Hengistbury Head Beach

A long pebble beach curving below a grassy clifftop at Hengistbury Head — Photo: Jonathan Hutchins

A relatively unspoilt pebble beach below imposing clay and ironstone cliffs, within the Hengistbury Head nature reserve. There's plenty of parking, with toilets and cafés at both ends. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the beach, but keep them on a lead off the beach so they don't disturb rare wildlife. Barbecues aren't allowed anywhere on Hengistbury Head.

Visit the official page

Times, prices and access can change. Check before you travel.Last updated 6 Oct 2026.Source (where this listing came from, opens in a new tab)

Places nearby

Open all year
Compton Acres
Poole · Gardens
- Family-friendly
- Dog-friendly
- Accessible
A collection of internationally inspired gardens spanning ten acres, including Italian, Japanese, Heather, Valley and Rock and Water gardens. The site also has a plant centre and a cafe tearoom, with nature trails for children during school holidays. Dogs are welcome in selected areas, and free parking is available on site.
Open all year
Brownsea Island
Poole Harbour · Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole · Nature and wildlife
- Family-friendly
- Accessible
- Car-free friendly
An island wildlife sanctuary in Poole Harbour with woodland, heathland and a lagoon, home to red squirrels and many bird species. Visitors can explore Scouting history, a former pottery and the remains of the village of Maryland. A free shuttle bus, Tramper wheelchair and BSL trail help make the island accessible.
Open all year
Mudeford Spit Beach (Mudeford Sandbank)
Mudeford · Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole · Beaches
- Dog-friendly
- Accessible
- Car-free friendly
Quiet sandy beaches on Mudeford Spit, good for bathing and popular with dog walkers, who can let dogs off the lead all year. You reach it on foot, by bike or on the land train from Hengistbury Head car park, about a mile away; the land train has a wheelchair carriage. There are cafés, restaurants and toilets, but no lifeguards, and barbecues aren't allowed.

Coming up

Wednesday 11 November
Nigel Kennedy
Arts and culture
Bournemouth
Violinist Nigel Kennedy performs an evening of classical, jazz and contemporary music at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre. The programme includes Bach, his own compositions, and a tribute to Yehudi Menuhin and Stephane Grappelli, accompanied by double bass and cello.
Wednesday 11 November
Nigel Kennedy: Virtuoso Concert Performance
Arts and culture
Bournemouth
Violinist Nigel Kennedy performs at the Bournemouth Pavilion as part of his first large-scale UK tour in over fifteen years. The concert follows sold-out shows in London and at Ronnie Scott's in Soho.
12 November to 3 January
Festive Trail Bournemouth
Festivals and shows
Bournemouth
- Free
- Family-friendly
A free festive trail through Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, lit with thousands of twinkling lights and illuminated displays. Visitors can explore a Christmas tree maze, Santa's Workshop, a festive train and a big wheel, alongside a Christmas market and ice rink nearby. Suited to families looking for a winter evening out.

See everything in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Hengistbury Head Beach

More in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Places nearby

Compton Acres

Brownsea Island

Mudeford Spit Beach (Mudeford Sandbank)

Coming up

Nigel Kennedy

Nigel Kennedy: Virtuoso Concert Performance

Festive Trail Bournemouth