Season: autumn
The sun was out for this autumn visit to Mudeford Sandbank. With a warm breeze blowing from the south west, the walk along to the end of the sand spit was a pleasure, lit by the mid morning sun. To the east, The Needles and the Isle of Wight basked in the light of the lowering seasonal sun and the sea was calm.
The appeal of the beach to Jan.
The scene at Mudeford Sandbank on a bright autumn day.
Season: autumn
Mudeford Sandbank sits next to Hengistbury Head beach but overlooks Christchurch harbour, forming a natural barrier between the harbour and the open sea. There’s an adjacent lagoon with red shanks, oyster catchers, terns and natterjack toads. The area is designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest and can be reached in a variety of ways, by foot, bicycle or on the land train from Hengistbury Head. Alternatively, you can arrive by ferry from Mudeford and Christchurch Quays. There are about three hundred expensive beach huts on the sandbank. They are unique, because you can sleep in them overnight, so a community spirit has grown up here.
The appeal of Alec’s beach hut through generations in his family.
At the end of the beach on Mudeford Sandbank.
Season: spring
As one of the most well-to-do locations in a well-to-do county, Mudeford Sandspit, or Sandbank, can be approached via the ferry from Mudeford Quay across the water. There’s a chic cafe and some of the best-appointed beach huts you’re likely to see. However, the main attraction here is natural, a finger of powder fine sand in an idyllic location, with safe dinghy sailing, windsurfing and wonderful wildlife all at hand. I recommend the walk from Hengistbury Head car park, where there’s a visitor centre. You can make a circular walk of it, taking in Hengistbury Head itself.
At ease by the sea, Trish and Debbie enthuse about this beach.
A view from a sand dune on Mudeford Sandbank.
