Avon Beach

Credit: Saturdaywalker

Adventure across the sandy dunes, and feel the brisk salty sea air on your cheeks in the coastal town of Mudeford in Dorset. Just 11 miles from Stanwell House, gaze at the colourful beach huts and grab a light seafood lunch from the popular family deli, shop and bakery The Noisy Lobster. 

Avon Beach is a quarter-of-a-mile-long, family beach that is perfect for building sand castles, surfing and throwing a frisbee in the summer, as well as bundled winter walks along the promenade in the colder months. Full of life with cafes, shops and restaurants, it has all the essential facilities for an idyllic family day out. 

However, the real hidden gems are along the scenic coastal paths and natural trails that the surrounding area of Avon Beach has to offer. These trails are suitable for all levels of fitness and enjoyable for the whole family. Discover walking routes that connect you to nature and boost your wellbeing.

No matter which route you take, after any long walk, or cycle along the promenade, Saltwater Sauna on Avon Beach could be the relaxation you need to revitalise and detoxify your body. They also have locations in Sandbanks Beach, so you can unwind and alleviate after any local walk. After a hike, a sauna can help relax sore muscles, improve circulation, and speed up recovery by reducing inflammation.

Avon Beach to Mudeford Quay

Easy – 0.5 miles

Mudeford Quay

Credit: Chris

For stunning harbour views and ferry rides to Mudeford Sandbank, follow the promenade south-west to Mudeford Quay for roughly 10 minutes. Along this walk, you will pass eye-catching beach huts that are available for weekly or long period hire, as well as soft sandy stretches down to the water’s edge. You can stop and paddle your feet, take in the refreshing sensation and admire the vista. 

Mudeford Quay offers a playground for the little ones, shops and cafes such as the Haven House Inn & Cafe which opens from 11am for a much-needed coffee buzz and light seafood bites.
The Mudeford Ferry can take you across to Sandbanks, a natural coastal sand ridge, where you can explore the peninsula on the Hengistbury Head Land Train or along the seafront with your furry friend. Dogs are allowed all year off lead but should be under close control in the nature reserve. For a longer walk, connect this with our third walk below.

Highcliffe Castle Coastal Walk

Moderate – 2 miles

Highcliffe Castle

Credit: David Ball

Delve into the Gothic castle on the cliff and woodland trails with this English Channel coast walk. Along this route, you will discover the hidden histories of the 19th century as well as the beautiful secrets of the nature reserve. 

Begin at Avon Beach, where you can park at the beach car park and wander to Avon Run Road or to the shoreline adjacent towards Friars Cliffs. Pass picturesque rows of pine trees on the cliff’s edge and waves lapping the sand. 

Stroll along the sea wall for roughly 15 minutes and you will arrive at a break stop, The Beach Hut Cafe. This family run beachfront cafe is open all year round, and offers a friendly welcome. Tuck into a bite to eat and look towards the ocean from Hurst Spit in the East to Purbeck Hills in the West.

Once you’re ready to move on, head northeast until you reach the turning onto Penny Way, located behind the end of the row of wooden beach huts on your left. The path will curve up the hill to an open field. Across the road, spot the car park, and to the right will be a sign for the Steamer Point Nature Reserve. Feel the fresh salty air on your skin as you listen out for the wildlife surrounding you, as you follow the path east towards Highcliffe. This 27 acre woodland covers grassland, ponds, wetlands and sea cliffs with a variety of flora and fauna. You can also enjoy a picnic on benches whilst you immerse yourself in the scenery, spotting the Isle of Wight in the distance. 

At the end of the reserve, you will reach Highcliffe. Walk past the car park with Rothesay Park to your left and you will come across the beautiful gardens and architecture of Highcliffe Castle.  Experience the captivating past of these picturesque grounds that are open all year round from 7am or enter for a wondrous tour of the gothic mansion. Navigate through the gardens then sip on a cuppa in their tea rooms and reflect on a day well spent.

Hengistbury Head Circular Walk

Moderate – 3.8 miles

Hengistbury Head

Credit: Anik Messier

Explore panoramic coastal views, wildlife and ancient landscapes in this circular walk to Hegistbury Head. Begin the route at Hengistbury Head car park or take the ferry from Mudeford Quay and connect to our first route in this blog. 

Follow the walkway from the Hiker Cafe and head south towards the sea. Pass the land train terminus and the ancient earthworks, The Double Dykes. Turn left and follow the path towards the Hengistbury Head with the Isle of Wight on the horizon. 

As you meander down the path, you will begin to notice the sounds of the local wildlife from the Nature Reserve to your left and marvel at the harbour. You may even spot some rare Natterjack Toads in ponds along the way. As you continue up the incline, notice the spectacular views, and as you reach the top, pause and breathe in the fresh air and relax on the wooden benches provided. 

After a short rest, continue along the walkway and down the hill. Turn right at the crossroads, and walk along the edge of the cliff with the ironstone quarry to the left, to the tip of the Hengistbury Head. Continue along the path and look out for steps down to The Spit, where you will bear left and follow a narrow lane that leads to Mudeford Sandspit Lagoon and Holloway’s Dock. Turn right to visit the charming beach huts. Passing the train terminus and ferry, you may begin to feel a little hungry if you didn’t pack a picnic to eat on the hilltops. Located on The Spit, visit The Beach House, perfect for that takeaway snack and a thirst-quenching drink. 

Refuelled and ready to go, you can either explore The Spit further and follow the coast all the way round back to the Double Dykes, or you can pick up the path the other side of the lagoon through woodlands where the train passes, and head back up over the hill.

End your walk right and sleep tight

To end your night, why not travel back for a restorative night’s sleep at Stanwell House? We are also dog-friendly for those muddy paws. Rejuvenate and indulge in a hearty meal at our Samphire restaurant and then cosy up for a nightcap in our Salt Bar before retreating to your boutique room for a bubble bath and peaceful rest.