Bournemouth beach is a well-known hotspot of Dorset, and the coastal town attracts around 6.88 million visitors annually. With an expansive sandy shoreline that stretches seven miles and an array of amenities, including bars, cafes, and restaurants, plus toilets, arcades, and a pier, it’s no wonder Bournemouth is one of the most popular coastal spots in the UK. But having lived in various parts of the bustling town for three years, I’ve come to realise that it can be far from enjoyable in the height of summer.
As with many coastal gems, the expansive beach is filled with locals, daytrippers, and holidaymakers who help the tourism scene thrive. There’s no denying the benefits of this, but contending with steep roads lined with parked cars and a beach filled with people in the height of summer prompted many trips to a lesser-known jewel along the coast: Highcliffe.
I spent many days on Highcliffe Beach and many more hours wandering the many paths that link the area to nearby beauty spots – of which there are many.
For those who enjoy a leisurely stroll, there’s a 2.5-mile walk along the beach leading to Mudeford Quay. From there, you can take a ferry to Mudeford Sandbank or continue your walk to Hengistbury Head, then along the promenade to Bournemouth Pier.
Highcliffe Beach appeals to swimmers, surfers, and bodyboarders, as well as those who relax and enjoy the scenery. The beach also offers additional attractions that make it unique.
Despite being about seven miles from Bournemouth, this peaceful beach is worlds apart from Bournemouth’s central coastline. Parking is easy to come by, and the lack of crowds creates a sense of tranquility.
Highcliffe is a Blue Flag-awarded site, formed by a series of breakwaters that create sheltered coves of sand and shingle. Backed by grassy dunes, wooded cliffs, and lush shrubland, the beach feels intimate and shaded, especially pleasant on hot sunny days.
Just above the beach sits historic Highcliffe Castle, a stunning example of mid-19th-century Gothic Revival architecture. The grounds are open daily, free of charge, and have lawns for picnics. Meanwhile, the Castle Kitchen Tearoom offers homemade cakes and hot drinks with views of the lawns and the sea beyond.
Access to the beach is remarkably accessible; a zig-zag ramp path and surfaced wheelchair routes gently descend from the Highcliffe Castle car park, while more adventurous visitors can take a flight of 118 steps nearby for a quicker route down to the shore.
Highcliffe beach doesn’t come close to Bournemouth for choice of amenities, but it’s just a comfortable day at the beach. Modern public facilities, such as accessible toilets and the Cliffhanger Cafe, serve visitors at the top of the cliffs.
On a clear day, you can gaze across Christchurch Bay to Barton-On-Sea and Milford-On-Sea in the New Forest. You may even be able to make out the Isle of Wight and Needles Rock formation in the distance.
Compared to Bournemouth Beach – renowned for its golden sands, colourful beach huts and liveliness, Highcliffe offers calm, space and a close connection to nature.
Recently, Bournemouth has faced concerns over crime and crowding that have dampened its appeal to some locals and visitors alike.
At the western end lies Steamer Point Nature Reserve, a sanctuary for wildlife where visitors can observe numerous bird and plant species. Along the shore, seabirds such as gulls, terns, and waders are commonly seen, while the adjacent trees are home to woodland birds including robins, woodpeckers, and warblers.
The reserve is also home to some rare coastal plants, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Beyond the beach, the wider area brims with potential. Christchurch is full of small independent cafes, boutique shops, and historic charm- making it a delightful spot for lunch or a relaxed stroll.
The Christchurch Coastal Path extends from Chewton Bunny Nature Reserve at Highcliffe cliff top via Steamer Point Nature Reserve to Mudeford Quay.
Granted, Bournemouth Beach is hard to beat for sunset views from the cliff tops, or if you don’t want to drive too far. But there’s something much more relaxing about the coastal gems that link Dorset and Hampshire that are well worth exploring before summer’s end.