Not one, or even two beaches, but six fabulous beaches await your beach towel and sun umbrella!

Each of Christchurch’s beaches has its own personality - some are more suited to families, some are less commercial and a couple allow dogs throughout the year.

Highcliffe Castle Beach is a beautiful, rural shingle and sand beach set against tree-lined cliffs. Neighbouring Highcliffe Beach has a promenade and cliff side paths to explore and Gundimore offers wonderful views of the Isle of Wight.

Or why not head to Mudeford Quay for a picnic or pub lunch then take the pedestrian ferry across to the Sandbank? Chill out on the beach, admire the exclusive beach huts and explore Hengistbury Head with its wonderful views. If you climb up to the top of the headland you’ll be rewarded with breath-taking panoramas of Christchurch Harbour on one side and across to the Isle of Wight on the other. Then it’s all aboard the Land Train for the short trip back to the jetty where Bournemouth Boating will ferry you back to Mudeford Quay, Christchurch Quay or Tuckton - a day filled with simple pleasures and fresh sea air that will have you relaxed in no time!

Just like family friendly Friars Cliff and Avon beaches, Mudeford Sandbank provides additional facilities, including a café, toilets and showers.

So pack your beach bag (don’t forget the sun cream!) and make the most of Christchurch’s blissful seaside location.

Take a stroll along the Christchurch Coast Path, the 2½ mile route from Highcliffe to Mudeford Quay provides panoramic views and some convenient cream tea and ice cream stops!

Watch out for wildlife on picturesque riverside walks, but if you really like to stretch your legs the 64 mile Stour Valley Way and the 34 mile Avon Valley Path both offer a challenge.

Walking around the golf course more your style? There are a number of pay and play courses in the area including 18 holes at Moors Valley and 9 holes at Parley Golf Centre, where you can also enjoy practising on the floodlit driving range.

If you like to take to two wheels you can head along the coast, with cycle paths taking you to the heart of neighbouring Bournemouth and Poole.

Alternatively get on the beaten track (and off the road) with routes through the scenic New Forest National Park.

There are plenty of things to do in The New Forest whatever the season. If you love to get active on holiday then there are lots of activities on hand, from a simple stroll through the forest to a long-distance hike encompassing our New Forest towns and village or following along our beautiful coastline.

Explore the forest on horseback, cycle along over 100 miles off-road trails that criss-cross our landscape and enjoy a fantastic family day out at some of our family-friendly attractions. Take a look on the website where you can find more of the exciting things to do in the New Forest…