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Pony near Hampton Ridge
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Hengistbury Head

Sea, sand, history, walks and magnificent views

Hengistbury Head
Hengistbury Head

Hengistbury Head
Distance from Lyndhurst - 16½ miles (27 kilometres)

A bulging strip of land far different in character to the adjacent coastline, Hengistbury Head borders the southern side of Christchurch Harbour, whilst a glorious, connected sandbank - Mudeford Sandbank - protects the harbour’s eastern approaches.

Stunning views
Cliff-top paths provide panoramic views across Christchurch Bay to the Isle of Wight, and across Poole Bay and Studland Bay to the distant shores of the Isle of Purbeck. Christchurch Priory and the associated historic town lie just across the harbour.

Hengistbury Head - a bit of history
Nomadic hunters back in prehistory made this place their home, Iron Age people traded with those from continental Europe and defended their headland with a double dyke and ditch, and during Roman occupation, Hengistbury Head continued to be a major trading port.

Hengistbury Head - beach huts
Hengistbury Head - beach huts

Hengistbury Head - relax and enjoy
Today the area is largely given over to nature – sand dunes, mudflats, cliff faces, scrubland and open water provide marvellous habitat variety - and those seeking fresh air and exercise; or rest and relaxation.

Getting there
Parking is available at the western end of the headland, but from there, visitors must walk, cycle or take the landtrain to Mudeford Sandbank.

Ferries provide access from Mudeford Quay, during British Summer Time and at weekends for the remainder of the year, subject to the weather; and from Christchurch Quay between Easter and October.

Public conveniences and refreshments
Located beside the car park and at the start of Mudeford Sandbank. Refreshments are available in both places.

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** New Forest ponies and other animals**
The New Forest
Commoners' ponies, cattle, pigs, sheep and donkeys are a popular part of the New Forest scene, but during 2019 agisters attended 159 road traffic accidents involving these animals, a small but disappointing increase on the 154 accidents attended in 2018.

Sadly, 58 animals were killed - 35 ponies, 13 cows, 8 donkeys and 2 sheep, whilst a further 32 were injured - 3 pigs, 9 donkeys, 11 cows and 9 ponies.

(Forty-three accidents occurred in daylight, 15 at twilight and 101 in the dark. Twenty-seven accidents were not reported by the driver involved).

Here's just one horrific example - Three donkeys killed in collision with van at notorious New Forest blackspot (Advertiser and Times)
** Always take care when driving **
Content produced by Andrew Walmsley
Content produced by Andrew Walmsley