Boscombe beach is the section of the beach strand surrounding Boscombe pier and stretches down from Bournemouth Beach towards
Hengistbury Head. It includes the Portman Ravine zigzag and extends to the lift at Southbourne Beach.
For many years, Boscombe Beach had been the poor relation. Until recently it could could only boast a derelict pier
and a set of run down beach huts. However with the arrival of the surfing phenomenon Boscombe has blossomed.
The area either side of the pier is particularly popular with the surfing fraternity and has become the place
to go surfing in the Bournemouth Area.
A view down Boscombe Beach towards Hengistbury Head. There is a
wide promenade as well as the wide clean sandy beach
.
A great deal of re-development has taken place, on and around Boscombe Beach, although some of this
could be regarded as detrimental (more flats, less parking). The pier is being modified with the old Mermaid
theatre being demolished (I believe the whole of the end of the pier is being removed as well). Plans are at
an advanced stage for an artificial reef which will further enhance the surfing popularity of both this beach and
Southbourne Beach. The beach is also a good family beach and has a number of lifeguard stations during the peak season.
There is a pub, a couple of cafes and a number of ice-cream sellers.
The End Of the Mermaid
The Mermaid theatre at the end of Boscombe Pier was closed about 20
years ago and had lain derelict ever since. In a storm part of the
roof came off and was never replaced. The whole of the pier end was
regarded as a safety hazard and closed off from the public. Every year
she deteriorated and nobody wanted to pick up the bill to repair her or
the pier. Now shes gone, with much of the pier to follow.
Parking is not as good as it used to be. One of the large
car parks near the pier has been sold off for (yet) more flats. There is still parking along the beach strand at the botton of
the hill past the pier entrance but this is limited. Usually parking can be found further up in Boscombe.
There is a large car park up the hill from the pier near the centre of Boscombe and there is a large multistorey
car park in Boscombe servicing the Sovereign centre. If you are prepared to go further East towards the Portman
Ravine (about 1/2 mile from the pier) parking gets easier with a substantial amount of road parking (also its free!)
Parking is also permitted on the side roads but if you are carrying a board or are with elderly relatives this
is little comfort. The zigzag down to the Portman Ravine is quite steep and is an unsuitable climb for the frail.
There is a lift at the end of Boscombe beach which makes life easier for the infirm
