Mudeford
Photo by Karen, ‘In The Frame‘
Mudeford is a small fishing village in Christchurch Borough, Dorset. A quiet village with charm, history, water activities and character. Historically Mudeford is known for it’s smuggling, with the Battle of Mudeford taking place in 1784.
Mudeford Quay
Mudeford Quay is at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour and has picturesque views of the Solent, The Needles, the famous Mudeford Spit beach huts and towards Christchurch.
Mudeford Ferry
In the Summer the Ferry runs every 15 minutes from Mudeford Quay to the beach at Mudeford Spit for exploring the unspoilt beachline on Mudeford Sandbank.
Mudeford Ferry also operate a fast rib for thrill rides, bird watching trips in the winter in the harbour and summer bird watching trips.
From Mudeford Spit there is the vintage ferry service operated by Bournemouth Boating Services calling at Christchurch Quay & Tuckton Tea Gardens.
Crabbing
A popular, all year round activity in Mudeford is crabbing. With crabbing buckets & lines on sale at the Haven House Inn gift shop, and fish bits available from the Fish Stall, everything you need is on offer.
A line of ‘crabbers’ paves the front with awaited buckets of water for crabs that are caught. Adults and children alike both enjoy this Mudeford tradition, who can catch the largest crab often becomes a popular game!
Mackerel Fishing
One & a half hour mackerel fishing trips are available from the quay.
Haven House Inn
Dating back from the 15th century are Haven Cottages on the Quay along with the Haven House Inn. This historic building provides an all day cafe, pub and gift shop.
This is located at the Quay Head, a pedestrian area, with the Inn, public toilets and the Fish Stall.
Avon Beach
Situated along a promenade from Mudeford Quay, Avon Beach, a popular sand and pebble beach, has lifeguard cover from July to September.
Stanpit Marsh
Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is less than ten minutes walk from the holiday cottage. The marsh is home to over 300 species of plants, and a large number of butterflies and dragonflies, There have been 313 species of birds recorded with residents including curlew, dunlin, godwits, heron, lapwing, oystercatcher, red shank, ringed plover and shelduck.
Christchurch
Christchurch is just two miles from the cottage. It is a lively town with numerous restaurants. Attractions include Christchurch Quay, a Monday Market, the Priory, castle ruins and Red House Museum and gardens. . There is also a dry ski slope and a leisure centre with swimming pool and 9 hole pay and play golf course.
Regent Centre, 51 High Street, Christchurch,01202 499199
The Regent Centre in Christchurch offers a range of Live Broadcast, Films, Concerts, Theatre & other events. Please click the link above to check the latest programme on their website.
Cliffhanger– Meal & Tribute singer, Waterford Rd, Highcliffe 01425 278058
The Cliffhanger restaurant in Highcliffe has an exciting programme of Meals & Tribute singers. Please click on the link above to find out what is on.
Visit Dorset tourist information
The visit-dorset website has local tourist information and events - please have a look at their website.
Restaurants & Bars
The Ship in Distress
Within half a mile of the the cottage. A friendly local pub and restaurant with a varied menu, good selection of beers and a lovely garden. Thursday night is Quiz Night.
The Nelson Tavern
Also within half a mile of the cottage. A gastro pub which specialises in traditional home cooked food.
The Noisy Lobster
Based on Avon Beach, the Noisy Lobster focuses on seafood throughout its' menu and daily specials. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner or just a cup of tea.
The Jetty and The Upper Deck
About three quarters of a mile from the cottage. Both restaurants overlook the harbour and are part of the Christchurch Harbour Hotel.
Alexanders Fish & Chip Shop
A very popular fish & chip shop just 5 minutes walk from the cottage.
The Rising Sun
A family owner restaurant/pub offering a wide range of Thai and Pan Asian dishes - with an outside dining area.
The Smugglers Run
A newly refurbished pub on the road to Christchurch serving pub classics and South African cuisine, with a wide range of craft ales. Shows live sport.
Masala Bay
On the road to Christchurch. Friendly Indian restaurant with bring your own alcohol.
The Captains Club
Situated near the Wick ferry on the River Stour in Christchurch. Relaxed atmosphere, great food and lovely views over the River Stour. Sunny terrace for al fresco dining.
Pinocchio’s
Authentic family-run Italian restaurant in Christchurch. Very friendly service and reasonably priced.
Thomas Tripp
A popular, lively pub/restaurant in Christchurch that hosts live music.
The Ship Inn
A stylish gastropub situated in the centre of Christchurch.
Local Attractions
Great Walks
There are several walks starting from the cottage, the most popular is the five mile circular tour which goes through Mudeford Quay, Mudeford Spit, Hengistbury Head, Christchurch and Stanpit Marsh – the views from the top of Hengistbury Head make it well worth the climb. This walk uses two ferries.
Highcliffe Castle
A magnificent Grade 1 Listed Cliff top mansion, built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay in the early 1830’s, Highcliffe Castle offers guided tours and tea rooms with spectacular views out to sea.
Hengistbury Head
People have been visiting HH for the past 12,000 years. An outstanding site for wildlife and archaeology and offers beautiful beaches and fantastic views across the harbour. Access is easy for all ages and abilities and there is a land train linking to Mudeford Spit. There is also the HH Visitors Centre.
New Forest National Park
The mixture of woodlands and open pastureland with grazing New Forest ponies, make it an ideal location for a drive, walk, cycle trip (bikes can be hired) or horse riding. There are also many visitor attractions including the Beaulieu Nation Motor Museum and Exbury Gardens.
Isle of Wight
There is a frequent Wightlink ferry service from the charming town of Lymington to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.
Bournemouth Oceanarium
An award-winning Bournemouth aquarium with daily creature feeds, amazing creatures, special activities and interactive experiences including a dive cage! Located on Bournemouth sea front, Bournemouth Oceanarium attracts sea curious visitors and even offers an ‘Aquarist for a day’ experience.
Bournemouth Aviation Museum
Fancy yourself as a pilot? Take a seat in an aircraft cockpit at Bournemouth Aviation Museum. From the famous English Electric Lightning to the mighty Westland Wessex Helicopter – all are available for you to view up close.
Brownsea Island
Hop on a ferry across to National Trust’s Brownsea Island. Dramatically located in Poole Harbour, with spectacular views across to the Purbeck Hills. With thriving natural habitats this is the perfect day’s adventure – this island wildlife sanctuary is easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore. For visitors who are less mobile, this beautiful island can be explored through electric buggy tours.
Adventure Wonderland
With over 30 rides and attractions, Adventure Wonderland offers a family focused full day of fun. With rides outside and a play centre with cafe inside the children can be entertained whatever the weather. Complete with petting corner, mini roller coasters and visits from popular childrens characters throughout the year, it’s worth seeing what’s on offer here during your stay.
Bovington Tank Museum
The Bovington Tank Museum exhibitions tell the story of armoured warfare from World War One to the present day. As you explore the Museum’s six large halls you will come face to face with vehicles that have seen action in all the major wars of the 20th Century and hear first-hand accounts from those who fought in them
Corfe Castle
A thousand year old royal castle shaped by warfare. Enjoy one of Britain’s most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians.
A favourite haunt for adults and children alike, you can’t fail to be captivated by these romantic castle ruins with breathtaking views across Purbeck.