Avon Beach (Christchurch)

  • Avon Beach (Christchurch) - Dorset
    © Steve Daniels and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Avon Beach (Christchurch) - Dorset
    © David Martin and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Avon Beach (Christchurch) - Dorset
    © David Martin and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Avon Beach (Christchurch) - Dorset
    © Chris Downer and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Avon Beach (Christchurch) - Dorset
    © Chris Downer and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Not far from Christchurch in Dorset, Avon beach is a good destination for families with young children. Backed by a promenade to one end and attractive, pastel coloured beach huts to the other, the beach here is gently sloping and is mainly sand, although there is some shingle. From the beach fine views towards the Solent and the Isle of Wight.

    Avon beach has everything you need for a family day out at the beach; you can hire one of the beach huts or accessories such as deck chairs, sun loungers, and wind breaks. There is a pay and display car park is at beach level although this only has parking for around 100 cars so in peak season latecomers may need to park a little further away.

    From July to September there is a designated bathing area with RNLI lifeguards patrolling.  Along with clean, shallow waters this a popular beach for paddling and playing water games, although younger visitors might want to wear beach shoes as the shingle can feel quite sharp.  

    This part of the beach can get quite busy in peak season, although it usually remains quieter than nearby Bournemouth.

    As well as the bathing area there is a separate part of the shore dedicated to water-sports.  Windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular here.

    The facilities around the beach are excellent. There is a restaurant, café and beach shop selling equipment for crabbing as well as the usual buckets and spades. There are public toilets with showers and disabled facilities and even a first aid point. 

    Recent improvements to the promenade and sea-defences have further increased the convenience and facilities at Avon beach.

    Type of beach

    Sandy

    Lifeguard service

    Yes

    Dogs friendly beach?

    Dogs are banned between 1st May and 30th September.

    Dorset dog friendly beaches »

    Activities

    • Kayaking/canoeing
    • Good fishing
    • Jet-skiing
    • Swimming/bathing

    Facilities

    • Cafe/restaurant
    • Toilets
    • Disabled facilities
    • First aid point
    • Shop
    • Deck chair hire
    • Beach hut hire

    Nearest town

    Christchurch

    Postcode

    BH23 4DX

    OS grid ref.

    SZ 1888 9224

    Parking

    Pay parking available for 200 cars including disabled.

    Water quality

    Water quality star rating

    Awards

    Blue Flag AwardMarine Conservation Society Recommended

    Submit a correction

    Avon Beach (Christchurch) Reviews

    Beautiful promenade.

    Alan Dockeray
    Aug 08th 2022

    Lovely clean beach patrolled for safety of children. Not to much weed this year so that’s a plus. Beware of the Weaver fish, wear jelly sandals.

    Great beach!

    Aug 27th 2019

    This is a lovely beach, it’s got just what you need for a day out…. a good shop of beach and souvenir stuff, couple of nice cafes (great sausage roll for lunch!), nice walking and plenty of space. We also walked up to Highcliff Castle which was a nice find up on the cliff.

    A great day out.