Getting Here
Arts by the Sea is in the heart of Bournemouth town centre and seafront
Festival Location
The festival takes place across Bournemouth town centre and seafront, with venues including The Square, Lower Gardens, Pavilion Terraces, and beach areas. All venues are within a comfortable 10-minute walk of each other.
View Festival MapBournemouth Town Centre & Seafront
Travel Sustainably
We encourage all visitors to use sustainable transport options. Transport is the UK's biggest greenhouse gas emitter - your choice makes a difference!
Learn About Our SustainabilityHow to Get Here
By Bus
RecommendedThe easiest and most sustainable way to reach the festival. Multiple routes serve Bournemouth town centre.
- MoreBus operates frequent services to Bournemouth Square
- Routes 1, 2, 6, and M1/M2 stop near festival venues
- Special festival offers available through MoreBus partnership
- Buses run until late evening on festival days
- Real-time bus tracking available via MoreBus app
By Train
RecommendedBournemouth Station is just a 10-minute walk from the festival site.
- Direct trains from London, Southampton, Weymouth, and Bristol
- Bournemouth Station to The Square: 10-minute walk
- Follow signs for town centre, then walk down towards the seafront
- Accessible route available from station
- South West Trains partnership offers available
By Bike
RecommendedCycle to the festival on Bournemouth's excellent bike paths.
- Dedicated cycle routes throughout Bournemouth
- Secure bike parking at The Square
- Additional bike parking at Lower Gardens
- Monitored parking areas during festival hours
- Cycle repair station available at main bike park
E-Scooter
RecommendedUse Beryl e-scooters to zip around Bournemouth.
- Download the Beryl app to unlock scooters
- Designated parking zones near all festival venues
- Affordable pay-per-minute pricing
- Available throughout Bournemouth
- Must be 18+ with valid license
By Car
Town centre car parks available, though we encourage sustainable transport.
- BH2 Car Park: 5-minute walk to festival (postcode: BH2 5AA)
- Avenue Car Park: 10-minute walk (postcode: BH2 6AA)
- Seafront parking: Limited, charges apply
- Parking charges: Approximately £2.50-£3.50 per hour (not festival controlled)
- Consider Park & Ride options to reduce congestion
- Blue Badge holders: disabled parking bays available
On Foot
RecommendedIf you're staying nearby, walking is a great way to arrive.
- Town centre is pedestrian-friendly
- All festival venues within 10-minute walk of each other
- Seafront promenade provides scenic walking route
- Accessible routes clearly marked
- Look out for festival signage and flags
Car Parks
If you need to drive, town centre car parks are available. Parking charges apply and are not controlled by the festival. We recommend arriving early on busy days.
BH2 Car Park
Address: Exeter Road, Bournemouth BH2 5AA
Walk Time: 5 minutes to The Square
Spaces: Large multi-storey
Pricing: £2.50-£3.50 per hour
Avenue Car Park
Address: Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth BH2 6AA
Walk Time: 10 minutes to The Square
Spaces: Multi-storey
Pricing: £2.50-£3.00 per hour
Seafront Parking
Address: Various locations along Undercliff Drive
Walk Time: 2-5 minutes to beach venues
Spaces: Limited on-street parking
Pricing: £3.00-£4.00 per hour
Blue Badge Holders: Disabled parking bays are available in all town centre car parks. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.
Travel Tips
Arrive Early
Popular performances can get busy. Arrive 15-20 minutes early to secure a good spot and explore the festival.
Pedestrianized Areas
The festival area is largely car-free, making it safe and easy to walk between venues. All venues are within 10 minutes of each other.
Check for Updates
Road closures may be in place during festival hours. Check our website and social media for the latest travel updates.
Need More Information?
Check out our FAQ or contact us for specific travel questions.