West Cliff charges £15 a stay. Thermal rooms, hours and age limits at 10 spa hotels.
- Bournemouth Airport hotels: drive times and park-and-fly comparedNo hotel sits on the airport site. The Avon Causeway in Hurn is 1.5 miles away and lets guests park for £50 a week; 6 hotels within 6 miles compared on parking.
- Bournemouth hotels with parking: charges and booking terms comparedSix Bournemouth hotels park guests free only if the room is booked direct, and most spaces are first come, first served. Charges at 15 hotels, from £0 to £28.
Holiday parks in Bournemouth and Poole: pools, dogs and beachesHoburne Park and Sandhills sit a short walk from Christchurch beaches; Rockley Park is on Poole Harbour. 15 holiday parks compared on pools, shows, dogs and pitches.
Camping near Bournemouth: tents, tourers and beach distanceMeadowbank in Christchurch says it is the closest touring site to Bournemouth beach but takes no tents or dogs. 15 campsites compared on pitches, dogs and season.
Getting here and parking
Airport, station and car park costs, with current tariffs.
- Bournemouth Airport parking: 2026 prices for every car parkA week in Car Park 2 cost £102.38 booked direct for 12 to 19 November 2026, against £400 at the £50-a-day drive-up rate. All 4 car parks and Parley Lane compared.
- Bournemouth Airport drop-off charge: £8 for 30 minutes in 2026Dropping off or collecting at Bournemouth Airport costs £8 for up to 30 minutes in Car Park 1, then £15 to an hour. No free kerbside; Blue Badge holders get 4 hours.
Bournemouth town centre parking: 2026 car park prices compared£6.40 buys 24 hours at four Bournemouth town centre car parks; most others charge £12.90. Prices for 12 BCP car parks, height limits, overnight and park and ride.
Bournemouth beach parking: seafront car park prices by seasonA day at a Bournemouth beach car park costs £23.60 to £28 in summer and £5.30 at most from 1 November. 11 seafront car parks compared, Alum Chine to Hengistbury.
Sandbanks parking: car parks, roads and prices by seasonSandbanks car park charges £25 for 14 hours in summer and £3.90 a day from 1 November, with six peninsula roads free all winter. 12 car parks and roads compared.- Bournemouth Airport bus to town: 737 times, taxis and transfersThe 737 is the only bus from Bournemouth Airport to town: weekdays only, 3 departures at 13:35, 16:20 and 18:00, none at weekends. Taxi and transfer options too.
BIC Bournemouth parking: show rates and nearby car parks comparedThe BIC car park charges a flat £12 from 5pm to the end of a show; 9 car parks near the BIC and Pavilion compared on 4-hour and 24-hour prices, summer and winter.
Beaches and days out
Beaches, boat trips and attractions, with the rules and prices that change by season.
