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Mudeford Beach Huts

UK England South West England Dorset Christchurch

Pretty much the only beach huts in the country when you can stay overnight, and also in an

Pretty much the only beach huts in the country when you can stay overnight, and also in an idyllic location sandwiched between the sea on one side and the harbour on the other. It’s more like camping, with communal shower blocks and toilets, but many of the huts are rigged up with solar panels for electricity and there is a handy seasonal café and shop selling basic provisions. Children can run free, as there are no cars allowed – access is via ferry, bike, walking or the land train.

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Facilities

The huts vary in facilities. They sleep 4 on average and some have a tiny mezzanine floor; perfect for squeezing in a couple of kids. Some run on solar power, some on gas, some have no electricity at all. Most have a little galley kitchen, with some sort of cooker – and some even have a TV. Water is available from standpipes along the spit and there are 5 loo and shower blocks. You have to bring your own bedding. The huts vary in facilities. They sleep 4 on average and some have a tiny mezzanine floor; perfect for squeezing in a couple of kids. Some run on solar power, some on gas, some have no electricity at all. Most have a little galley kitchen, with some sort of cooker – and some even have a TV. Water is available from standpipes along the spit and there are 5 loo and shower blocks. You have to bring your own bedding.

Nearby

There are several beaches within a drive or boat-ride. Highcliffe is popular with boogie-boarders and you can reach sandy Southborne on the open-top bus. Take a fishing trip (07979 081934). You can even head just across the pond to the Isle of Wight for the day. Take the Wightlink from Lymington to Yarmouth.

Activities, sights & attractions to see and do in Dorset

Food & Drink

The laid-back Beach House Café (01202 423474) is sand-spit central – the hub of the community. Hang out on the sheltered terrace overlooking the marina and enjoy a huge variety of modern British grub, including a children’s menu. It also offers an amazingly well-stocked kiosk selling cereal, booze, toiletries, plus anything else that you might have forgotten. For a change of scenery, the Haven Café (01425 272609) on Mudeford Quay offers lattés, teas and standard tourist stuff. Fish fanatics will appreciate the stall on the quay. Buy locally caught turbot, whiting and skate in season to frazzle on the BBQ later, or some fresh snacks to nibble on there and then – polystyrene cup, plastic fork – you know the drill. For Sainsbury’s or Waitrose drive to Christchurch.

Click here for more pubs, restaurants and places to eat & drink in Dorset

Open

Early March – end October.

Family Friendly

The spit is on the mouth of a fairly sheltered estuary and the open sea is only seconds away, so non-swimmers be aware.

Pricing

£400–£1000 a week

Accommodation

Several, individually-owned private beach huts for rent. Contact details available by clicking the 'visit website' button.

Location

Mudeford Beach Huts, The Spit, Mudeford, Dorset BH23 9ND

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Getting There

From Mudeford Quay a boat ferries to and from the sand spit about every 15 minutes, taking 3 minutes and costing about £4 for an average family. Parking is extra. Younger kids prefer the Noddy train option. Park up at Hengistbury Head, paying £15 a day for this privilege, then hop on the brightly coloured train (01202 425517), which deposits you near the beach huts about every quarter of an hour. The nearest train station is Christchurch, then take a taxi to Mudeford Quay to pick up the boat, or to Hengistbury Head to pick up the Noddy train.