Hengistbury Head Beach, Bournemouth: Hours, Address, Hengistbury Head Beach Reviews: 4.5/5
Hengistbury Head Beach
Hengistbury Head Beach
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
153 within 3 miles
Beach House Cafe
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The Beach House
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The Jetty
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Upper Deck at The Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa
1,277
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The Nelson Tavern
481
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Haven House Inn
464
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The Fish Stall
47
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Alexander's Fish and Chips
331
0.9 mi$ • Quick Bites • Seafood • Fast Food
Hiker Cafe
297
0.9 mi$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • British
Mudeford Rocks
49
0.9 mi$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • British
Attractions
83 within 6 miles
Mudeford Sandbank Beach
81
0.4 miBeaches
Mudeford Ferry
147
0.6 miFerries
Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
238
0.8 miVisitor Centers
Mudeford Quay
1,319
0.9 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Christchurch Priory Church
940
1.6 miHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Avon Beach
383
1.2 miBeaches
Christchurch Quay
239
1.5 miPiers & Boardwalks
Southbourne Beach
229
2.2 miBeaches
Red House Museum & Gardens
141
1.6 miHistoric Sites • Art Museums
Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
546
Speciality Museums
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,304 reviews
Excellent
1,707
Very good
523
Average
53
Poor
12
Terrible
9
Dominic O
Bath, UK14 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Hengistbury head is and will always be one of my favourite beachs. It was here where I proposed to my future wife.
To be honest I was bricking it from the day before we went. My plan was quite simple but flawless- I had this idea of finding a message in a bottle with ‘Will you marry me?’ written on a note inside the bottle. What I didn’t know, was how I was convincing her to go to the beach (which wasn’t a very beach weather day).
I chose Hengistbury head- as you can take dogs, it’s a nice walk, and it doesn’t get too busy. The last thing I wanted was for loads of people to witness me getting down to one knee.
We walked down the beach front, all with my thumb in that little pocket in my jeans. Making sure I hadn’t lost the ring. Let’s be honest if I dropped it I wouldn’t be finding it very easy.
We walked til the peak of the beach (turning point). It was there where I decided to do the proposal.
I said that we’d better give the dog some water. So while she was faffing about with the bag and the water, I crept off to try and semi bury this bottle. Very subtly (not) I dug my heel into the sand/stoney terrain, semi submerged the bottle and waited.
I had to give her a huge hint “oh look a bottle!” I encouraged her to get the bottle to open it. Still confused out of her mind she unrolled the note and read allowed “Will you marry me?” Instantly burst into tears to find me behind the note holding onto this sweaty ring that I’d been in skin contact with since we parked up. Obviously said yes (I’m a stud).
We walked down to mudeford beach where we had a glass of Prosecco each and walked back to the car on the high ground. It was a lovely day. It’s a lovely beach. Lots of parking.
To be honest I was bricking it from the day before we went. My plan was quite simple but flawless- I had this idea of finding a message in a bottle with ‘Will you marry me?’ written on a note inside the bottle. What I didn’t know, was how I was convincing her to go to the beach (which wasn’t a very beach weather day).
I chose Hengistbury head- as you can take dogs, it’s a nice walk, and it doesn’t get too busy. The last thing I wanted was for loads of people to witness me getting down to one knee.
We walked down the beach front, all with my thumb in that little pocket in my jeans. Making sure I hadn’t lost the ring. Let’s be honest if I dropped it I wouldn’t be finding it very easy.
We walked til the peak of the beach (turning point). It was there where I decided to do the proposal.
I said that we’d better give the dog some water. So while she was faffing about with the bag and the water, I crept off to try and semi bury this bottle. Very subtly (not) I dug my heel into the sand/stoney terrain, semi submerged the bottle and waited.
I had to give her a huge hint “oh look a bottle!” I encouraged her to get the bottle to open it. Still confused out of her mind she unrolled the note and read allowed “Will you marry me?” Instantly burst into tears to find me behind the note holding onto this sweaty ring that I’d been in skin contact with since we parked up. Obviously said yes (I’m a stud).
We walked down to mudeford beach where we had a glass of Prosecco each and walked back to the car on the high ground. It was a lovely day. It’s a lovely beach. Lots of parking.
