by Debbie Marway

Created on: February 27, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

I am going to admit that I must be mad. I am about to tell many readers about this little known beach in Mudeford, Christchurch, near Bournemouth and hence risk this quite little haven being bombarded with UK Helium members.

I have been a regular visitor to Mudeford for many years and never tire of this easy to reach beach . So it's about time I shared this secret area with you all, though I might regret this decision.

* HOW TO GET THERE *

Avonmouth Beach is in Christchurch, Dorset. Christchurch town centre with its very quaint shops is not over crowded even in peak season. With very easy parking facilities, this makes for an ideal holiday destination in the U.K.

Leave the M3 and join the M27 at the M3 J13-J14 junction direction Bournemouth, M27, So'ton Docks. M27 Eastbound J4 -J 7. M3 - Southampton East.
Leave the M27 and continue straight onto roundabout signposted Lyndhurst, The New Forest Via [a337].
Take the 1st Exit off the roundabout into A336.

After 540 yards take the 3rd Exit off the roundabout into A337 (Lyndhurst Road).
Continue straight onto A337 until you reach the high street, and then turn left. You are now entering CHRISTCHURCH, continue straight on the A35.

After 0.9 miles take the 2nd Exit off the Somerford Roundabout and turn left into Sandown Road. Continue straight onto Mudeford Lane, pass the Avonmouth Hotel and approaching the bend start signalling right. Drive down to the car park which is on the left.

This is a sharp turning and is not sign posted, hence hardly anyone but the locals known of this location.

* THE CAR PARK *

Do not be put off by the "FULL" sign as you approach the parking attendants hut. You might have to wait a few minutes but do not make the mistake giving up altogether. Most cars belong to locals who just drive down for a spot of body boarding, vehicles are in and out constantly and you will be directed to a space if patient.

However, you still need to get there by 10 am the latest if you want some hassle free parking. Spaces are extremely tight towards the back of the car park as some bright spark now allows cars to park down the centre reservation. This reduces the turning circle in your vehicle unless you have a smaller car. I find it hard reversing my Galaxy in and out in such a tight area and then unloading the kids. The earlier you get there, the more chance you have with parking by the wall. If this is the case, you just swivel over the side and you on the beach.

Parking costs 6 all day but if you return you ticket to the

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• Next Page >>