BCP Council has said its seafront car parks are full and has urged people to ‘think twice’ before visiting the beach today.

Bournemouth Echo:

Thousands of people have flocked to the beach as temperatures soar into the 20s.

The pier was also open for the public and people were playing mini golf in the lower gardens.

Bournemouth Echo:

Many people were playing in the sea and the beach was busy with groups making the most of the bank holiday.

Posting on Twitter just before 12pm today, BCP Council said: “Our seafront car parks are full. Please think twice before visiting the beach – there are other less busy but equally lovely open spaces to enjoy or please stay home.”

Bournemouth Echo:

It added: “If you do go out, please avoid parking in local roads or breaching traffic regulations and risking a fine.”

Bournemouth Echo:

A resident, who asked to remain anonymous, sitting on the pier said he was surprised the beach was so busy.

He said: “It’s just like a normal bank holiday.

“I didn’t think it would be this busy, but everyone’s keeping their distance, staying two metres away.

“Whether they’re from the same household, nobody knows. But they’re being sensible, I’m glad to see they’re out enjoying themselves.”

Bournemouth Echo:

The gentleman said he has walked to the beach most days during lockdown and this is the busiest he’d seen it.

“On the roads cars are parked bumper to bumper,” he added.

“Restaurants are open they’re making a bit of money. Life is slowly going back to normal, it’s good.”

Bournemouth Echo:

The town centre was still quiet with just a few people outside Tesco in the Square.

The gardens were relatively empty but there was a big queue for the ice cream hut on the seafront.

Temperatures are set to reach the low to mid 20s this week and last week saw thousands of people flock to the beach for the first time during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Bournemouth Echo:

Last week, BCP Council leader Vikki Slade said residents should “head home” if the area’s beaches were “too busy” when they arrived. 

While visitors from outside the area were told to not to visit Dorset for now.

Bournemouth Echo:

Speaking last week, Cllr Slade said: “With the favourable weather conditions set to continue this Bank Holiday weekend we are appealing to residents to please Think Twice if they arrive at the seafront and find it’s too busy.

"We understand people are keen to get to the beach but the message is simple - if you get to the beach and it’s too busy then please head home. The beach will still be here for you to enjoy at other times.”

BCP Council said last week it would “continue to monitor the beach use throughout the weekend”.

Signage is in place advising beach users to keep to the two-metre social distancing.