Jane's Midlife Journey

Highcliffe Beach, sitting right on the Dorset/Hampshire border, marks the most easterly point in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole conurbation. The beach is situated a few minutes walk from the centre of the genteel suburb of Highcliffe. There is a coastal path which runs beneath the cliffs, providing a spectacular backdrop for a walk/run. However, unlike most of Bournemouth’s beaches, Highcliffe doesn’t have a proliferation of sand.

How to get to Highcliffe Beach

Highcliffe is a 9 mile drive east of Bournemouth along the A338/A35/A337. It is possible to walk or cycle most of the way along the prom and coastal path using the Mudeford Ferry.

By Bus

If you’re feeling less energetic, the X1/X2 buses stop at Sea Corner, around a 10 minute walk from the beach.

Parking

There is a large (594 space) Pay & Display car park on Highcliffe Cliff Top. Parking charges are seasonal. Parking costs £2.30 for an hour for most of the year. There is no charge between November and mid March. Further details can be found here.

At the other end of the beach, is Highcliffe Castle Car Park. This is much smaller with just 94 spaces. During good weather, parking spaces are not easy to come by. Parking here costs £2.10 for an hour. Or £1 for four hours between November and mid March. Further details here.

Access

From the cliff top, Highcliffe Beach can be accessed by stairs or a gravel path. Both routes are quite uneven, so not really suitable for those with mobility issues or pushchairs.

From the grounds of Highcliffe Castle, there is a very gently sloping zigzag path down to the beach, so access from this end is much easier.

Beach

The beach here is predominantly shingle. There is a gravel path to the rear of the beach, which runs along the bottom of the cliffs to meet the Promenade near Friars Cliff. For me, this is a great place for a scenic walk, rather than a beach where you would go to for a swim/sunbathe.

Food and Drink

The Cliffhanger restaurant on the cliff top has dine-in and outdoor seating options. During peak times, there are also two takeaway outlets; one on the cliff top and another on the beach. There are plenty more restaurants and shops on nearby Lymington Road.

In the grounds of Highcliffe Castle, The Castle Pantry serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. It has indoor and outdoor seating in a courtyard overlooking the castle.

Toilets

There are toilets next to the Cliffhanger on the cliff top, which are open when the restaurant is open. There are no toilets at beach level.

Other Facilities

There are no facilities on Highcliffe Beach.

Lifeguards

There are no lifeguards on Highcliffe Beach.

Highcliffe Beach Parkrun

Introduced right at the end of 2025, Highcliffe Beach parkrun has quickly become a popular weekly event, with an average attendance of over 550 runners and walkers. The route takes participants along the coast path and back (twice).

Highcliffe Beach for Children

Not my favourite beach because it’s mainly shingle and the access is steep and uneven. And there are no facilities. In addition, the coastal path is a very popular dog walking route, so there’s a lot of dogs. And dog poo. I wouldn’t bring children here.

If you can manage to find somewhere to park, there is better access near Highcliffe Castle. The beach here is sandier and shelves gently, thus making it safer for children. However, there are no facilities and no lifeguards.

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted between groynes H4 and H8 between May and September. The areas either side are dog friendly all year round. Dogs most always be kept on a lead on the promenade, zigzags, and cliff paths. 

• Updated: January 2026

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.