Local news and activities

20/11/16. Not to be missed the Christchurch Food & Wine Festival will be held on Sat 6th and Sun 7th May 2017


2015 Places to visit when you stay in Mudeford must include Mudeford spit which has access via the ferry from Mudeford or Christchurch Quay or by foot or land train from the public car park at Hengitsbury Head. There is a great café / restaurant on the spit and the salmon bagels are worth the walk. Swimming in clear water and amazing views of the Needles on the Isle of Wight completes the experience.

Waterside, Self catering holiday cottage in Mudeford, Christchurch, near Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

Sat 9th and Sun 10th May 2015, this is well worth attending, there are a host of local food producers, some of whom we source product from, to put in our welcome hampers for you to enjoy. Please check to see if we have availability that weekend.

Waterside, Self catering holiday cottage in Mudeford, Christchurch, near Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

11/10/14 Christchurch harbour is settling down to Autumn, the high winds last week were a reminder that boats left on their exposed moorings late into Oct are at risk, steadily now each week the number of boats left out is reducing. Today was calm and not to cold, after all the rain we had in the morning, when the New Forest really got a soaking, the sun did come out.

Waterside, Self catering holiday cottage in Mudeford, Christchurch, near Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

26/06/14 Bournemouth Air Festival is the 28th - 31st August 2014. The iconic Avro Vulcan Cold War Bomber will be flying along with the Red Arrows. Sorry we are already booked but hope you can make it down anyway.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

19/06/14 Christchurch Beach Awards. Three beaches in Christchurch have again gained Seaside Awards for reaching the highest standards of beach management and to meeting the guidelines for water quality. Avon Beach, Friars Cliff Beach and Highcliffe Beach are all winners of the Awards as presented by 'Keep Britain Tidy'

Waterside, Self catering holiday cottage for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

07/04/14 With Easter almost here (at last!) we wanted to let you know what to expect from our holiday home in Mudeford (with harbour access) and on the edge of the New Forest, Dorset. We had some great responses to our little welcome hamper of local produce and we are sourcing this year’s items as we speak, last year we met several really keen local producers and this year many of them are at the local food festival which will be on 10th & 11th May, well worth a visit.

We have again updated some of the décor and hope you will like some of the new pictures and graphics. Of course new bedding and towels will add to the feeling of comfort and faster Wi-Fi should make your stay more enjoyable.

For those wanting a beach experience the best local beach is on an isolated spit adjoining the ancient headland of Hengistbury Head, Mudeford sandbank offers a sandy beach with picturesque beach huts and views of Christchurch Harbour and the open sea, the seaward side is recommended for bathing and the water quality is designated as excellent.

Just along the coast at Boscombe is a new coastal activity park which has just opened and is a major new attraction for the area.

There are great cycle rides into the New Forest either by road or mountain bike. We have secure bike storage and you can be in the Forest by bike in as little as 20 minutes, if you don’t have your own, you can hire very easily.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

06/01/14 Plans for a new activity park along the Dorset coast have been unveiled, situated between Alum Chine and Southbourne in Bournemouth it is due to open on 13 April. The £700,000 attraction will include a multi-sports arena, sporting events site and a dinghy park. The work on the park will also see repairs made to the artificial surf reef at Boscombe, which was closed in 2011 after a boat propeller damage it.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

17/10/13 Amazing weather, sun out most of the day and warm in the 17c's, water still warm as well. We are on spring tides at the moment so really high and really low tides. Most of the harbour, apart from the channels was dry at 16.00. As the autumn moves on some of the migrant birds have started arriving on the marsh, this is their rest and recuperation stop before they head further south on their epic journeys. Brent geese and wigeon are here from their summer breeding grounds in Siberia.  On another subject road cycling through the forest was breathtaking with the trees in their autumn splendor, what a great year this has been.

23/08/13 This summer has been great in Mudeford, if you get a chance have a look at Summer 2013 pictures on our on our Things To Do Page

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

14/08/13 It is the Christchurch Carnival on Sat 17th and Sun 17th August. The opening times are 10-10pm each day and the carnival procession is on Sun 18th starting at 2pm. Fireworks on Sat night at 9.30pm. During the day there will be zumba fitness classes, birds of prey demo, live dancing (including fire dancing)and music. The weather looks ok with average winds of up to 20mph and a max temp of 18c on Sat and on Sun average winds up to 17mph and a lot hotter at 19c sun most of the day. 

