Jane's Midlife Journey

The village of Mudeford sits on the mouth of Christchurch Harbour. The area is split into two by the harbour mouth. On one side is Mudeford Quay, a quaint, working fishing quay. On the other is Mudeford Sandbank, where the golden sandy beach is lined with mega expensive beach huts.

How to get to Mudeford

Mudeford is on the outskirts of Christchurch, 7 miles east of central Bournemouth. By car, follow the A35/A338 to Christchurch, then turn onto Purewell Cross Road, which becomes Stanpit, and later Mudeford.

By Bus

Bus No 1c stops at Chichester Way, a 5 minute walk from Mudeford Quay. During the summer, the No 70 Beach Breezer is a slightly sloewer but more scenic option.

Mudeford Ferry

The Mudeford Ferry operates across the harbour connecting Mudeford Sandbank with Mudeford Quay. The ferry operation times depend on the season and the weather. Check the website for the current schedule.

The crossing costs £3.50 each way (currently cash only) for adults, £1.50 for children age 5 to 12.

Parking in Mudeford

There is a large car park on Mudeford Quay. Parking costs £2.70 for a hour (£2.40 between November and March). Further details can be found here.

Mudeford Quay

Watersports

Mudeford is a popular area for boating and other water sports. It has a public slipway and a Sailing Club. In addition, there are boat charters offering fishing and diving trips.

Shore Sports offers sailing, windsurf, kayak and stand up paddle board lessons as well as equipment hire.

Lifeboat Station

There has been a Lifeboat Station at Mudeford since 1963. The lifeboat carries out approximately 60 rescues each year. The RNLI organises regular fund raising events throughout the year, including the popular Fun Day. It is possible to visit the station by arrangement.

Smugglers Run Heritage Trail

Mudeford has a long history of smuggling. Locals will be keen to tell you about the Battle of Mudeford; a skirmish between local smugglers and Customs officers, which took place in 1784 on what is now the car park. A newly installed 1.2km long Smugglers Run Heritage Trail along the quayside tells visitors about the area’s history of smuggling and its key characters, via a series of 16 signs. Each sign also has a brass rubbing activity to keep children engaged. Further details, plus an activity sheet for children, can be found here.

Gundimore Promenade

Gundimore Promenade runs along the shoreline from Mudeford to Avon Beach.

A new addition to the sea wall, which runs along the promenade, is a series of 14 wildlife mosaics. The mosaics, which were created by local artist Matthew Byrom, depict local wildlife.

Avon Beach

This pleasant, mainly sandy Avon Beach is popular with families and has lifeguards during the summer. Here, you will find beach huts, a sauna and popular seafood restaurant, The Noisy Lobster. You can check out my blog about Avon Beach here.

Sauna

The Saltwater Sauna has two saunas on Avon Beach. Relax in the steam in a hut overlooking the beach, then plunge into the sea for a refreshing dip. And repeat…

Mudeford Sandbank

Mudeford Spit Beach

Mudeford Spit has a sandy, sheltered beach. As it isn’t possible to reach here by road, it can be quieter than other local beaches.

Beach Huts

There are 346 beach huts on Mudeford Sandbank, which can be slept in between March and October. The beach huts are privately owned, and among the most expensive in the UK, selling for upwards of £400,000.

From Mudeford Sandbank, you can continue on foot/bike or via the Land Train to the nature reserve at Hengistbury Head. You can check out my Blog about Hengistbury Head here.

Food and Drink

Mudeford Quay

• Haven House Inn & Cafe – quayside pub, cafe and gift shop with indoor and outside seating.
• The Fish Stall – fishmonger selling raw and cooked fish and seafood. They also sell crabbing bait and gear.
• The Raft – quayside snack bar with outdoor seating area.

Mudeford

• Mudeford Rocks – family run cafe selling breakfast, sandwiches and snacks.
• The Jetty – award winning waterside restaurant specialising in seafood (inside Christchurch Harbour Hotel). Delicious food and a great location!
• The Nelson Tavern – quaint gastro pub with a nice outdoor seating area.
• The Upper Deck – up-market waterside restaurant (inside Christchurch Harbour Hotel).

Mudeford Sandbank

• Beach House Cafe – licensed beach side cafe, which also has a pizza oven, seafood pod, sandwich & shack and beach shop during the summer.

Avon Beach

• The Noisy Lobster – popular beachside seafood restaurant which also has a coffee cabin and deli, shop & bakery. Plus seasonal bar, takeaway and ice cream outlets. They also hire beach huts.

Events

A number of popular events take place on the quay each year:

RNLI Mudeford Blue Light Day

Held every May, RNLI Mudeford Blue Light Day is an annual event where you can meet local emergency services with their vehicles and equipment, see lifeboat demonstrations and learn about water safety.

Mudeford Arts Festival

Taking place every July, the Mudeford Arts Festival showcases local arts and crafts.

RNLI Lifeboat Fun Day

Held each August to raise money for the lifeboat, the RNLI Lifeboat Fun Day consists of raft racing and a duck race in the harbour, plus a funfair, music and food and drink. You can read my blog about the Fun Day here.

Carols on the Quay

Carols on the Quay is another RNLI fundraising event; an annual quayside Christmas carol service.

Mudeford for Children

The sheltered, sandy beaches at Mudeford Sandbank and Avon Beach are popular with families.

There is a Playground next to the quay with a nautical theme, including a pirate ship.

Crabbing off the quay wall is also popular with children. You can buy equipment and bait at The Fish Stall or Haven House Gift Shop.

• Updated: August 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.

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.