The best walks and hikes around Christchurch

Hengistbury Head is a dramatic headland located in Dorset, England, jutting into the English Channel between Bournemouth and Mudeford. It's a place of international importance due to its rich archaeology, diverse wildlife, and unique geology. Declared a Local Nature Reserve in 1990, it forms part of the Christchurch Harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It also holds various other designations like Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area, highlighting its importance for wildlife.

There’s a hidden flight of steps down the cliff side at this location.

At the Quay you will find several places to eat and drink as well as areas to enjoy a picnic. It is a great place to take a gentle stroll next to the waters edge and watch all the busy activities taking place. For children and families, crabbing is very popular from the quayside. You can buy nets, buckets and bait from the shop at the end of the Quay if you don't have your own. There is also a children's play area to let the little ones burn off some energy. The Quay is a popular sailing and windsurfing destination throughout the year and holds a number of dinghy championships. Many other events are also held here including seafood festivals, fun days, arts festivals and the annual Lifeboat Week.

The sand and shingle beach below the cliffs is generally fairly quiet and remains largely undeveloped. At low tide a good expanse of sand is exposed. The beach can be accessed either from Highcliffe Castle or by taking the mile-long path from Friar’s Cliff Beach. For much of the length of the beach a raised promenade runs along the base of the cliffs. Dogs are allowed on beach, but best on a lead, also a car park is nearby with room for 200 vehicles.

The Beach House is situated on the harbour side of the sand spit at Hengistbury Head and enjoys stunning views across the harbour, Hengistbury Head and Mudeford Quay. an open air festival style food and drink takeaway! Including a retro style burger van, stone baked pizza kitchen, paella, seafood & salad counter, beach bar as well as an essential beach shop & kiosk.

The most expensive beach huts in the Uk. selling prices going for around £350'000. Huts are also available to rent. Vehicles are not permitted, so everything has to be carried by hand or on cart from Solent mead. quite the trek

The Mudeford Ferry operates between Mudeford Quay and the Beach at Mudeford Sandbank approximately every 15 minutes. It operates at Weekends and School Hoildays in the Winter months provided there is a favourable forecast, the sun is shining and the wind strength is reasonable. It is a cash only service. Mudeford Sandbank and Beach is the relatively unspoilt strip of land adjoining Hengistbury Head. On one side is the sea and on the other Christchurch Harbour. Picturesque beach huts bask in the sun, flanked by unspoilt beach. Choose to sit and watch the yachts in the harbour, the waves gently rolling in from the sea or visit the site of the ancient ironworks on Hengisbury Head. Adult £3.50 Child 3 to 12 Years £1.50 Babies Under 3 Years Free Cats, Dogs and Parrots Free Adult Bike£1.50 Child Bike £0.50 Excess Baggage £1.00 4 Wheel Trolley £1.00 Sailboard & Kitchen Sink £1.00 Cash back is available from the Beach House on Mudeford Sandbank when you spend £5 or more and from The Haven House Cafe on Mudeford Quay

Wildlife expert, conservationist and television presenter Chris Packham officially opened the centre in April 2014. It was created to help explain the area, its history, wildlife, archaeology and geology to visitors. Packed full of interactive displays, with lots of friendly, knowledgeable volunteers on hand, it’s a wonderful way to step back in time and see how our ancestors lived. Gift shop selling food and drink, Jewellery, toys and games, accessories and home ware. Various exhibitions throughout the year, Events and gardens on show.