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

12/08/13 The Bournemouth Airshow is 29th Aug - 1st5 Sept. All the reports are that it will be a real spectacle. The week starting 17th August is now booked, but we have availability for Sept / Oct when walks through The New Forest will be spectacular, aim for Rhinefield Hotel area of the forest where the tree's will be stunning. We have just reduced our Sept / Oct rental from �830 to �710 per week.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

09/08/13 The weather for Sat 10th Aug is an average wind of 5 -10mph, initially from the NW and then later WSW. The max temp is 19c with sun between 7am - 10am and then some cloud.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

08/08/13 We still have the week available starting on 17th August- this is the Christchurch Carnival Weekend based on the Quay at Christchurch, amazing fireworks at 9.30pm on the Sat night and the Sunday sees a carnival procession together with a display of VW Campervans and Birds of Prey. The weather tomorrow is for winds between 10-24mph and a max temperature of 20c. Bright sun from 4pm onwards.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

06/08/13 The weather today is light winds from SWW then the West the temp is a max of 18c. Cloud later. Please see our new stand up paddle boarding (SUP) section. It is great core exercise and fun.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

05/08/13 The weather for today shows a wind gusting between 8-30mph coming initially from the South and then later a  Westerly. Max temp 19c and cloud. The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is being held on 25th- 28th Oct 2013. With many organised and led walks for all ages. Including ghost, speed dating and endurance walks. The spectacular scenery and the rich colours of Autumn will make this an event not to be missed. You can stay at our holiday home in Mudeford which is within a short drive of the ferry at Lymington which goes over to Yarmouth on the IoW. There are also great walks in the New Forest right on our doorstep.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and New Forest in Dorset

01/08/13 The wind is mostly from the South East today gusting up to 13mph with a max temp of 22c with bright sun and Friday 2nd Aug looks like a temp of up to 19c.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and New Forest in Dorset

30/07/13 The Mudeford Arts Festival is being held on Mudeford Quay Green this weekend 3-4th Aug. Amongst other items of interest there will be arts and crafts, demonstrations by local artists, various performances and fun activities for the children. Start time both days is 11.00 am and entry is free.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head in Dorset

29/07/13 The weather for the next few days is changeable with max temps of 19c and winds gusting up to 38mph on Tuesday. Calming down for Wednesday when up at Highcliffe Castle on Wednesday night at 7pm (31st July) an open air show of Sherlock Holmes is being put on by The Pantaloons, a vibrant theatre company.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head in Dorset

12/07/13 The weather over the weekend looks settled with light winds up to 8mph and temperatures up to 24c. We saw 2 pods of dolphins off Hengitsbury Head last year, it was a real treat. I saw that Durlston Country Park in Swanage, Dorset is running an event on 28/07/13 called "How to watch dolphins" it starts at 10.30 and they say bring along some binoculars.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head in Dorset

10/07/13 The weather for today is a max temp of 22c with light winds up to 14mph. Winds from the ENE. Perfect day for catching the ferry from the Quay at Mudeford to the Spit and having a coffee at The Beach House, followed by a long swim in the crystal clear waters.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head in Dorset

04/07/13 The weather for Sat 6th July is a max temp of 21c and very light winds and mostly sunny. On Sun 7th July the temperature is set for 22c with slightly more wind, possibly up to 12mph. The Wiggle Sportive bike ride is this weekend, starting in Brockenhurst in The New Forest and then on to the Isle of Wight. Perfect weather :-)

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head in Dorset

28/06/13 The weather for Sat is a max temp of 19c and light winds between 9 - 16mph, mostly cloudy. Sunday 30Jun has a max temp of 19c with winds between 7 - 17mph, probably sun between 07.00 & 17.00. Sunday would be the best day to paddle board around the harbour.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head in Dorset

 27/06/13 You may like to know that Hengistbury Head is amongst the top five of UK beaches, as awarded by the 2013 Travellers' Choice Beaches Awards, gathering the votes of travellers from Trip Advisor. One of the best ways of getting there from our holiday home is a 10min walk and then catch a ferry on the very short crossing from Mudeford Quay to the spit. The ferry runs throughout the day and very frequently, if the flag is flying the ferry is running.

Waterside, Self catering accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head in Dorset 

26/06/13 Forecast for today is a max temp of 17c and light winds between 9 - 13mph. The Mudeford Arts Festival is held on the Quay on the weekend of 3-4th August. A mixture of performances, art for sale, lots for the children to do including mini train rides, puppets and face painting. We still have the week available starting 3rd August, our 3 bedroom holiday home is only 10 mins walk away.

Waterside, Self catering accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head in Dorset

20/06/13 We only have 2 weeks left vacant in the summer school holidays for with direct access to Mudeford Harbour for sailing dinghy's, paddleboards, kayaks and windsurfers. Within 10 mins walk of Mudeford Quay which is ideal for lazing away the day while crabbing with the children. We still have the week available starting 17th August- this is the Christchurch Carnival Weekend based on the Quay at Christchurch, amazing fireworks at 9.30pm on the Sat night and the Sunday sees a carnival procession together with a display of VW Campervans and Birds of Prey.

