Beaches in Christchurch, Dorset
The beach guide has 7 beaches listed in and around the town of Christchurch. We have arranged these beaches in order of closest to the town first (distance in brackets).
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Hengistbury West Beach (1.1 miles)
Hengistbury Head is a promontory which juts out almost a mile into the sea separating Poole Bay and Christchurch Bay. The mainly undeveloped headland has a terrain composed of a mix of heathland, woodland, wetland and scrub, and provides a habitat to a good variety of plant and animal life. There are nature trails here…
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Southbourne Beach (1 miles)
Bournemouth's Southbourne Beach can be reached directly from Southbourne High Street via the Fisherman's Walk nature trail. From the top of the cliff there are views of the beach and Hengistbury Head and, on a clear day, the Needles cliffs on the Isle of Wight. The cliff lift is in operation daily from Easter until…
Hengistbury Head Beach (1.7 miles)
Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt and south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs. At the less developed end is Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, which separates Poole Bay and Christchurch Bay. Plenty of parking as well as toilets and a cafe.
Mudeford Quay Beach (1.8 miles)
A small stretch of sand facing into Christchurch harbour. Ideal launching spot for small boats and canoes. Behind is a large grassed area which is great for picnicking and playing on. There are plenty of facilities scattered around the Quay Head.
Avon Beach (2 miles)
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…
Fishermans Walk Beach (1.9 miles)
A little quieter than the two main Bournemouth beaches at East Cliff and West Cliff, Fisherman's Walk is a family-friendly sandy beach with a pleasantly lively atmosphere. The beach is mainly sand with some shingle, and has beach huts and deckchairs for hire. During the summer months dogs are not permitted, although there is a…
Mudeford Sandbank Beach (1.9 miles)
Situated at the mouth of Christchurch harbour this sandy spit of beach forms a barrier between the sea and this large natural harbour. There are great views both of the harbour itself and to the Isle of Wight and Needles across the Solent. The beach extends off the ancient headland of Hengistbury Head with the…
Christchurch beaches map
Map featuring Christchurch beaches. Click on pins to view beach details
