This panoramic image overlooks the narrow channel entrance to Christchurch Harbour from Mudeford Quay. On the far side is the popular sandy beach known as Mudeford Sandbank, which is attached to Hengistbury Head. The currents here are very strong, all the water in the harbour empties and fills through this channel. You can get some idea of what this means by looking at the size of the harbour basin on the satellite image on the map. This picture was taken quite late in the afternoon with the sun low over Christchurch.

Mudeford Quay - Christchurch visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Mudeford Quay' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Dorset.

This panorama, taken from the end of Mudeford Quay overlooking the entrance to Christchurch Harbour and Hengistbury Head. Mudeford Quay is a land spit at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour that extends into the channel from the north. On the other side of the channel is the Mudeford Sandbank, a popular beach which forms a natural barrier across Christchurch Harbour and is attached to Hengistbury Head. The Quay is a popular local tourist attraction, with a large fee-paying car park allowing access to the restaurants (Haven House Inn) and the beaches. The quay is still actively used by fishermen, and stacks of lobster pots, nets other equipment are often found on the quayside, with small fishing boats moored alongside. Mudeford Quay also has The Fish Stall at Mudeford Quay, well known locally as a source of very fresh fish, crabs, lobsters and shell fish which often come straight from the fishing and diving boats into the shop.

Several sand or sand and shingle beaches can be accessed from Mudeford Quay. Adjacent to the car park heading west is a sand and shingle beach that extend west past Highcliffe Beach (just below Highcliffe Castle) all the way to Hurst Castle. On the opposite side of the harbour entrance is Mudeford Sandbank, a popular sandy beach lined with beach huts that can either be accessed by ferry from Mudeford or by land from Hengistbury Head. Local ferries also serve Christchurch, Tuckton and Wick.

Nearby is Stanpit Marsh, a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) with unspoilt harbour wetlands famous as a stopping off point for migratory birds and rich in other marshland plants and animals. There are often flocks of swans at Mudeford and in Christchurch harbour. There are also numerous hotels nearby including the Village Hotel and Leisure Club, Chine Hotel and Charrington House Hotel.

Travel and Getting There:
At the first roundabout just east of Christchurch on the A35, take the exit east down Purwell Cross Road towards Someford. Just after the Purwell Cross Road becomes the Someford Road, take Sandown Road left. This should be signposted for Mudeford. It becomes Mudeford Lane and leads to Mudeford.