4 genuinely free places in and around Bournemouth, Dorset — each with an honest receipt for what the day really costs once parking and lunch are counted.
Seven miles of golden Blue Flag sand, from Alum Chine to Boscombe. Promenade, pier approach and lifeguarded swimming in season.
£2.40/hr seafront (cheaper in town, free on-street after 6pm)
Grade II* listed gardens running from the town square to the sea, with the aviary, mini-golf and the summer bandstand.
Town-centre car parks from £1.60/hr; on-street free Sundays
A quieter stretch than the centre, with the restored pier, beach huts and the overcliff gardens dropping down via the cliff lift.
Overcliff & side-street parking ~£2/hr; free further back
Free, timed 5k every Saturday at 9am around Kings Park — walk, jog or run it, just register once and bring your barcode.
Free parking on Kings Park Drive at weekends