Mudeford Sandbank

About

A unique and beautiful sand spit which adjoins the ancient headland of Hengistbury Head and forms a natural barrier between Christchurch Harbour and the open sea. The area is designated a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI).

Access by foot, bike or land train from Hengistbury Head car park. Access by passenger ferry from Mudeford Quay and Christchurch Quay. 

There are 5 public toilet blocks, one with hot showers. Outside cold showers are also provided.

Horses are not permitted on the seashore between the Saturday preceding Easter Monday and the 30th September (both dates inclusive) in any year between 10am and 9pm.

Due to being so close to Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, BBQs are not allowed at Mudeford Sandbank Beach. Open fires, fire pits and fire bowls are not permitted at any time on the beach, promenade, cliffs, cliff tops or woodland areas. The beach is surrounded by unique cliff habitats which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest and provide a home to many of the UK’s rare species of reptiles, birds and insects. Their dry nature means they are vulnerable and sparks from open fires can cause huge damage.

For further information about beachfront cycling, e-scooters and more, visit the BCP Council website.

Beach type: Sandy beach.

Parking: Nearest car park is at Mudeford Quay (424 spaces), however you'll need to catch a passenger ferry across to the beach. Alternative parking at Hengistbury Head Car Park (704 spaces) with a 1 mile, level walk.

Toilets: Public toilets are at 5 locations in-between the beach huts. Baby changing at blocks 4 and 5 (nearest the end of the sandbank).

Dogs: Dogs allowed all year, off lead. If accessing the beach via Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, dogs should be under close control at all times to protect wildlife. Download the Dogs on Beaches leaflet for further information.

Accessibility information: Access by foot, bike or land train from Hengistbury Head Car Park - 1 mile away from the beach. The land train can carry wheelchair users whilst they remain in their wheelchair by using the special wheelchair carriage of the land train. Accessible toilets with RADAR key access at end of sandbank (block 5) and at the ferry pontoon (block 3).

Lifeguards: There is no lifeguard service at Mudeford Sandbank. The beach is close to the harbour entrance with strong tidal currents and moving sand bars.

Check how busy the beach is: The Beach Check app, has a traffic light system helping both visitors and residents avoid busy hotspots. In addition to showing how busy each beach area is, the app provides handy information on the beach lifeguard status, whether toilets are open and information on byelaws for cycling along the promenade and exercising your dog. The app is free to download and available from: Google Play and Apple App Store.