The Alum Chine Tropical Gardens fill one of the wooded valleys that cut through Bournemouth's western cliffs, and they are among the most peaceful spots in town. Protected from the wind, the chine has a mild microclimate in which sub-tropical and exotic plants flourish, and a winding path leads down through them to the sand. This is somewhere to slow the pace: a green, leafy route to the shore that feels far removed from the busier seafront.
Background
Bournemouth developed as a Victorian health resort, and its chines, the steep, wooded clefts in the soft cliffs, were landscaped so that visitors could walk down to the sea in shelter. The name Alum Chine comes from an early, short-lived effort to extract alum from the cliffs, long before any gardens existed here. Gradually the valley floor was planted with tender, exotic species that thrive in its protected pocket of warm air, which is how the chine acquired the lush character it has today.
What to see and do
Thanks to the planting, the gardens have a surprisingly rich, almost Mediterranean atmosphere, with palms, ferns, phormiums and flowering shrubs lining the walk down to the shore. A footbridge crosses the valley high overhead, a familiar landmark with long views across the treetops to the sea. Think of it as a relaxed, unhurried stroll rather than a formal botanical outing, and a lovely way to arrive at the beach on foot. There is a literary connection too: the writer Robert Louis Stevenson lived nearby in the 1880s, and a memorial records the link.
Planning a visit
Entry is free all year round and there are no gates or tickets; simply walk in from the roads above or climb up from the promenade below. The main path descends steadily along the valley to the beach, so sensible shoes help, especially after rain, and if you begin at the shore, allow time for the walk back up. The chine itself has no facilities, though cafés, kiosks and beach amenities are close by on the seafront. It is a genuinely family-friendly place, and on hot days the shade of the trees makes it a welcome escape.
Close by
The bottom of the chine brings you to Alum Chine beach, one of the quieter, family-friendly sections of Bournemouth's seven miles of sand, which has its own children's play area on the promenade. A short walk east along the front is neighbouring Durley Chine, while the smart shops and cafés of Westbourne are just inland. The gardens are one of many green spaces and coastal walks around the bay; find more in our guide to things to do in Bournemouth.
