The quiet UK beach hidden among woodlands and dunes that few people know about
- UK Hidden Gems
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
If you're after a sandy spot for your next day off or weekend trip, there’s a beach in Dorset full of greenery that most people don’t even know about.
Tucked between the old Dorset town of Christchurch and the village of Highcliffe-on-Sea, you’ll find a peaceful beach surrounded by trees and sand dunes.
Highcliffe Beach is a beautiful Blue Flag beach and a brilliant place for a sunny day out or a chilled weekend break.
From here, you can see amazing views of the Isle of Wight and the Needles. It’s right on the edge of Dorset and Hampshire, and it’s popular with both locals and tourists. The beach has both sand and shingle, making it perfect for sunbathing or picnics.
It’s also a favourite spot for swimmers and surfers, so remember to pack your bodyboard if you have one.
If you like walking, you can take a 2.5-mile stroll along the beach to Mudeford Quay. From there, you can hop on a ferry to Mudeford Sandbank, or keep walking to Hengistbury Head and even all the way to Bournemouth Pier.
The beach does welcome dogs, but Visit South East England says dogs are not allowed between groynes H8 and H11 from May 1 to September 30. Dogs on leads are still allowed in other areas all year round.
People who’ve been to the beach say it’s a “wonderful stretch of coastline” with “incredible views”. One reviewer on Tripadvisor, ECC, said: “Wonderful stretch of coastline. Incredible views. No roads in sight once down by the sea.”
They also added: “Nice cliff-top café/restaurant. Public toilets. No showers. Beach is a lovely mix of sand, stones, small boulders. Paddle boarders, surfers, swimmers even in freezing weather! Dog heaven.”
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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