Mudeford may be small but it is certainly mighty!
Christchurch Harbour on one side and the open sea on the other, makes this is a very popular destination for sailing, windsurfing and beach life generally. Mudeford stands impressively, a village of two-sides, partially on a sand spit with the rest, including Mudeford Quay located across a channel of water on the ‘mainland’.
Set within Christchurch Harbour, Mudeford’s incredible coastal location is perfect for watersports and beach life. Mudeford Spit has a friendly, family community the numbers of which swell in the peak season; but without losing its innate charm. Beach huts here are among the most sought after and pricey in the country, and there’s no wonder why. Overnight stays are permitted and what an incredible view to wake up to!
Many day-visitors arrive at Mudeford Spit via Hengistbury Head where facilities include a café and visitor centre. After parking, it is a pleasant meander along a tree lined track, suitable for cyclists and pushchairs as well as pedestrians. For the tired or the young (and young at heart) there’s also the seasonal train running regularly from the Hiker Café all the way to the Spit beach. Alternatively, pedestrians and cyclists can catch a small ferry to Mudeford Spit from Mudeford Quay – a short but adventurous journey as this stretch of water is tidal and fast-moving.
Away from the Spit, Mudeford Quay is perhaps more bustling. It’s a great place to stop for something to eat or drink. The quayside cafes, restaurants and pubs specialise in locally caught seafood. The views are spectacular and everchanging. The tide rises and falls, long drifts of sand banks are exposed and rehidden, and boats of all sizes come and go.
If you have children with you, crab fishing from the quayside at Mudeford is compulsory! All the crabbing supplies you will ever need can be found in the Quay shop. Grab your nets, bait and buckets and off you go! Mudeford also has an intriguing history of smuggling over the centuries and the picturesque quay is still the focal point of the local fishing industry with large lobster pots to be seen piled up on the ‘working’ part of the quayside.
For its size, Mudeford has so much to offer and with a good range of quality accommodation, much of it within walking distance of the main coastal areas.
A short walk from Mudeford Quay are the family-friendly, sandy beaches of Gundimore, Avon Beach and Friars Cliff with family friendly facilities. Not far beyond you will reach Steamer Point Nature Reserve and Highcliffe Castle which can be accessed via a zigzag path for those seeking some history and of course an ice cream or a relaxing afternoon cream tea.
