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Beaches

Whether you are looking for a safe clean beach for a visit to the seaside, somewhere to enjoy the thrills of watersports or an enjoyable stroll, Christchurch's beautiful coastline is the place to visit.

Christchurch's predominantly sandy beaches extend for four miles across Christchurch Bay; from Highcliffe Beach in the east, to Highcliffe Castle, Steamer Point and Friar's Cliff beaches through to Avon Beach in the west. Mudeford Sandbank is a unique sandspit which adjoins Hengistbury and forms a natural barrier between the harbour and the open sea.

Christchurch's coast and harbour can be enjoyed from the water too as ferry trips and excursions are available from Easter to October, weather permitting. Ferries operate from Mudeford Quay and Christchurch Quay to Mudeford Sandbank and across the river from Christchurch Quay to Wick.

Christchurch's coastline can be explored on foot by following the 2.5 mile Coastal Path through Highcliffe Castle and Steamer Point to Mudeford Quay. For a longer walk you can continue by ferry across the "Run" to Mudeford Sandbank, walk across Hengistbury Head to Wick and then take the passenger ferry across to Christchurch Quay. If you are feeling less energetic there's always the Land Train which runs from Mudeford Sandbank to Hengistbury Head!

Throughout the summer the Environmental Health Department at Christchurch Borough Council carries out regular sampling of river and sea water to check for any contamination and regular sampling is also carried out by the Environment Agency throughout the summer season.