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rod M
Derby, UK159 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We walked from the main car park to Mudeford Beach. Pay and display or use Ringo app. Looks like a long way but it’s not too difficult. Pretty flat and some lovely views from the top of the small hill on route. There is a road train that will take you from the car park which is £2.20 each way. You can get a one way ticket and walk back. We went when it was blowing a gale and it was very exhilarating. The sea was really rough and made us appreciate Mother Nature. At mudeford beach it was very quiet and serene. It may have been because it was so windy but well worth it. We did not realise that there was a ferry from the mudeford harbour for £2. Plenty of toilets at the beach and places to eat and drink.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MildManneredMaurice
1 contribution
Jun 2020
What an amazing place! If I close my eyes and listen to the waves crashing onto the shore I feel like I'm in Spain or Italy or Poland or Camber Sands. The beautiful steamships remind me of a forgotten era of bygone days. The queue for an ice cream is like being on the red carpet for the premiere of a movie starring Bradley Cooper, but without the mumbling. A perfect place to stare into the eyes of a beautiful lady and wonder what adventures await! Car park is very over-priced and the toilets have a strange smell of mashed potato. Is it possible to make it more sandy? Also who is Hengistbury and why is this place named after his head. Asking for a friend.
Written June 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dakles
Southampton, UK1,329 contributions
Nov 2020
Whilst this is a relatively straightforward walk over the headland and along the sand spit in front of Christchurch harbour it is blessed with some truly lovely see views, especially on a sunny day with blue skies. From the top of the Head there is a great view across to the Isle of Wight and also backwards down the Dorset coast. Access up and over the Head is via macadam footpaths which make life easy underfoot and the inclines are relatively gentle. Once over the headland you can wander along the sand spit to the mouth of Christchurch harbour. We walked out along the sea frontage and back along the harbourside where there is a cafe and public toilets close to the ferry jetty. We returned to the car park along the shingle beach rather than over the Head. The car park is quite large and in Winter charges are only £3.80 for all day. There is another cafe and set of toilets at the car park.
Written November 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Caroline
3 contributions
Jun 2021
Our day at Hengistbury Head started off very well, but ended with a bitter note because of the rude driver of the land train. My husband gets motion sick when he has to ride any vehicle backwards. We told this to the driver and asked him if we could change our place on the train. The driver allowed us to change our place, however did it under very rude comments. He even implied we were lying by saying ‘I am not sure I really believed you’.
Everyone around us could hear him, which made me and my family very embarrassed and uncomfortable. This incidence spoiled our whole day, don’t bother to ride the train.
Everyone around us could hear him, which made me and my family very embarrassed and uncomfortable. This incidence spoiled our whole day, don’t bother to ride the train.
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DeeDee111977
Sandhurst, UK22 contributions
Jul 2020
There is ample parking at Hengistbury Head beach. The car park uses the JustPark app, in case you want to download before you leave. From the car park, to get to the beach, go towards the cafe selling ice-creams and opposite the toilets, there is a small entrance and a long path towards some picnic tables. Keep going for 5 minutes and the beach starts there. If you continue past the toilets and cafe the other way, there is another path but we didn't go down there.
Once you get to the beach, from that point, the beach is dog friendly. We walked quite a way up the beach and could still see dogs there. Not sure how far up the beach they are allowed but they are definitely free to roam as soon as you get there.
The beach is pebble and sandy, more so when the tide is out. After the pebbles and up to the nature reserve, there is more soft sand.
It was very windy, not sure if this is normal for this area and it was a hot day (31oC inland)
Behind the beach, there is a nature reserve that is great for dogs.
I would definitely return.
Once you get to the beach, from that point, the beach is dog friendly. We walked quite a way up the beach and could still see dogs there. Not sure how far up the beach they are allowed but they are definitely free to roam as soon as you get there.
The beach is pebble and sandy, more so when the tide is out. After the pebbles and up to the nature reserve, there is more soft sand.
It was very windy, not sure if this is normal for this area and it was a hot day (31oC inland)
Behind the beach, there is a nature reserve that is great for dogs.
I would definitely return.
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Graham S
Bournemouth, UK354 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
This is well off the beaten path with free parking nearby on the street and a cafe and toilets also close (not as close as you’d like it). The beach is sandy and you’ll have lots of room. If you’re up this end of town it’s good choice. There’s also a nice walk through to Christchurch.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Char F
13 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
Such a beautiful place to visit. Always very windy and cold due to being so exposed to wrap up warm! Visited with a baby in tow today and very surprised that neither baby change in the visitor centre or by the toilets was open, bit cold to do an outside job but needs must! Also very disappointed that although the cafe is open they are only serving food in takeaway containers now. Pretty sure a dishwasher kills germs and a shame to put laziness before the environment at such a crucial turning point for it. Still an amazing place for a view and fresh air!
