Love beach life? Christchurch sits as the starting point for 15 miles of glorious coastline that together forms the Coast with the Most. From Mudeford and Hengistbury Head, to Southbourne and Boscombe, Bournemouth and the Chines, all the way to Sandbanks, this near-uninterrupted stretch of coastline is stunning no matter the weather. If it’s chilling on a deckchair, strolling along the lapping waves, relaxing in a hired beach hut, enjoying tasty food or just admiring miles of breath-taking views this dramatic coastline has something for visitors of all ages and dispositions and Christchurch is its gateway.
With some unique beaches, Christchurch is an underrated spot on the south coast. Friars Cliff and Avon Beach are popular family hotspots accessed from Mudeford. Further east, Highcliffe Beach is a shingle and sand beach that is often quieter.
Situated a short walk from the main town centre, this is a mainly shingle and sand beach which is the perfect environment for surfing, bodyboarding and sunbathing in the warmer summer months. Accessible via a variety of paved, and gravel paths, there is a car park atop the cliff with the Cliffhanger restaurant offering both a variety of dine-in and takeaway options.
Avon beach is a designated bathing beach and is hugely popular throughout the late spring and warmer summer seasons. It is also one of the most accessible local beaches with a car park at beach level, making it fully accessible for those with disabilities and easier to access for families with small children. The Beach Hut Café is a friendly, welcoming facility with a fantastic array of freshly prepared food. Additionally, beach huts are available for hire, with a designated watersports segment in front of the car park. An additional watersports area is situated to the eastern end of Friars Cliff in front of the concrete wave wall. Friars Cliff beach also has accessible routes and appropriate facilities for disabled visitors and young families to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy this beautiful part of the south coast of England.
Gundimore Beach
Gundimore offers virtually uninterrupted views of the Isle of Wight and the nearby Mudeford Sandbank. Level access from Mudeford Quay and Avon Beach makes it relatively accessible, with several restaurant and dining options a short walk from the beach. A designated watersports area makes this an ideal location for bodyboarding.
Guide Dogs
Guide dogs are allowed on all our beaches all year round but only when working, in a harness and controlled by a lead.
Blue Flag and Seaside Awards
We’ve retained the international Blue Flag award status since it was first introduced in 1996 and as of 2024 Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have now secured 12 Blue Flag awards for Alum Chine beach, Durley Chine beach, Fisherman’s Walk beach, Southbourne beach, Branksome Chine, Canford Cliffs, Shore Road, Sandbanks, Friars Cliff, Avon Beach, Highcliffe and Manor Steps.
Fantastic awards like this recognise the highest standards for water quality, environmental management, safety and services and environmental education.
