The Beach House
The Spit Mudeford Dorset BH6 4EN
There's something magical about The Beach House – after all, there aren't many quality restaurants in the UK which you can only reach by boat, by land train, or after a healthy yomp. Superbly positioned facing the boats of Christchurch harbour, with a sandy beach right behind, The Beach House gets mobbed at weekends when dog-walkers and beach-goers descend for its coffees, drinks and its fantastic lunches (fresh fish, pies, salads, burgers and the likes). Best of all, come in the evenings (during the summer holidays) when the day-trippers have gone and the spit is left to the overnighters at the beach huts which line the harbour. The restaurant serves fantastic fresh fish and seafood (most of it local), as well burgers and steaks – though check the time of the last ferry back if you don't want to walk home in the dark.