Avon beach, Friars Cliff and Steamer Point all run into one another and
the visitor could be forgiven for not knowing which is which. Avon beach
is reached down a narrow lane that forms a 'T' junction on the apex of
a sharp bend, it can not be missed. Originally owned by the Durham family
the land is now owned by the Borough Council although it is leased back
to the family who continue to run their business there. The car park is
well priced especially if you intend to stay all day. The cafe serves good
coffee, my wife's favorite, hot chocolate topped with cream and marsh mellow,
the food is very good with the biggest and best all day mega breakfast
I have seen anywhere. Other meals on the menu are just as good with plenty
to keep all member's of the family happily fed all at a reasonable price.
Next door are the newly built toilets and baby changing facilities and
next to that the shop which supplies everything from books, news papers
and the necessary tools for the beach. Ice creams of course, sweets and
all things beach can be obtained from the shop. If you wish to hire anything
from a beach hut to a wind break they are all available just ask at the
shop. At the start and end of the season and during the winter everything
shuts at about 5 p.m. however during the height of the season the cafe
stays open in the evening having feature nights, BBQ's etc so ask when
you arrive and they will I am sure let you know what is planned and when.
Most of the green and black beach huts are for rent, some on the far end
and those that are different colours are all privately owned and about
halfway along the more colourful huts is Georges, a beach cafe that serves
up coffee and cooked snacks, I have not eaten here but am told the food
is good and caters for all. If you walk to the end of the beach huts and
up the slope behind them turn right towards the brick building. Walking
beyond on the seaward side of the wire fencing to the Coast Guard training
HQ you will reach Steamer Point nature reserve. A beautiful walk in a cool
woodland on a hot summers day leads you back down the cliff to the beach
way beyond the promenade. Continue along the waters edge a few more hundred
yards and you will pick up signs to Highcliffe Castle. Take my advice and
pay a visit, beautiful gardens set on the cliff top surround a stately
house of considerable interest and of course tea rooms to refresh you before
you make the sandy walk back to the car.
There are several car parks along this stretch of coast and the best advice
is to turn off the main road into one of the residential roads and just
follow the road, all will take you to a car park. Be warned however as
the yellow lines are enforced all year round, every day, Sundays and bank
holidays prisoners are not taken and they will give you a ticket and as
a resident of the area I have to say I support the parking restrictions,
that way I can get on and off my drive.
