Parking Near Bournemouth Beach and Pier: Which Car Park Should You Choose?

All four are listed as open 24 hours. Check the linked operator pages before travelling for current charges, height limits and any event arrangements. 

For the shortest walk to the central seafront

Bath Road South is a practical first choice if the beach and pier are the main reason for your trip. It has 163 spaces and is particularly worth considering when you are bringing towels, bags or children’s beach equipment. Pavilion car park is another central option, especially if your plans include the Pavilion or the area east of the pier. It has 185 spaces. Both charge £7.70 for up to two hours and £28 for up to 24 hours during the published 15 March to 31 October tariff period, so convenience comes at a price for a full day. 

For the pier and an evening out

BIC car park, on Exeter Road, has 644 spaces and works well if your day includes the pier, town centre or a show at Bournemouth International Centre. It is a pay-on-exit car park, with payment by debit or credit card. Its published standard charge is £6.20 for up to two hours or £23.50 for up to 24 hours. Check the BIC parking page if you are visiting on a show night: a separate event rate can apply from 5pm. 

Images: Unsplash

For a longer visit on a smaller parking budget

If you are comfortable with a longer walk to the seafront, consider Winter Gardens car park. Its published charges are £3.30 for two hours, £5.80 for four hours and £12.90 for 24 hours. That makes it a useful option for a beach day that also includes time in town. If you are carrying a lot of equipment or need to minimise walking, a closer car park may be the better fit. 

Before you set off

Choose your car park around the whole visit, including the walk back after a day on the beach. Check the route if steps or slopes are a concern, and check your vehicle height before entering a multi-storey car park. Bath Road South and the BIC have a published 2-metre height limit; Winter Gardens has a 2.1-metre limit. All three, along with Pavilion, list designated disabled spaces, but a listed space is not a guarantee that one will be available when you arrive. 

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