Highcliffe Beach
Christchurch, Dorset
A very attractive area of coast where breakwaters have created a series of cove-like sand and shingle beaches. Well known for body boarding and swimming. The Cliffhanger Café with toilet facilities is located on the cliff top next to the large car park and offers great views to the Isle of Wight. There is a surfaced wheelchair route from Waterford Road to Chewton Glen. Dogs are not allowed on the beach between Groyne H8 and H11 between 1 May and 30 September, but are permitted on the gravel promenade if on a lead. Highcliffe Castle and Highcliffe village are both a short walk away.
Beach Type
Shingle and sandFacilities
Toilets (inc disabled)Cafes & restaurants
Ice-cream/refreshments
Activities
SwimmingSurfing
Canoeing
Windsailing
Waterskiing
Snorkelling
Jet skiing
Body boarding
Zoning for watersports
Nature and Wildlife
The beach is close to the Dorset coastal path and Avon valley walks. Christchurch Coastal Path - The path runs the full length of the Christchurch coastline from Chewton Bunny to Mudeford Quay.Parking
Parking for 900 including disabled. Fees apply from 1st Mar to 31st Oct.Water Quality
ExcellentLifeguard
NoCleaning and Litter
Beach cleaned manually every day during the summer and at regular intervals in winter.Dogs
Dogs banned between groynes H8 & H11 from 1st May to 30th Sept.Awards and Recommendations
Marine Conservation Society RecommendedLocation
Nearest town: ChristchurchCounty: Dorset
Latitude/Longitude: 50.7365, -1.69387
Postcode: BH23 5DG
(postcode is for sat-nav purposes only, and may not represent the actual address of the beach)
Explore more of the area around , Dorset at Explore Britain.
Access
From Christchurch on the A35 take the A337 (Lymington Road) at Somerford Roundabout towards Highcliffe. Take a right turn into Wharncliffe Road for access to the cliff top car park.Public Transport
Hinton Admiral Train Station Wilts & Dorset Buses 121, 123 from Bournemouth, Christchurch, New Milton or Lymington.Nearest Railway Stations
Hinton Admiral (About a mile away)New Milton (Approx. 2 miles away)
Christchurch (Approx. 4 miles away)
Sway (Approx. 5 miles away)
Pokesdown (Approx. 6 miles away)
See the Environment Agency report for this beach