The gorgeous British beach is just a short trip from London and is a perfect spot to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It has won multiple awards and is a hit with visitors
For those looking to escape the bustle of London for a weekend, consider a trip to a serene sandy beach in Dorset, right next to a forest.
Sure, it may be nippy in winter, but with fewer people around and snug attire, you can relish the seaside vibe without the summer crowds.
Just a convenient journey from London is the New Forest, coveted by holidaymakers, but tucked away near its edge lies Avon Beach. It’s only a short 20-minute jaunt from the much more hectic Bournemouth.
Avon Beach has charmed visitors enough to scoop a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award in 2023. An elated beachgoer exclaimed: “This is one of my favourite beaches, it’s not crowded and lots of picnic benches which is perfect for families.”
One allure of this beach is the cliffs that shelter an array of Britain’s rarest reptiles, birds and insects. While there’s no fee for beach entry all year round, do bear in mind that parking isn’t gratis, reports the Express.
Your prime parking choice would be Avon Beach Car Park, just a stone’s throw from the sand, accommodating 99 vehicles including slots for disabled parking.
Alternatively, there’s the Avon Run Road car park with availability for 222 cars. From here, it’s merely a five-minute stroll to the shore, noting that the route isn’t entirely levelled.
Mudeford, a delightful coastal town and home to Avon Beach, is situated slightly east of Mudeford Quay, marking the inception of Christchurch Bay, which extends to Highcliffe.
In proximity, Hoburne Park Holiday Park offers self-catered caravan stays or lodges equipped with hot tubs for relaxing getaways (it’s wise to check their operating seasons).
If you’re travelling from London, here’s your guide:
By train, begin at Waterloo station and take a train to Pokesdown. From there, catch a bus to Meteor Shopping Park. After that, it’s a 30-minute walk. This journey should take approximately two hours and 48 minutes.
Alternatively, you could hop on a National Express coach to Bournemouth Bus Station, which takes roughly two and a half hours. Then, grab a bus from there. If driving is more your style, the journey will take about two hours and 30 minutes, depending on where you start in London.
Train tickets for UK and European destinations, including budget-friendly Eurostar tickets, can be booked via Trainline. Coaches can be reserved through National Express.