Written September 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
🌍FamilyTravels🛫
Europe1,326 contributions
Apr 2020 • Family
A mixed of sand and stoney beach. There is a Cafe right next to the car park but was closed due to the current climate.
There are 2 walks to Mudeford beach. You can either go over the top of Hengistbury Hill top or through the the northern side walk way.
Overall a nice beach but not a sandy beach like advertised.
There are 2 walks to Mudeford beach. You can either go over the top of Hengistbury Hill top or through the the northern side walk way.
Overall a nice beach but not a sandy beach like advertised.
Written May 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kieren savile
3 contributions
Jul 2019
I spent 1 fun filled week in the lovely town of Bournemouth with my 4 kids and my stunning wife.
we where told by a friend that hengistbury head and how it is a beach that everyone should visit, we walked up and over the cliff which led to us see one of the most spectacular views are have ever seen in my 47 years on this earth.
Along with the silky soft sand brushing though my toes, you also had access to some beautiful beach huts of which we stayed in for just on day but it was quite a fun day.
we where told by a friend that hengistbury head and how it is a beach that everyone should visit, we walked up and over the cliff which led to us see one of the most spectacular views are have ever seen in my 47 years on this earth.
Along with the silky soft sand brushing though my toes, you also had access to some beautiful beach huts of which we stayed in for just on day but it was quite a fun day.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Martynjoly1
New Milton, UK45 contributions
Are dogs allowed on the ferry from Mudeford to hengistbury head
GirlsonVacation27
Hartlepool, UK128 contributions
They have a web site mudefordferry
The cost of a single one way fare on the Mudeford Ferry (from Mudeford Quay to Mudeford Sandbank) is £2.00 and £1.00 for children. Dogs, cats and parrots FREE. Excess baggage, sailboards and kitchen sinks, £1.00
Most places in Dorset. Dog friendly.
Derrick M
United Kingdom
where to buy a 2day or week parking ticket
Sandy Murray
4 contributions
I am pretty sure,all the information that you need,is on the notice board at the pay machines,in the car park.Or alternatively,online at BPC council/ car parking
Niercaz
Bedford, UK3 contributions
Any wild camping places around Bournemouth? I just want a quiet place to stay overnight, preferably not far away from where I could park my car too.
Roving401929
16 contributions
Not sure but it's a heritage site at Hengistbury Head, nearest might be in the New Forest still a drive into Bournemouth
mandtiow
5 contributions
Hi i have looked at previous questions and answers but does anyone know of place or places that it is okay for an overnight stay i already know there is parking there . thank you .
Ross R
Bournemouth, UK357 contributions
You are not a million miles away from a Travelodge in Christchurch or PremierInn in Somerford if you have transport or fancy catching a bus.
Susan C
Christchurch, UK2 contributions
Can you view the air show from the head of the also can you park on the headland.. Thanks
monicajeffress
Bournemouth, UK10 contributions
you will see some planes but you wouldnt get the full feel of the airshow, yes there is parking at HH there is also so much more than the airshow
How far is the beach from the station?
jwgarry
Bournemouth, UK44 contributions
From Christchurch about 2 miles, Bournemouth about 4-5 miles
Michelle C
7 contributions
Is there anywhere to get ice cream on this beach?
Kerrywerrywoo
12 contributions
Yes. There’s a large cafe little pricey though. Large car park with pay and display. Toilets too.
Mark Blaxley
Shaftesbury, UK38 contributions
Am i allowed to walk my dog on the beach
VickyMBerry
Bournemouth, UK45 contributions
Late answer I know but yes!
Frequently Asked Questions about Hengistbury Head Beach
- Hengistbury Head Beach is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- Hotels near Hengistbury Head Beach:
- (0.87 mi) Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa
- (1.21 mi) Bure Lodge B&B
- (1.58 mi) Avon Beach Bed and Breakfast
- (1.02 mi) Water's Edge Bed & Breakfast
- (1.68 mi) The Kings Arms Hotel
- Restaurants near Hengistbury Head Beach:
- (0.86 mi) The Jetty
- (0.88 mi) Upper Deck at The Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa
- (0.41 mi) Beach House Cafe
- (0.41 mi) The Beach House
- (0.84 mi) The Nelson Tavern
- Attractions near Hengistbury Head Beach:
- (0.37 mi) Mudeford Sandbank Beach
- (0.62 mi) Mudeford Ferry
- (0.84 mi) Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
- (0.86 mi) Mudeford Quay
- (0.89 mi) ShoreSports