Some of the best things in life are free and if you would like to explore the full beauty of Bournemouth whilst limiting the amount of money that you spend, there are few better ways than by taking in the experience provided by some of the walks that are mentioned in this blog.

Walks are suitable for all members of the family and give you the perfect opportunity to take in some of the many sights provided by the area whilst ensuring that you don't have to spend a penny (unless you feel the need for any liquid refreshment or lunch on your way round!).

Bournemouth to Lymington Town

This walk is recommended for more experienced walkers.

A wonderful 20-mile walk, from Bournemouth to Lymington Town, this easy to follow walk is perhaps best suited to including an overnight stay and provides the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway.

This walk takes you from Bournemouth to Lymington Town along the Bournemouth Coast Path and the Solent Way.

Combining some easy promenade walking with clifftop trails providing spectacular views over Christchurch Harbour, the Needles and the Isle of Wight. The trail finishes with a tranquil stroll through Keyhaven Nature Reserve, arriving at Lymington’s bustling yacht marina and cobbled Quay Street.

Bournemouth to Barton-on-Sea via Henistbury Head

The Bournemouth to Barton-on-Sea walk is a flat coastal walk - swimming is possible throughout route if you fancy a dip (weather permitting!).

Starting in central Bournemouth and following the wide sandy beach, the highlight of this walk is Hengistbury Head, a nature reserve with sand dunes, and a headland (small hill) with a nice view over Christchurch harbour and the surrounding coastline. Below the headland is a nice quiet beach. At the end of the headland is a narrow spit with a beach hut 'village' with a cafe, and a frequent ferry service across the narrow harbour entrance to Mudeford Quay.

Lunch is at Mudeford Quay's pub or fish and chip shop. After a short family beach, climb up to Steamer Point nature reserve, and follow the cliff top path to the impressive Highcliffe Castle (entrance £ 2.60) and its tea room

Back down to a hidden beach, and follow it along a good path to the entrance of Chewton Bunny. The cliff top at this point is blocked by a private holiday park, instead you can walk along the shingle beach (easier at low tide), then follow a gentle path over crumbling cliffs (its safe) up to the cliff top to Barton-on-Sea.

Bournemouth Beach

This lovely and picturesque walk along Bournemouth beach can be commenced from many places along the seafront.

We would recommend starting from either Boscombe, Bournemouth, Durley Chine or Sandbanks because of their beach level parking facilities. If you would prefer not to park quite as close to the seafront, you also have the option of using some of the cliff top parking spaces which are available and then walking down.

Although some of these zig zag paths can be quite steep, there are a few cliff side lifts situated between Bournemouth and Boscombe pier and Bournemouth pier and Durley Chine.

Gardens and Alum Chine, Bournemouth

This walk is a leisurely circular walk which starts from one of Bournemouth's most famous landmarks - Bournemouth pier.

The route then follows the River Bourne, which is not much more than a stream, through some of the beautiful gardens in the town.

The route will then turn up a hill into Westbourne where you have the opportunity to take a break at one of the many restaurants, coffee shops and pubs which you will pass.

Finally the walk returns to the pier through the wooded Alum Chine and along the promenade.

Credits: Walking in Bournemouth.