Photo: David Martin / Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0
Highcliffe Beach
Blue Flag shingle and sand beach below Highcliffe Castle with a cliff top cafe, two car parks and a seasonal dog ban between groynes H4 and H8.
At a Glance
Beach Type
mixed
Dogs
Seasonal restrictions
Parking
Available
Access
Moderate (steps/path)
Swimming
Swim with caution
Facilities
Activities
A cliff top beach in Christchurch
Highcliffe Beach lies below the low cliffs of Highcliffe, in the Christchurch part of the BCP Council area. BCP Council describes it as a Blue Flag awarded stretch of shingle and sand, popular with swimmers and surfers, particularly body boarders.
Highcliffe Castle
The castle stands on the cliff top above the beach. It is a Grade I listed building, built in 1830-34 for Lord Stuart de Rothesay and designed with the architect W J Donthorne. Its design incorporated materials from the Hotel des Andelys near Rouen in Normandy, as the Historic England list entry records. The Highcliffe Castle car park is one of the two main ways down to the beach.
Getting down to the sand
Highcliffe Cliff Top car park takes just over 400 cars and has 26 disabled spaces. The Highcliffe Castle car park has more than 100 spaces and a recently redeveloped zig-zag path to the beach. BCP Council says a series of slopes and paths lead down to beach level, and the eastern end, via Chewton Bunny, has mainly tarmac paths.
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed on the beach between groynes H4 and H8 from 1 May until 30 September inclusive. Outside those dates they may be off lead there. Elsewhere on the beach dogs are allowed all year, and they should be on a lead on the promenade at all times. Check the council page for the rule in force.
Facilities
The Cliffhanger Cafe and toilet and baby changing facilities are at the cliff top car park. An accessible toilet next to the cafe uses a RADAR key. Treat swimming with caution and check conditions on the day.
Along the coast
For sand beside Mudeford Quay, see Avon Beach, or take the ferry or land train to the Sandbank at Hengistbury Head.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Are dogs allowed on Highcliffe Beach?
- Mostly yes. BCP Council bans dogs between groynes H4 and H8 from 1 May to 30 September inclusive. Elsewhere on the beach dogs are allowed all year, and they must be on a lead on the promenade.
- Where do you park for Highcliffe Beach?
- BCP Council lists Highcliffe Cliff Top car park, with room for just over 400 cars and 26 disabled spaces, and the Highcliffe Castle car park, with more than 100 spaces and a zig-zag path down to the beach. Check the council page for charges.
- Are there toilets and a cafe at Highcliffe Beach?
- Yes. The Cliffhanger Cafe, toilets and baby changing are at the cliff top car park, and the accessible toilet beside the cafe needs a RADAR key.
- Is Highcliffe Beach good for surfing?
- BCP Council describes it as popular with swimmers and surfers, particularly body boarders.