Guide to the Best Beaches in Christchurch, Dorset

Easily accessible and perfect for both bathing and watersports, Avon Beach is ideal for families or people with disabilities. This Blue Flag beach boasts 700+ metres of coast, comprised of sand and shingle, and overlooks the scenic blue waters of Christchurch Bay. It offers an excellent cafe, as well as designated watersports segment and canoes for hire - all the ingredients needed for a fun and memorable day at the beach.

Yet another delightful example of what the south coast has to offer, Hengistbury Head showcases a vast amount of natural, preserved beauty. Perfect for secluded walks, wild swimming, or simply relaxing in the sun, this pebble and sand beach is excellent for getting away from the crowds. As well as this, the nature reserve next to it presents a host of gorgeous views of both the idyllic area and the wildlife that calls it home. Its array of amenities include a cafe, a land train, and the Visitor Centre, filled with exhibitions on the history and nature of the area.

Highcliffe Beach is a wonderful stretch of shingle and sand, boardered by grassy dunes, cliffs, and greenery. A favourite of swimmers, surfers and body boarders, it offers spectacular, panoramic views of the ocean and distant Isle of Wight. Paired with cafes and refreshments dotted along it, and its proximity to Highcliffe Castle, it's a lovely spot for a day out. 

Known for its quaint, vibrant beach huts and nearby harbour, the popular Mudeford Beach is an excellent destination to visit. Complete with a ferry to the harbour and a lovely cafe, this white, sandy beach is bursting with character and is definitely worth exploring.

Southbourne Beach (also known as Sobo Beach) is a scenic part-sand, part-shingle beach is an attractive retreat for visitors and locals alike. It offers a range of facilities along its promenade, from ice-cream kiosks to pubs. Its gentle slope into the sea makes it ideal for families, and it is safe and easily accessible - either from the historic cliff lift that has carried visitors since 1935, or the charming Fisherman's Walk nature trail that zig-zags down to the beach.