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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.
From Friars Cliff, Avon Beach and up to Hengistbury Head this is stand-out coastal destination with miles of unspoilt and lifeguard manned beaches in the summer months, and assorted restaurant and dining options which allow you to sit and relax and take in the gorgeous views on offer. Whether you just want that quintessentially British experience of fish and chips (don’t forget the curry sauce!) sat with your feet buried into the golden sand, the rest-bite of a cool ice-cream in the sweltering summer season or a romantic evening meal in the warmth of a golden winter sunset then you will certainly find the ideal place on the Christchurch seafront.
Both Avon and Friars Cliff beaches have 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.
We want you to have the best experience when visiting our beautiful beaches on the south coast so we have created an interactive map and mobile application which allows you to see how busy they are before you pick your perfect spot in the sun.
Take a look at our Beach Check page for more information.
| Beach | When dogs are allowed |
| Avon Beach & Friars Cliff Beach | 1 October to 30 April |
| Highcliffe Beach | All year round (no dogs between Groynes H4 & H8 from 1 May to 30 September) |
| Mudeford Sandbank | All year round |
| Gundimore Beach | All year round |
| Friars Cliff Beach | 1 October to 30 April or all year round between the wave wall and Groyne H4 at Highcliffe beach |
Take a look at our Christchurch dog beach map for more information.
Remember to pick up after your dog and keep them on the lead where appropriate and indicated.
Please be aware that reflected heat from the sea and sand can quickly create serious problems for dogs left in cars on the seafront.
Once you’ve made the most of all our beaches, why not travel further along the coast and check out more of the beautiful beaches in Dorset, including Poole beaches?
No matter how you like to travel, whether looking for that short and sweet microcap experience, or a longer and more relaxed summer holiday, we have the accommodation in Christchurch and throughout the Coast with the Most to suit you! From a variety of classic hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts and self-catering options, to caravan and camping parks for fans of the great British outdoors, we have the overnight facilities to enable you to make the most of your visit.
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