Looking for the best things to do in Mudeford? Located at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour in Dorset, Mudeford Quay is one of our favourite days out on the South Coast. From crabbing and ferry rides to beach walks at Hengistbury Head, there are plenty of fun things to do in Mudeford for families, couples, and nature lovers alike.
Mudeford Quay is popular with visitors taking the ferry to Mudeford Sands or taking part in watersports in Christchurch Harbour. The charming quayside is also a hotspot for crab fishing (or crabbing). Not fisherman, but children!
Mudeford came into existence as an important fishing port, and this is still evident today from the lobster pots and fishing nets scattered around the quay. However, life here was not always so tranquil. Several hundred years ago, the local area was rife with smugglers and in 1798 the Battle of Mudeford broke out between the bootleggers and local customs officers.
Luckily, peace has resumed and today Mudeford Quay is glorious on a sunny day. It’s one of our favourite places to visit in Dorset. Read on to discover 11 brilliant things to do at Mudeford Quay in Dorset..
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Best things to do at Mudeford
Go crabbing at Mudeford Quay
Our brilliant day out in Mudeford started with catching crabs!
Without a doubt, crabbing is one of the best things to do in Mudeford Quay and a must for families visiting Mudeford. You have to try it to believe how much fun it is. The kids just love it.
If you don’t have children, you could skip this one, but rest assured, you wouldn’t be the only adult trying their hand at catching crabs!
As seasoned crabbers, we have our own equipment, but you can buy your equipment in Mudeford.
All you need is a bucket, a line, a net, and some bait, and then you’re ready to go. Pick your spot at the edge of the quay and you’ll soon have the crabs nipping at the bait.
It’s easy to catch crabs at Mudeford Quay, and when you’re done you can release them back to the water. Crabbing at Mudeford Quay is so much fun – you really need to give it a try!
One of our other favourite places for crabbing on the South Coast is at the bridge near Milford-on-Sea.
Enjoy lunch with a harbour view
After a busy morning catching crabs, we were ready for lunch. You’ll find several options for eating at Mudeford, all with a sea view. However, we always head to The Haven House Inn for fish and chips with a sea view.
Adjacent to the pub is the Haven Café. Alternatively, wait until you’ve crossed the water and eat at the Beach Café on Mudeford Spit.
Take the ferry to Mudeford Sandbank
One of the most popular things to do in Mudeford with kids is taking the ferry across to Mudeford Sandbank. This is the strip of land at the tip of Hengistbury Head. As you approach the other side, you’ll spot the row of charming beach houses which line the shore.
The ferry runs every 15 minutes, and the trip takes about 10 minutes. You pay on board, so don’t need to buy tickets in advance.
See the famous beach huts
Even if you’ve never been to Mudeford Spit, there’s a high chance you’ve heard of its beach huts. After all, they are famous for being the most expensive beach huts in Britain. At prices of up to half a million pounds, some cost as much as a house.
The beach huts are not particularly big, or luxurious, but they are picture postcard pretty. More importantly, they have an enviable location, with no access from cars.
To one side you have a golden sandy beach backed by sand dunes and to the other, Hengistbury Head. Hengistbury is the natural spit which separates the sea from Christchurch Harbour.
Walk around Hengistbury Head
To get a real taste for Hengistbury Head, I recommend doing a circular walk.
The path from Mudeford Spit leads up to Warren Hill, where you’ll get fantastic views across Christchurch Harbour and Bournemouth Bay.
As nature lovers, we always enjoy this walk as there’s such a good chance of spotting wildlife along the route.
Visit the Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre is a great place to learn about the history, archaeology, and wildlife of Hengistbury Head.
Inside you’ll find information displays about the reserve, as well as details of the birds, plants, and animals that live here.
Outside there’s a small wildlife garden and gift shop, making it a worthwhile stop during your visit. We always stop for an ice-cream.
Ride the Hengistbury Head land train
If you don’t fancy walking, the land train runs from near the ferry terminal to behind the Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre.
Relax on Avon Beach
One of the best things to do in Mudeford is a trip to the beach. You can stop at one of the golden beaches on Mudeford Sandbanks, but we returned on the ferry for a visit to Avon Beach.
Just a short walk from Mudeford Quay, Avon Beach is one of Dorset’s award-winning beaches. It has a safe swimming zone with lifeguards. It is mostly sandy, with some gravel, so it’s best to take water shoes..
If you’re looking for something to eat, the Noisy Lobster specialises in Great British Seafood. The restaurant overlooks Avon beach and has food to eat in or take-away.
Try watersports in Christchurch Harbour
Christchurch Harbour offers sheltered, shallow waters, which are perfect for a variety of watersports. Some of the most popular activities are stand-up paddleboarding and Kayaking. Book your equipment or lesson with Shoresports, the main watersports school at Mudeford Quay. Check out our guide to things to do in Christchurch.
Walk to Highcliffe Castle
Located up on the cliff overlooking the sea, Highcliffe Castle is a Grade-I listed building, renowned for its picturesque, Gothic Revival architecture. Visitors can explore the grounds for free, but there is an admission fee to go into the castle.
Take a fishing trip
For anyone interested in fishing, you can book a mackerel fishing trip from Mudeford Quay. These are best between May and September when the water is warmer. You can book a 90-minute tour with Trident Charters or Predator Charters.
More Dorset days out
If you’re exploring this part of the Dorset coast, we’ve also enjoyed visiting Christchurch, Weymouth, and the Jurassic Coast.
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