Sandspit and beach on the Christchurch Harbour shore of Hengistbury Head.

Where is it? A spit of land at the tip of Hengistbury Head. Access is either by land train from the Hengistbury Head car park or ferries from Mudeford or Christchurch Quays.

Local facilities and shops: Café, bistro and beach shop on the sandbank; Mudeford Quay facilities including pub, café, beach shop and fish stall are just a short ferry ride away.

Great for the kids? Swimmers, paddlers and watersports are segregated on designated areas between numbered groynes.

How far are the loos? There are five public toilet blocks including disabled facilities on the sandbank.

Parking: There is no vehicular access to the sandbank. Nearest car parks are at Mudeford Quay and Hengistbury Head.

Public transport: Nearest bus stop is at Hengistbury Head.

How about pets? Dogs are allowed.

Other points of interest: The collection of 350 wooden beach chalets may look like a shanty town but the huts are in great demand and can fetch up to £100,000 on the rare occasions when one comes up for sale.

Wet weather options:

Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch Local history and archaeology, natural history, costume and art gallery; walled garden. Open 10am-5pm Tues to Sat; 2pm-5pm Sun. 01202 482860.

Christchurch Priory 900-year-old former monastery Longest parish church in England. Miraculous Beam, St Michael’s Loft museum, Shelley memorial, books and gift shop. Open daily. 01202 488645.