Waterside, Self catering accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head in Dorset

19/06/13 Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre offers courses in sailing, rowing, power boating, paddle sports, windsurfing and multi activity fun days. You can even see it from our Residents Only dinghy park.

Thursday 20th looks like a min temp of 15c and a max of 18c- possible sun between 1pm and 7pm. Wind average 9mph and gusting up to 18mph, starting NE and ending up as SSW. Saturday 21st looks like a min temp of 12c and a :-( 14cmax. Wind SW average 20mph and gusting up to 35mph. So Sat looks like a good windsurfing day. 

Waterside, Self catering accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head in Dorset

10/06/13 Thought you might like to know that, Weymouth is hosting the annual Dorset Seafood Festival, which takes place on 13th and 14th July 2013. With almost 100 stalls, mouth-watering seafood, celebrity chefs, champagne, local ales and a fabulous atmosphere, the festival raises funds for The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen.?

One of the country�s largest food festivals, the Dorset Seafood Festival is in its sixth year and has generated a huge following from the public and sees many chefs from across the county creating tasty seafood treats.

The weather for today is a Southerly wind at a max of 7mph with a maximum temp of 14c, tomorrow looks like the same wind direction with an average of 12mph and 13c a bit disappointing after the weekend.

Waterside-Self catering accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head in Dorset

06/06/13 Sat looks good with NE winds at an average of 14mph and at 13.00 17c. Sunday again NE winds but less wind at an average of 10mph, at 13.00 it should be 17c. Plenty of sun over the weekend, so see you out on the water.  

05/6/13 For a great cycling event have a look at the Wight Ferry Sportive. This sportive offers a day of riding packed full of great experiences, breath taking views and stunning scenery. With 2 ferry crossings, 2 rewarding sections in the New Forest National Park, starting at Brockenhurst and a circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight.

There are two route options to choose from: the Epic 95 mile route and the Standard 65 mile route. Both routes do a complete lap of the Isle of Wight but the Standard route has a shorter section through the New Forest. Best get in quick as tickets are selling out fast.

Self catering accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head in Dorset

03/06/13 Summer has officially arrived and with it the sun, this week the forecast for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head looks a great deal better. Today light winds and 16c, Tuesday looks like an Easterly wind up to 20mph and cloud, Wednesday looking brighter again with possible mist first thing then temperatures up to 18c, Thursday will see winds up to 17mph from the East. Down at Avon Beach you can now hire paddleboards, check with Mark at Spot on Water for availability on 01425 272509

If you are looking to tour around the area or indeed anywhere in the country we can recommend hiring a camper van from www.onelifeexperience.co.uk   We did just that last year and had a great time at Corfe Castle then onto Wareham Forest, using the bikes we took along on the supplied bike rack. Coming back to the camper van after a long ride and putting the kettle on was superb. For our overseas visitors why not have a week at Holidays By The Water and then a week in a camper van to really see the UK?  

30/05/13 The weather for the next few days looks a lot more settled. Friday should see light winds 7-16mph with temperatures up to 18c and then sun is expected to pop it's head out. Saturday is 9-17mph winds and up to 16c with bright sun and to finish the weekend off Sunday is looking like very light winds and 15c again with sun. Sunday looks like a great day to paddleboard either on Avon Beach or you may like to visit Urban Reef, a bar which serves great food with views to match over at Boscombe, next door you can hire (SUP's) stand up paddle boards and surf boards, they also hire wetsuits.

 

 

23/05/13 With the Bank Holiday fast approaching the weather at Christchurch is going to be mixed. Indications are that Sat will be sunny, with a max temperature of 14c and light winds. Sun is looking cloudy with 13c and winds up to 16mph while good old  Mon is typical Bank Holiday weather, rain with only 11c and winds up to 40mph, so kite and windsurfers should have fun. May be worth going to Riversmeet Leisure Centre in Christchurch, with good facilities, including badminton, swimming and a fitness suite. 

21/05/13 The weather last week led to a mixture of activities, I went out windsurfing on two days and the tide was perfect for afternoon sailing, the wind got up and left me overpowered on a 5.8m sail.

We discovered a great new road bike route through the New Forest and ended up after 30 miles looking at the sea at New Milton, after some great riding through Admiral Hinton, Bransgore then up to Burley (amazing views) then under the A35 and onto Wotton and Bashley. I will put full route details on here at a later date. Wind was light but needed full finger gloves even in May!!