Jane's Midlife Journey

Friars Cliff Beach is the middle of three Blue Flag Beaches in the Christchurch area. This small beach tends to be quieter than some of its neighbours. It has a chilled vibe, great views and an award winning café.

How to get to Friars Cliff Beach

Friars Cliff Beach is 7 miles east of Bournemouth. It can be reached by following the A35 to Christchurch, then turning right onto Purewell Cross Road. By foot/bike, you can reach Friars Cliff Beach by following the coast and then either walking/cycling round Christchurch Harbour or taking the Mudeford Ferry from Hengistbury Head to Mudeford Quay.

By Bus

The nearest bus stop is Bure Haven Drive, which is serviced by bus No 1C. From here, it is a 15 minute walk to the beach. During the summer, Breezer Bus number 70 is another option.

Access to Friars Cliff Beach

The beach is easily accessible with just a short ramp connecting it to Steamer Point Car Park. Alternatively, there is a promenade from Avon Beach, which is around 500 metres away.

In the opposite direction, you can walk to Highcliffe Beach, although the paved prom does not run the entire way. Highcliffe is about a kilometre away and can also be reached via a cliff top path which takes you through Steamer Point Nature Reserve; a clifftop wooded nature reserve. 

Parking

Steamer Point Car Park is just behind the beach. Parking costs are seasonal, ranging from £1 all day in winter to £2.30 for an hour during peak season. Further details can be found here.

Beach

The beach is predominantly sandy with a little shingle, mainy along the water’s edge.

Food and Drink

The Beach Hut Café specialises in breakfasts, pizzas and home made cakes. There is covered seating outside on the veranda, with further seating on the prom overlooking the beach. Although mainly a breakfast/lunch venue, it does have extended hours, including fish & chip Friday during the summer.

Toilets

There are toilets on the prom near the café.

Other Facilities

• Showers
• Beach huts

Lifeguards

There is an RNLI Lifeguard Station on Friars Cliff Beach, which is manned from 10 am until 6 pm between 19th July and 7th September.

Friars Cliff Beach for Children

This is a nice beach for children as it’s sheltered, with a gentle shelf into the sea. The Beach Hut Café has a basic children’s menu for £6.75.

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted on Avon Beach between May and September. There is a dog friendly beach area between Avon Beach and Highcliffe Beach.

• Updated: July 2025

I hope you found this information useful. For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth here.

For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth with young children, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth with Babies and Toddlers here.