Hengistbury Head
A headland nature reserve at the eastern end of the bay, with Stone Age sites, cliff-top trails, and 360-degree sea views, including the Needles on the Isle of Wight.
Hengistbury Head is a sandstone promontory at the eastern end of Bournemouth Bay and a local nature reserve. Stone Age and Iron Age people left traces here, and the Double Dyke earthworks on the western side survive to this day. The coastal trail around the headland is about 5 km long. Climbing to the summit, about 36 meters high, gives you views over Poole Harbour and Christchurch Harbour, and in the distance the Needles on the Isle of Wight. On clear days the view is superb. On the northeastern side of the headland is Mudeford Spit, where you can walk out to see the colorful beach huts, or ride the Land Train back and forth. The visitor centre explains the geology and history, and nearby there are cafés and a paid car park. It is about a 30-minute bus ride from the city centre.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Mudeford Spit
- Christchurch Priory
- Highcliffe Castle
- Boscombe Pier
- Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
- St Peter's Church, Bournemouth
- Bournemouth Lower Gardens
- Oceanarium Bournemouth