If you edge closer to the Dorset-Hampshire border, there’s a wealth of coastline waiting to be discovered. And it’s perfect if you’re craving a bit of peace and quiet by the sea
Bournemouth beach is a hotspot in Dorset that draws in approximately 6.88 million visitors each year. With its sprawling seven-mile sandy shoreline and array of amenities — bars, cafes, restaurants, toilets, arcades, and a pier — it’s no surprise that Bournemouth is one of the UK’s favourite seaside destinations.
However, after living in various parts of this bustling town for three years, I’ve discovered that the summer season can be less than enjoyable. Like many coastal treasures, the vast beach is packed with locals, day-trippers, and holidaymakers who contribute to the thriving tourism industry.
While this has its advantages, dealing with steep roads crammed with parked cars and a beach teeming with people during the summer peak often led me to seek solace at a lesser-known gem along the coast: Highcliffe.
This beach is the first to connect the Southeast to the Southwest. It consists of sand and shingle and is just a short drive from the New Forest. It’s the perfect picnic spot, and you can relax on the shoreline while taking a dip in the chilly English Channel. There are plenty of coastal walks to do from Highcliffe, too.
For those who fancy a leisurely walk, there’s a 2.5-mile stroll along the beach leading to Mudeford Quay. From here, you can hop on a ferry to Mudeford Sandbank or continue your walk to Hengistbury Head, then along the promenade to Bournemouth Pier, reports the Express.
Highcliffe Beach is a hit with swimmers, surfers, and bodyboarders, as well as those who simply want to relax and take in the scenery. The beach also boasts unique attractions that set it apart.
According to Visit South East England, the official tourist website for the region, Dorset was one of the highest winners of the seaside awards in 2024, with Highcliffe among 14 of the beaches awarded in the area.
Despite being a mere seven miles from Bournemouth, this serene beach feels like it’s in a different world. Parking is plentiful, and the absence of crowds lends an air of tranquillity.
Highcliffe is a Blue Flag-awarded beach, characterised by a series of breakwaters that form sheltered coves of sand and shingle. With grassy dunes, wooded cliffs, and lush shrubland as its backdrop, the beach exudes an intimate and shaded atmosphere, particularly delightful on warm sunny days.
Perched above the beach is the historic Highcliffe Castle, a striking example of mid-19th-century Gothic Revival architecture. The grounds are open daily at no cost, but you should book admission tickets to visit the building. Meanwhile, the Castle Kitchen Tearoom serves homemade cakes and hot beverages, all with views of the lawns and the sea beyond.
Getting to the beach is remarkably easy; a zig-zag ramp path and surfaced wheelchair routes gently slope down from the Highcliffe Castle car park. For those seeking a bit more adventure, there’s a flight of 118 steps nearby offering a quicker route to the shore.
While Highcliffe beach may not rival Bournemouth in terms of amenities, it offers a comfortable day at the seaside. Modern public facilities, such as accessible toilets and the Cliffhanger Cafe, cater to visitors at the top of the cliffs.
On a clear day, you can look across to Barton-On-Sea and Milford-On-Sea in the New Forest. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the Isle of Wight and Needles Rock formation in the distance. To the right, you have Hengistbury Head and beautiful Mudeford.
Highcliffe, with its tranquility, spaciousness, and close connection to nature, offers a stark contrast to the bustling Bournemouth Beach, known for its golden sands, vibrant beach huts, and lively atmosphere.
However, recent concerns over crime and overcrowding have somewhat tarnished Bournemouth’s appeal to both locals and tourists.
Nestled at the western end of Highcliffe is Steamer Point Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife where visitors can spot a variety of bird and plant species. The shoreline is often dotted with seabirds such as gulls, terns, and waders, while woodland birds like robins, woodpeckers, and warblers inhabit the nearby trees.
The reserve also boasts some rare coastal plants, making it a favourite haunt for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Beyond the beach, the wider Christchurch area is teeming with potential. It’s a charming town filled with quaint independent cafes, boutique shops, and historic allure – an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or a relaxed stroll.
The Christchurch Coastal Path stretches from Chewton Bunny Nature Reserve at Highcliffe cliff top, through Steamer Point Nature Reserve, all the way to Mudeford Quay.
While Bournemouth Beach may be unbeatable for sunset views from the cliff tops or for those who don’t want to travel far, there’s something uniquely calming about the coastal gems that connect Dorset and Hampshire. They’re definitely worth exploring before the summer season draws to a close.