- Bournemouth
- Outdoor
- All Ages
- Beaches
Attraction Information
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.
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Opening hours
Year round access
Pricing
Free admission
Travel & Contact Information
Address
Rolls Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 4NA, England
Phone number
01202 451629
Map
Website
Click here to visit Hengistbury Head Beach and Reserve's website.FAQ & Additional Information
Yes, there is parking nearby.
Yes, there are toilets.
No, there are no baby changing facilities.
Yes, you can bring a picnic.
Yes, there is an onsite restaurant and snacks are available.
No, Hengistbury Head Beach and Reserve is not wheelchair friendly.
No, Hengistbury Head Beach and Reserve have stated they are not pushchair friendly.
Hengistbury Head Beach and Reserve has not told us if they are dog friendly.
Additional Info
Anything else I should know?
There is an onsite shop