Trailing off the Eastern end of Hengistbury Head and forming the Eastern boundary of
Christchurch Harbour is the ancient sandspit known today as Mudeford Sandspit. Today this sandspit hosts
a collection of famously expensive beach-huts along with a fine beach and a diminished dune structure that once used to
occupy most of this place. The sandy beach, on the eastern side, faces the Solent and looks out
across to the Isle of Wight. This beach offers good bathing and magnificent views as well. The harbour side is not really suitable for
sunbathing or swimming but is extensively used for water sports.
The beach is broken up into sections by a series of (mainly) wooden groynes.
The landing stage on the harbour side where all the ferries load and
unload. The harbour side of the sandspit is mainly used for recreational
sailing rather than sun bathing or swimming. But it also enjoys beautiful
scenery.
.
There is a cafe on the sandspit and two toilet blocks. Regular ferries run from
Mudeford Quay. There is also a regular ferry service from Christchurch Quay and Tuckton Bridge.
You can also get transport to the sandspit via a Noddy Train from near the two car parks at the western end of Hengistbury Head.
Walking access is either via the the access lane, over the top of Hengistbury Head or round Solent Beach. All three walks are excellent,
scenic and fairly easy. The longest is via the beach and the shortest (about 2/3rds of a mile) is along
the access lane. The sandspit is a nice beach and complements the scenic walk nicely. There is no direct access for cars without special permission.
The army of beach huts facing over the Solent. Many of the beach huts
are available for rent and, unusually for the area, many can be slept
in over night. However the beach and facilities (toilets and cafe) are
available to all, whether you staying in a hut or not.
.
Due to the difficulty of access, this beach tends to be quieter than other nearby beaches. There are no dedicated car parks and access
to Mudeford Sandspit by vehicle is strictly controlled. If you are coming by car the nearest places to park are at
Hengistbury Head (about 1200 spaces in two car parks - which fill quickly in Summer) or Mudeford Quay (about 450 spaces and again, fills quickly)
Mudeford Quay is the nearer of the two but you do need to take the ferry. From Hengistbury Head you can walk or take the Noddy Train.
