Photo: Paul Buckingham / Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0
Hengistbury Head Beach and Mudeford Sandbank
Pebble beach under Hengistbury Head and the sandy Mudeford Sandbank, reached by ferry, land train or on foot; dogs welcome, no lifeguards on the Sandbank.
At a Glance
Beach Type
mixed
Dogs
Yes - year-round
Parking
Available
Access
Moderate (steps/path)
Swimming
Swim with caution
Facilities
Activities
Two beaches, one headland
Hengistbury Head is a headland on the south side of Christchurch Harbour and a nature reserve. BCP Council describes a relatively unspoilt pebble beach under imposing clay and ironstone cliffs on the open side. Running off the headland towards Mudeford Quay is Mudeford Sandbank, also called Mudeford Spit, which the council lists as sandy and quiet beaches that are good for bathing. Beach huts line the spit.
The headland is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and there is a visitor centre on the reserve. The council notes toilets and cafes at both ends of the site.
Getting to the Sandbank
A path for walkers and cyclists runs from the Hiker Cafe and car park to the Mudeford Spit beaches, about a mile. The land train links the cafe and the spit. It runs from April to October, weather permitting, with no fixed timetable. Tickets are bought on board by card. Wheelchair users can stay in their chair in the train’s special wheelchair carriage.
A ferry also crosses between Mudeford Quay and the Sandbank beach. It runs about every 15 minutes from Easter to late October, weather permitting, with winter sailings only at weekends and school holidays when conditions allow. Check the current ferry details before you go. For the quay side, see Avon Beach.
Swimming and safety
There is no lifeguard service at Mudeford Spit, so treat swimming with caution. Barbecues are not permitted anywhere on Hengistbury Head, open fires are banned on council beaches, and you may be prosecuted for lighting one. Camping is not permitted.
Dogs
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on Hengistbury Head Beach, and the council’s Mudeford Spit page lists dogs as allowed all year, off lead. Away from the beach the headland is a nature reserve, so keep dogs under close control and on a lead where possible.
Parking and facilities
The main car park is Hengistbury Head car park, about a mile from the Sandbank beaches. There are accessible toilets on the promenade next to the Noisy Lobster Cafe, and at the end of the sandbank and at the ferry pontoon, all with RADAR key access. The nearest station is Christchurch, about 2 miles from the spit.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- How do you get to Mudeford Sandbank?
- There are three ways: walk or cycle along the path from the Hiker Cafe at Hengistbury Head, take the land train from the Hiker Cafe, or cross by ferry from Mudeford Quay. The land train and ferry are seasonal and depend on the weather, so check times before you set out.
- Are dogs allowed at Hengistbury Head and Mudeford Sandbank?
- BCP Council says well-behaved dogs are welcome on Hengistbury Head Beach, and lists dogs on Mudeford Spit as allowed all year, off lead. Inside the nature reserve they should be kept under close control, on a lead where possible.
- Are there lifeguards at Mudeford Sandbank?
- No. BCP Council states there is no lifeguard service at Mudeford Spit, so take extra care in the water.
- Can you have a barbecue on the beach?
- No. BCP Council does not permit barbecues anywhere on Hengistbury Head, and open fires and camping are banned on all its beaches.