Mudeford Beach & Sandbank: A Local’s Handbook for Tourists & Visitors
Disclosure: Some of the links on our website are affiliate links, meaning at no extra cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase
There’s a lot to love about Mudeford Beach and Mudeford Sandbank.
You’ve got miles of beaches, nature trails & reserves for walks, a harbour for crabbing, watersports, and some awesome pubs. You could also catch the ferry to and from Christchurch for a few quid.
The cherry on top… it’s heaps quieter than other local beaches.
We live a 20-minute walk away, so let’s show you how to enjoy your time and find the best pubs, fish, and chips.
You know, all the essentials!
Mudeford Beach & Sandbank Map
Car Parking, Public Transport Options & Ferry
Ferry: An Awesome Option!
If you’re staying in or around Christchurch, an easier, cooler alternative is catching the ferry from Tuckton Tea Gardens in Christchurch. It doesn’t cost much money, and you’ll save on car parking costs.
Plus, you can have a cheeky drink in the sunshine.
You can get the ferry to Mudeford Sandbank (a cool spot) from Christchurch and relax there. Alternatively, you can catch another ferry from the sandbank to Mudeford harbour. This only costs a few pounds and takes a few minutes.
The bonus is the views down the river over Christchurch, Hengistbury Head & Isle of Wight. It’s a real treat.
PS: check the board so you don’t miss the last ferry back!
So, you know, the ferry is weather-dependent and seasonal. More details are on their Facebook page. It has also been closed for a while due to storm damage but should hopefully be open for the season.
However, it is B*P council repairing, so probably not.
Mudeford Ferry Website – Mudeford Quay to Mudeford Sandbank
Christchurch & Tuckton Ferry Website – Christchurch/Tuckton to Mudeford Sandbank
Car Parking
Despite having ample parking around the beach, the area can still get packed on hot days.
Luckily, there’s plenty of beach to relax on.
A few overflow car parks are open during peak months, and you can also park for free on some roadsides. These go super quickly, though!
Be extra careful to read any signs. These areas are hotspots for parking inspectors. We’ve placed the car parks on the map above for easy reference.
Bus
The best way to check which bus you need is on the More Buses website, which is super easy to use. The bus stops nearby are Chichester Way, Avon Beach Approach and Bure Haven Drive.
You could also take a bus to Purewell and walk or bike there. It is a good twenty minutes away by foot, but buses are more frequent on this route. Every ten minutes.
The ferry is probably an easier option.
Beryl Bike Rental
Another option is to hire some Beryl Bikes through your smartphone and get riding. You can also hire eBikes and eScooters, but some areas have speed limits, or they may be banned altogether, and your scooter will just stop working.
If you’re coming from Christchurch way, ignore what the maps say and take the nature route. It’s also the shorter route. Check the yellow and purple lines on the map below.
You can also find more info in our Stanpit Marsh post, which shouldn’t be missed if you love nature.
Plenty of Beryl Bike stands at the beaches, even on Mudeford sandbank. Cycling from Christchurch to Mudeford Beach will take you less than thirty minutes.
You can also take bicycles on the ferry, which may cost a little more.
Beach Facilities
- There are toilets but no changing rooms. The toilets aren’t very pleasant.
- Outside showers in most areas.
- Pub by Mudeford Quay and bar on Mudeford Sandbank.
- A few restaurants and cafe options exist on the beach, but it’s not cheap!
- Crabbing & Watersports by harbour.
- Avon Beach is lifeguarded during peak season (July-September)
Is There A Best Place To Swim & What Are The Beaches Like?
The best place to swim is around Avon Beach, near Highcliffe or Mudeford Sandbank.
Mudeford or Avon Beach is lifeguarded during peak season, making it ideal for those with kids. The beach facilities are also nearby if that’s what you want. Depending on the tide, many sandbanks appear, adding to the adventure and shallow swimming areas.
There is a mix of pebbly and sandy beaches. Highcliffe and Mudeford Sandbank offer the ‘best sandy beaches’. If you’re looking for glorious ‘sandy’ beaches, head to Bournemouth, but expect big crowds.
