Friars Cliff Beach, Bournemouth

Description:

Friars Cliff is a sand and shingle beach with uninterrupted views of the Isle of Wight. It is located between Christchurch and Highcliffe, signposted from the A337 Lymington Road.

There is parking off Seaway Avenue or Southcliffe Road. The Wilts and Dorset bus service runs half hourly from Christchurch High Street to Bure Lane, which is just a short walk from Friar's Cliff beach.

Christchurch coastal path runs the full length of the Christchurch coastline from Chewton Bunny to Mudeford Quay.

Friars Cliff beach is ideal for a family day out, even on an overcast day. Beach huts line the promenade and are available for hire. This pretty array of huts is a great example of the different sizes and shapes that these little buildings come in. Deckchairs are available for hire.

Other facilities include The Beach Hut Café, open all year round with toilets and disabled access and showers. Swimming and paddling are safe and there is a lifeguard service at weekends during the Summer months, provided by the Christchurch Life Saving Club. An emergency number is located outside the hut.

There is also a designated area for water sports at Steamer Point. There is a zone set aside for canoe hire plus a facility for wind surfing. This is located at the eastern end of the beach. Steamer point is a twenty four acre cliff top designated local nature reserve, (LNR) situated next to Friars Cliff.

From May 1 until September 30 dogs are not allowed on Friar's Cliff Beach but are permitted on the promenade if they are on a lead.

Places to visit on a rainy day are:-

Museum of Electricity, Bargates. This is the history of electrical supply and appliances from toasters to trams. There are live experiments and demonstrations. Open Easter to September 12 - 4.30 pm daily.

Adventure Wonderland, Merritown Lane, Hurn (opp. Bournemouth Airport). Children's rides, maize café, shop, live characters and shows. Open 10am - 6pm daily. See our Dorset info section in Guide2Dorset.