Beaches in Christchurch

Information on the beaches in Christchurch, including facilities, bathing water quality and restrictions to dog walking and horse riding.

The beaches in Christchurch stretch continuously from Highcliffe in the East to Avon Beach in the West. The Beaches and Hinterland Management Plan (pdf, 2Mb) (opens in a new window) and its appendix (pdf, 1Mb) (opens in a new window) informs day-to-day management and outlines the council's objectives for beaches in Christchurch. To see regular updates and news please find us on Facebook (opens in a new window) .

Bathing Water Quality

Every week the Environment Agency take samples at designated bathing waters including all of the beaches in Christchurch. These samples are analysed against the standards in the European Bathing Water Directive during the bathing season from 15 May to 30 September. The latest bathing water quality for Christchurch can be found here.

Beach Segregation Scheme

The council operates a beach segregation scheme (pdf, 12Mb) (opens in a new window) which aims to reduce conflict between swimmers and other water users. There are designated bathing beaches at:

• Avon Beach and Friars Cliff (in front of the beach huts)
• Highcliffe Castle (between the wave wall and groyne H1)
• Highcliffe (between groyne H8 and H11)
• Mudeford Sandbank (the seaward side)

There are designated water sports areas at:

• Avon Beach (in front of the car park)
• Friars Cliff (in front of the wave wall)
• Highcliffe Beach (between groynes H8 and H11)

Dogs and horses on beaches

Dog controls strike a balance between providing safe bathing areas and provision for owners to exercise their dogs in a natural environment.

From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are not permitted on the beach between Avon Beach and Friars Cliff Beach, or on Highcliffe Beach between groynes H4 and H8.

From 1 May to 30 September dogs must be on a lead when on the promenade, the cliff steps and cliff pathways between Avon Beach and Friars Cliff Beach.

Byelaw 16 (PDF, 24kb) (opens in a new window) states that horses are not permitted on the seashore between Easter and 30 September (inclusive) between 10am and 9pm.

Christchurch - Beach Huts
There are three areas in Christchurch where beach huts are situated: Mudeford Sandbank, Friars Cliff Beach and Avon Beach.
Beach patrols in Christchurch
The beach services and patrols provided by Christchurch Borough Council ensuring safe and enjoyable beaches.
Christchurch Beach Cleans
Find out about beach cleans and litter surveys held throughout the year in Christchurch.
Highcliffe Beaches
Information on the facilities, car parking and bathing water quality at Highcliffe and Highcliffe Castle Beaches.
Friars Cliff and Avon Beaches
Information on the facilities, car parking and bathing water quality at Friars Cliff and Avon Beaches.
Mudeford Sandbank
Information on the facilities, car parking and bathing water quality at Mudeford Sandbank.