Hengistbury Head Beach and Reserve
Bournemouth, Dorset
About Hengistbury Head Beach and Reserve
The Hengistbury Head Beach is a south facing sand and pebbled beach with relatively safe swimming, but with no lifeguard cover at any time. Swimming near the cliffs can be very dangerous but paddling in the shallows is considered very safe and you will find plenty of families doing just that on sunny days.
Immediate vicinity amenities to the beach include modern accessible toilet block and a windsurf hire school. You need to make arrangements with the school in advance if you wish to start learning or use their equipment.
The nearby Land Train runs most days of the year, from the Hiker Cafe down to the Beach Cafe on Mudeford Spit. This is a pleasing way to get about and is ideal for those with little legs in tow.
The 162 hectares of Hengistbury Head Local Nature Reserve beside the beach incorporate a variety of habitats including woodland, meadows, heathland, scrub, sand dunes, beach, estuary and saltmarsh, ensuring between them a huge spread of indigenous mini beasts and other wildlife. For kids into insects or birds, you couldn't pick a better spot to explore!
There are superb views from the top of the Head towards the Isle of Wight and over 500 plant species and 300 species of birds have been recorded here.
Also look out for the regular programme of guided walks that take place during the year, which range from bird watching to stargazing and will give you a ranger level insight into the area and it's intricacies.
Please note the address given below is for satnav purposes and is for the golf club adjacent at which there is some public parking, with closer parking further on at the Solent Meads car park.
Opening Times
Year round access
Pricing & Tickets
Free admission
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Last Updated: 13:59 26/02/2026
Hengistbury Head Beach and Reserve Reviews
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