Season: spring
A bright morning coincided with a low tide at Bournemouth Central beach. As people used the promenade as a route to work, others like interviewee Pauline were taking their morning exercise. A view from above the beach put it into context among a string of fine beaches, which stretch from Hengistbury Head to Old Harry Rocks on the Isle of Purbeck. It’s a pleasure to have such a flat, sandy beach on one’s doorstep in such a well-to-do town as Bournemouth.
The beach as part of Pauline’s routine.
A view from above Bournemouth Central beach.
Down on the sand at the beach.
Season: autumn
Based around the main pier, Bournemouth Central beach is a traditional favourite for young and old, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The wide, sandy beach is perfect for traditional beach activities, but you can also take a boat trip, stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants, or simply stroll down the pier. There are attractions to keep the whole family entertained.
Adile has an environmental perspective.
A late November scene by Bournemouth Pier.
The Beach has always been the main attraction for most holiday makers. From early childhood, it was the place which promised the most enjoyable family outings and holidays. It still evokes memories of building sand castles, games on the beach and delicious picnics.
For many people, the Beach is, of course, the final destination of the most popular holiday venue: a vacation by the sea. Even retired couples bring their children and grandchildren to our cottages taking up two or three of them in the same week.
Most adults choose the Beach for long walks in all seasons. The pleasure is in the scenery and the fresh air, with the benefit of exercise for everyone.
No matter what your age, looking out at the waves lapping over the Beach towards you, from the vast infinity of the sea, must be the most spiritually rewarding experience for all mankind to enjoy the feeling of oneness with the Universe.
Bournemouth beach is a place for all seasons. Living and working close to the seaside I am still bedazzled by its beauty each and every day. Being high on the East Cliff, we have a panoramic view across the bay, from where I can enjoy the ever-changing seascapes from tranquil amber sunsets across gently lapping waves to grey, stormy, blustery skies and crashing seas. It can be calming, bracing, restful, exhilarating. Life on the beach can be peaceful, boisterous, isolating or jam-packed… changing with the time of year or the weather. No two days are the same. Life by the beach… what’s not to like?
With seven miles of award winning beaches, the beach really is the place to be in Bournemouth, no matter what the season! For me it’s all about the Sunday walks with the family and the dog! Having the beach on your doorstep is not something to be taken for granted, it is a real privilege and I always do my best to take full advantage of it all year round. From blustery walks in the winter to summer fun days it really has so much to offer and with the growing list of attractions and annual events in Bournemouth there is always something to be a part of. The beach signifies holidays and often conjures up very pleasant memories for people of time spent with family and friends. It’s a place of happiness and real enjoyment.
No matter where I am in the world, the ocean always brings back memories of being a child – discovering the ‘wonder of the silent world’ as named by Jack Cousteau. I can remember having picnics gazing at the sea, looking for strange creatures on the rocks and enjoying the sun while walking with my loved ones.
The ocean always reminds me of how small we are and that we might believe that we can control the elements on the planet, until the ocean reveals its power and show us how strong it is. There are some powers we can’t control, and that in itself is empowering when I’m in the presence of the ocean.