Bucket list experience:
Christchurch, Dorset, United Kingdom (UK)
Ok… it’s not strictly a walk in the New Forest, but we just had to include it. This charismatic and interesting old headland, straddling Christchurch harbour, offers up one of the best short walks in southern England. The 2-mile footpath takes you up onto the headland through wildlife-filled heathland before descending to the Beach Café on the golden sands of Mudeford Spit.
To get home from there you can walk back along the beach beneath the headland, along a tarmac road that runs alongside the harbour, or alternatively hop on the ‘Noddy Train’.
The views are fantastic – across to the Isle of Wight on one side, and over Christchurch Harbour on the other – and the salty sea breeze as refreshing and invigorating in winter as in summer.
The Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve is a site of Special Scientific Interest and internationally protected as a Special Area of Conservation. There’s an unusually diverse variety of habitats here, with more than 500 plant, 300 bird, and 700 moth species recorded. Look out for the endangered natterjack toad, and Dartford and Cetti’s warblers.
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Destination Guide >The path is well-marked and logistically easy with plenty of (paid) parking. Start at the Hiker Café (use the car park off Broadway), and walk to the Beach Café on Mudeford Spit. Alternatively, do the walk in reverse by parking at Mudeford Quay and catching the ferry across to the Beach House Café.
The toy-like Noddy Train links the two starting points, a real treat for kids (and tired walkers who only want to walk one way). The Beach House on Mudeford does good food and coffee – you can sit out on the beach and have breakfast; the Hiker Café at the Broadway car park also offers food and coffee, but the quality is not as good.
It’s a superb walk all year round. Spring has butterflies and spring flowers; autumn sees the heathland explode with colour. Winter is invigorating, though avoid rainy and windy days – it’s very exposed on the top of the headland.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Christchurch Road, New Milton, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
One of Britain’s best-loved country house hotels, set amid 130 acres of idyllic English countryside, with a world-class spa and unique tree-house suites.
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Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom (UK)
A high quality, Miami-themed 5-star stunner, located just above Bournemouth’s best beaches, with delicious, inventive food and a world-class spa.
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Brockenhurst, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A classic country house hotel, surrounded by 40 acres of lush gardens, stretching into the forest beyond.
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Brockenhurst, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A chic, boutique B&B in an elegant Arts & Crafts house, right in the convenient heart of the New Forest.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A magical, highly accessible region of ancient woodland, open heathland and postcard-perfect traditional English villages.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Wareham , Dorset , United Kingdom (UK)
Atmospheric ruins of a 1,000-year-old castle, rich in dramatic history dating back to William the Conqueror.
Best for ages: 6+ | £7
Beaulieu, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A world-famous motoring museum, boasting the biggest collection of vintage and contemporary cars in the country, alongside iconic vehicles from film and TV.
Best for ages: 4+ | £26
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Christchurch, Dorset, United Kingdom (UK)
Families line the quay at this sleepy waterfront village, armed with lines and crabbing buckets, to see who can catch the largest crustacean.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1-3 hours
Burley, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
In the picturesque village of Burley, New Forest Cider offers the chance to try different varieties straight from the barrel, all made with apples from their own orchards.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Ringwood, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Ringwood has been brewing its popular ales since 1978, and offers tours of its brewery along with tastings of some of its classic beers, including Old Thumper and the wonderfully-named Boondoggle.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Brockenhurst, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Just outside Brockenhurst, Setley has been producing white, red and rose wine for twenty years, and offers pre-bookable tours and tastings.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
