Photo: David Smith / Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0
Avon Beach
A sandy beach beside Mudeford Quay in Christchurch with beach huts, a cafe, water sports hire, summer lifeguards and a dog ban from May to September.
At a Glance
Beach Type
sandy
Dogs
Seasonal restrictions
Lifeguard
Yes (seasonal)
Parking
Available
Access
Easy access
Swimming
Swim with caution
Facilities
Activities
A family beach beside the quay
Avon Beach is at Mudeford, on the east side of Christchurch, where Christchurch Harbour meets the sea. BCP Council calls it a sandy beach. It has about three quarters of a mile of sand, looking out across Christchurch Bay towards the Isle of Wight. Mudeford Quay is next door. A number of beach huts stand behind the sand.
Lifeguards and swimming
BCP Council lists RNLI lifeguards on Avon Beach in the peak summer weeks only. The season is shorter than at Sandbanks, which is patrolled from spring to late September. Lifeguard-patrolled bathing areas are marked with red and yellow flags. Treat swimming with caution at all times, and check the council’s lifeguard page for the dates in force.
Dogs
Visit Dorset lists dogs as allowed off lead on Avon Beach from 1 October to 30 April only. BCP Council says dogs are allowed on its beaches from 1 October to 30 April, and that from 1 May to 30 September they are not allowed on its Blue Flag or Seaside Award beaches. Because the rule is set by the council, read its Avon Beach page before you travel.
Parking and facilities
The beach is served by Avon Beach car park, which has six accessible spaces. The council lists restaurants, a cafe, toilets, showers, and water sports equipment hire and lessons. Open fires and camping are not permitted on any BCP beach at any time.
Access
The council describes a beach-level entrance to the promenade and the beach from the car park, and an accessible toilet that needs a RADAR key.
Along the coast
A ferry runs from Mudeford Quay to Mudeford Sandbank at Hengistbury Head, where more beach huts stand. It runs weather permitting. For a BCP beach with a dog area open all year, see Sandbanks Beach.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Are dogs allowed on Avon Beach?
- Only in the cooler months. Visit Dorset lists dogs as allowed off lead from 1 October to 30 April, and BCP Council bans them from its Blue Flag and Seaside Award beaches between 1 May and 30 September.
- When are the lifeguards on duty at Avon Beach?
- BCP Council lists RNLI cover at Avon Beach in the peak summer weeks only, a shorter season than at Sandbanks. The dates change each year, so check the council's lifeguard page.
- Is there parking at Avon Beach?
- Yes, BCP Council lists an Avon Beach car park with six accessible spaces. Check the council's page for charges before you travel.
- Are there toilets and showers?
- Yes. The council lists toilets and showers at the beach, plus an accessible toilet that needs a RADAR key.