Mudeford Sandbanks & Quay, Bournemouth

Description:

This part of South East Dorset is an absolute gem, and it comes as no surprise how popular it is, as it happens to be a mere 90 minutes from South London by motorway.

Situated on an unspoilt part of the South coast, it has everything a visitor could need to unwind, either for a short break, or for a longer holiday, and has some of the most pleasing mild weather in the UK.

There are numerous activities including swimming, paddling, and water sports are segregated on designated areas between numbered groynes.

This picturesque peaceful site, is of environmental importance part of which has been designated a Site of Nature Conservation Interest. The area supports a wide variety of birds and plant life reliant on the unique marine and shoreline habitat.

On offer are safe, award winning beaches, wonderful views, easy access to The New Forest National Park, great coastal nature walks, and a superb choice of restaurants and cafés (several are right on the beach). There is an excellent choice of accommodation available, plenty of unusual shops, a fine golf course bordering a nature reserve and close to the beach, and even cliff top Highcliffe Castle, which holds all kinds of exhibitions and events, including outdoor catering.

At the Western end of Christchurch bay, and guarding the entrance to the harbour is the fishing village of Mudeford. From here a small ferry can be taken to the sandbank, a unique spit that joins the village to Hengistbury Head, jutting out into the English Channel between Bournemouth and Christchurch. The ferries can also take you across the Harbor to historic Christchurch.

Here is the place for the children to hunt for crabs, the crab lines and bait can be purchased at the Quayside shops. Alternatively a train, that operates every day except Christmas or in really bad weather, from the Hengistbury car park. It will deliver you to the popular sandy beach where the wooden huts, of which there are 350, can fetch up to £100.000 a piece, on the rare occasion one comes up for sale.

Mudeford can be confusing because when searching for the beach many people end up at the quay, which is the opposite end of the narrow channel, the entrance to Christchurch harbour. The current here is swift and ruthless but never the less fun to watch.

You can also take a fishing trip (everything you need is provided), hire a speed cruise around the bay, or to the famous Needles off the Isle of Wight.

With so much on offer for all ages, the area is a perfect location for a family holiday, or a weekend break. With plenty of family pubs, a fish stall, dining and accommodation, and with easy access to so many attractions, the area is ideal for all ages.

Also within easy reach are Bournemouth, Lymington, the New Forest, and the Jurassic Coast (a world heritage site).

You can be sure of a warm welcome and a great holiday in Highcliffe and Mudeford in Dorset, Winter, Summer or whatever the weather.  

Dogs are allowed on the beach.

Places to visit also locally are:-

Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch. Local history and archaeology, natural history, costume and art gallery; walled garden. Open 10am - 5pm Tues. to Sat; 2pm - 5pm Sunday.

Christchurch Priory 900 year old former monastery. Longest parish church in England. Miraculous beam, St. Michael's Loft museum, Shelley memorial, books and gift shop. Open daily.