Hengistbury Head is a popular tourist spot to visit in Dorset. A headland between Bournemouth and Mudeford which juts out into the English Channel, Hengistbury Head is also known as a local nature reserve managed by the local council. The headland marks the start of the Stour Valley Way which runs all the way to Stourton in Wiltshire.
There is plenty of parking available in the main Hengistbury Head car park. It’s cheaper to park in the Winter months before the clocks go forward, and the car park is cash less, so you’ll need to call the number or use the relevant parking app to pay.
Things To Do At Hengistbury Head
Once parked at Hengistbury Head car park, you will see a popular cafe and the first set of public toilets. From here, you can enjoy scenic walks to Hengistbury Head beach, Mudeford Spit, Mudeford beach and over the head itself.
Views from the top of Hengistbury Head include the Isle of Wight, Christchurch harbour and Bournemouth Bay.
If walking isn’t quite your thing then a land train runs approximately every 30 minutes between the car park and Mudeford Spit, taking around 12 minutes from one stop to the next.
The land train has been in operation at Hengistbury since 1968. Running the land train stopped the general use of motor vehicles using the paths in an effort to protect the natural headlands.
Whilst you’re at the Mudeford end, you may want to take a short trip on the Mudeford ferry that runs seasonally between Mudeford Sandbank and Mudeford Quay.
A short distance from the cafe is Hengistbury Head visitor centre which also had a small shop and plenty of bowls for dogs to get a drink.
There are multiple events and activities that happen throughout the year depending on the season from crafts to water sports.
Is Hengistbury Head Dog Friendly?
Hengistbury Head is a popular place to take dogs. They are welcome all year around, and whilst dogs are preferred to be kept on a lead, well behaved dogs are permitted off lead on the beaches.
Personally I would always keep dogs on a lead walking over the head itself as it’s a long way to fall should anything happen.
Related Post – Dog friendly days out in Dorset
Walks At Hengistbury Head
A circular walk starting from Hengistbury Head car park, walking over the head and walking down into Mudeford beach. To circle back, walk along the harbour side on the gravel / tarmac surfaces towards the car park.
This walk is 3.5 miles and will take around 1.5 hours, however there are so many places to stop and enjoy the scenery that it’ll probably take a lot longer.
There is also a cafe at the halfway point which makes it very tempting to stop for a drink and snack.
If the walk becomes too much, you can always travel back on the land train from Mudeford.
Walks don’t have to incorporate the inclines across the head and there is a flatter walk around the side through woodland, following the land train path. This is a popular option for walks and cyclists alike.
From the car park, follow the main path past the Hiker cafe and land train stop towards the visitor centre and continue following the path. Take care when you hear the rumble of the train coming and keep in as the path can be narrow in places.
You will emerge from woodland paths to see the stunning sight of the Mudeford beach huts just before you reach the beach. The land train also has a stop here for the return journey.
Related Post –Beach walks in Bournemouth
Conservation At Hengisbury Head
There is a wide variety of wildlife across Hengistbury Head from skylarks, natterjack toads and sand lizards.
Natterjack toads are one of Britain’s rarest creatures and live in the man made protected ponds in the area.
The headland is a popular spot for bird watchers spotting the many species of birds in and around the area.
The Beach House restaurant at Mudeford Spit is an excellent place to have a break for coffee or lunch before walking back.