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Bournemouth Hengistbury West Beach

Dorset, England


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Bournemouth Hengistbury West Beach is a scenic and ecologically significant destination located on the Dorset coast, forming part of the 15 kilometre coastline of Poole Bay.

Bournemouth Hengistbury West Beach is situated on the west side of the Hengistbury Headland, a promontory that juts out almost a mile into the sea, separating Poole Bay and Christchurch Bay. The beach is approximately one kilometre wide and is composed mainly of shingle and pebble.

The Hengistbury Headland, which includes the beach, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and remains largely undeveloped. The terrain is a mix of heathland, woodland, wetland, and scrub, providing a habitat for a variety of plant and animal life. The headland is also thought to have been home to one of Britain's first Iron Age communities.

The beach offers views towards Poole Bay and the western tip of the Isle of Wight. It is a popular spot for swimming and surfing, although there is no lifeguard cover. Visitors can access the beach via a miniature land train that operates along a circular route, taking in the main car park and Mudeford Spit. The beach is also dog-friendly throughout the year.

The Hengistbury Headland has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and most of the headland remains undeveloped. There are nature trails and a visitor centre, with information boards providing details about the wildlife and history of the area. Access to the beach is available via a land train from the Hungry Horse cafe.

Bournemouth Hengistbury West Beach is adjacent to the Bournemouth Coast Path.

Shingle Pebbles

Weather and tides for Sunday 20 July

Tonight
Chance of rain 44%
Min temp. 16°C
(feels like 15°C)
Wind 11mph
Tomorrow (Monday)
Chance of rain 48%
Max temp. 22°C
(feels like 19°C)
Wind 13mph
Max UV Index

The tide at Bournemouth Hengistbury West Beach is currently high. Low tide will be at approximately 1:48 AM tomorrow, and the next high tide will be at approximately 7:09 AM tomorrow.

Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low

Approximate sea surface temperature:   18.5°C  

Detailed weather and tides »
  • Facilities

    Food available Toilets
  • Popular Activities

    Sunbathing Swimming Wind surfing
  • Features

    Nature trails
  • Parking

    There are 500 pay and display parking spaces at Hengistbury Head.

  • Dogs

    Dogs are allowed.

  • Beach Cleaning

    Beach cleaned regularly.

  • Lifeguard

    No lifeguard cover at this beach

  • Awards

    Marine Conservation Society Recommended

  • Water Quality

    Excellent water quality

    Excellent water quality

Recommended holiday cottages near Bournemouth Hengistbury West Beach

Things to do and see in the area

Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre (0.3 miles)
Christchurch Priory Church (1.1 miles)
Marvo Mysteries Escape Room Bournemouth (3.9 miles)
Oceana Day Spa (4 miles)
The MacGuffin Project (4.4 miles)
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum (4.4 miles)
Dorset Day Trips (4.7 miles)
Be At One Cocktail Bar (4.8 miles)

All distances are approximate

Other beaches nearby

Location: Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth

Location type: Urban

OS Grid: SZ163908

Country: England

Local Authority: Bournemouth

Nearest postcode: BH6 4EN

(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)

Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.

Stuff you might want for the beach!

(Or après-beach. Or pre-beach. Or, just because you might want stuff)

Visitor information for Bournemouth Hengistbury West Beach, Dorset, England. Weather, tides, visitor comments, beach facilities, photos, nearest postcode, beach information and nearby accommodation.

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18.97.14.83 Sun, 20 Jul 2025 20:35:58 +0100