Situated in the south of the New Forest, on the shore of Poole Bay in Hampshire, this overnight parking spot is really special!
Location:
50.716702, -1.576880
Hurst Beach, New Lane, Milford-on-Sea, SO41 0UQ
It’s a very popular spot with something to offer everyone. Expect to see dog walkers, cyclists, fishermen, young children crabbing, and water sports enthusiasts with canoes, kayaks and SUPs. In the summer months you can expect 20 to 30 vans to be staying overnight, in addition to the cars of those visiting for a shorter time.
There is no charge for parking and there’s the option of parking on the lower tidal road, or the upper road which has gravel to either side. The lower road is our preferred spot. It is more suitable for wider camper vans / motorhomes and is reasonably level. It also has the best views, across to Hurst Castle. However, be warned that spring tides (which occur twice a month) will cause this lower road to flood. (Tide times and heights can be found here.)
From the eastern end of the lower road, a coastal footpath leads to Keyhaven quay, from where you can take the ferry to Hurst Castle. There are also sea fishing trips and sightseeing boat trips available. Keyhaven also has a public house, The Gun Inn. The footpath, which is part of the 60-mile Solent Way, continues beyond Keyhaven to Emsworth Harbour.
If you choose to walk to Hurst Castle from Hurst Beach, it’s a 1.5 mile walk along the shingle Hurst Spit, with views across to The Needles.
Walking in the opposite direction along the shingle will take you past Sturt Pond Nature Reserve (with a public bird hide open 9am to 5pm daily, or dusk if earlier) to Milford-on-Sea where you will find The Lighthouse (a seaside bar and restaurant), Needles Eye Café, a playpark for children aged 5 to 14 years, and public conveniences (open 8am to 7pm) beside the bowling green.
