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Description
Hengistbury Head has many habitats including heathland and sheltered woodland. The south-east tip of the headland offers seawatching opportunities as birds enter the western Solent (a telescope is recommended). The adjoining Mudeford Sandbank is included as part of the Hengistbury Head area.
Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group (CHOG) provides information on birdwatching in this area. This includes Hengistbury Head as well as Stanpit Marsh. See a link to the CHOG website below. This has up-to-date sightings (with excellent photographs), a detailed interactive map and a comprehensive bird list.
There is a birdwatching hide: a small building at the edge of the woodland. It does not have views over the harbour and is locked between 4pm and 8am.
Details
Access
Hengistbury Head can be a busy tourist area. The main Solent Beach and Hengistbury Head car parks are fee-paying. Parking on The Broadway is free but only for one hour. Free parking is available at the Solent Meads Golf Centre car park or on Rolls Road. Click on a P in the map for directions.
There is also a fee-paying car park at Mudeford Quay where you can then take a short ferry trip across to the jetty at Mudeford Sandbank. A ferry also operates from Tuckton via the River Stour and the harbour to Mudeford Sandbank. A land train also runs between the Hiker cafe and Mudeford Sandbank. All of these options do not operate in the Winter.
Cycling on Hengistbury Head is only allowed on the road used by the land train.