It’s not the Caribbean, but these are blue-flag beaches. We recommend some cheap water shoes for comfort and protection from weaverfish.
Are Barbeques Allowed On Avon & Mudeford Beach?
On Avon Beach and Friars Cliff, you can use BBQs (not gas) or disposable BBQs.
You can also drink alcohol on the beach, so BYOB!
Are Dogs Allowed?
Dogs are allowed on Mudeford Sandbank, Friars Cliff, & Highcliffe Beach during summer seasons. Plenty of signs will guide you on which areas are dog-friendly.
There’s also a map from B*P council here.
Where To Eat & Drink
Gosh, we’re easy on this, but you have plenty of choices close by Mudeford, many within walking distance or a short taxi ride.
Whatever you do, make sure you try Alexander’s Fish & Chips! Be prepared to wait around 20 minutes.
It’s busy for a reason, with plenty of locals. It’s not a ‘tourist trap, and it’s not far from the beach. There’s also a good pub nearby!
Restaurants, Fast Food & Takeaways:
- The Noisy Lobster: On Mudeford & Avon Beach
- Masala Bay (bring your own booze)
- Kashmir
- The Jetty: Award-winning restaurant on the harbour
- Chicken & Blues
- The Boathouse
- Top Wok (Chinese Takeaway)
- Toby Carvery
- La Mamma Pizza
- The Rising Sun
- Fast Food Options include Fernando’s McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, and Domino’s. Fernando’s makes a banging pizza!
Our Reccomdation: Masala Bay, Top Wok & The Boathouse.
Pubs & Bars
- The Ship In Distress
- The Nelson Tavern
- The Sandpiper (great for kids)
- The Haven House Inn (on Mudeford Harbour)
- The Beach House (Mudeford Sandbank)
Our Reccomdation: Ship in Distress & Nelson Tavern.
Good To Know: Fernando’s Pizza does BOGOF every day of the week. Collection only.
Where To Stay
As we live here, accommodation is a weak spot for us. However, we can give you some pointers on good base locations.
There are many choices, although booking as early as possible is always best. Summer gets busy, prices only go up, and choices run out. If you don’t fancy driving much, we recommend staying around central Christchurch. You can catch the ferry or bus, and there’s a train station.
This way, you can bimble into the New Forest and get to Bournemouth, Southampton, with ease and hardly any effort. There’s also Poole, Swanage and the Purbecks within easy access.
You’ve also got way more choices in restaurants and pubs within easy reach.
Central Christchurch:
Near The Beach:
- The Gatehouse Mudeford (personal recommendation, on the beach & pet friendly)
- Harbour Hotel
- Sandhills Guest House
Beach Hut Hire
Beach huts are uber expensive, so we can only wish you well on your quest. Buying one will cost £500,000 to a million pounds, and renting one will cost you an arm or a leg or approximately £450 per night.
Whichever is your preference.
Check out this Star Gazing Beach Hut to rent on Mudeford Sandbank.
General Tips
We advise coming equipped so you don’t have to pay tourist prices. There aren’t many shops around the beach areas, but plenty are on your way. We’ve marked them on the map, including an Aldi and Lidl, approximately seven minutes’ drive from the beach—Aldi being the better.
Be sure to stock up with enough supplies to last you the day. Alternatively, order a takeaway and meet them at a convenient place.
They probably won’t meet you on the beach, but they will at the car parks or a convenient place. #what3words
Final Thoughts On Mudeford Beach & Sandbank
That’s a wrap for this. We hope you’re now equipped with the knowledge to enjoy your beach days.
And more importantly, will you be taking the ferry? Word on the street is that repairs are starting in mid-May.
See you all down the beach soon. Or in the pub!
You May Also Like
- Highcliffe Beach, Castle & Nature Reserve
- Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve
- Hengistbury Head Beach & Nature Reserve
- Free Things to do in Christchurch, Dorset
Your support truly means the world to us. Seriously, folks!
Should our content inspire you, offer assistance, or even save you a bit of cash, we warmly invite you to consider supporting our blog. A quick tap on the ‘Buy Me a Coffee’ button below can make an awesome difference. 😍
¡Adiós amigos!
Share This Post
