The Property:
Heathfield - This luxury appointed property is based on Sandhills Holiday Park in Mudeford, as soon as you enter, you have a feeling of space and luxury. The décor is stylish and the lodge is equipped to a very high standard. It even includes an inbuilt surround system which can be attached via Bluetooth to your phone.
In the kitchen there is a full size fridge and freezer, a washing machine/dryer and a dishwasher along with a full size cooker and separate microwave.
The lodge has two bedrooms, the master with a double bed and ensuite shower room and the second bedroom has two good size single beds. There is a second family shower room. Both bedrooms have TV's installed with HDMI leads and there is a large smart TV in the lounge.
The property is set on the second row back from the front, facing the Isle of Wight – it has a large decking area with patio table and chairs and the sea can be seen from either side of the decking.
There is a private car parking space alongside the lodge which makes it easy for unloading/loading and heading out for day trips.
About the Local area:
Just outside Sandhills Holiday Park is a promenade giving access to the beautiful Avon beach - take a stroll along to your left and you will come to the Noisy Lobster restaurant and shop where you can purchase fresh bread from the bakery and a morning paper. The shop also sells gifts and a selection of clothing. There is a coffee hut and fish and chips takeaway as well. If you walk to your right, you are just a short walk from the historic Mudeford Quay where in 1784 smugglers skirmished with Customs and Excise officers.
It is still a working quay today with fishing boats venturing out most days so why not say hello to Pete on boat Deja Vu (SU21) and see how his day has been, or wave to him from your decking as he heads back from another successful day out. If you fancy testing your skills out and bringing the catch home yourself, pleasure fishing trips are available directly from the quay, or we can help you organise in advance. There are many pleasure trips to be had or if you fancy a thrill then why not hang on to your seats on the Bay Blast rib ride.
The Quay is also famous for its crabbing from the quayside (crabbers quay!) and has a children's play park, fish stall, cafe, The Haven House Inn and a large green area which is perfect for picnics, ball games and kite flying. You can catch the ferry to Hengistbury Head directly from the Quay and visit its fantastic beaches and beach huts.
Christchurch harbour is a great place for water sports from windsurfing to sailing and the Highcliffe sailing club is based on the Quay. There is also an active RNLI lifeboat station which practices launching weekly so you are almost bound to see their rather unusual lifeboat launch and recovery system in action!
If walking or bird watching is your thing then you can do both without even getting in the car. Within an easy stroll you will find a nature reserve on the cliff top adjacent to Highcliffe Castle. If you fancy a little longer out, then why not try the circular walk through Stanpit Marshes and on to Christchurch for a spot of lunch. Then take the Tuckton ferry from outside the Captains Club to cross the river or walk over Tuckton bridge a little further on if the ferry is not running, and head across more picturesque marshes to the back of Hengistbury Head. From there you can skirt the inside shoreline, head up and over the top or use the beach as your route back to the beach huts and ferry home at the tip of the Head. Who knows, the Haven House Inn may tempt you with a thirst quencher before heading back to the luxuries of the chalet.
If you head out in the car then the walks available to you are endless with The New Forest on your doorstep and The Purbecks within easy reach. Easily missed and of particular note is the area around Keyhaven and Lymington and, in particular, the sea wall walk past the now disused salt works and the spit and Hurst Castle, which in itself is worth entry but make sure you have a few hours to spare.
Historically sailing and fishing are all part of the local heritage with such famous local sailing clubs as Christchurch and Lymington to hand. More recently wind and kite surfing have become extremely popular along with kayaking and paddle boarding. Don't worry if you have never tried any of these or do not have any equipment as Shore Sports base themselves in the harbour and are more than happy to help out.
About the area in general:
Christchurch - the sign says 'Where Time is Pleasant' and it's right. From the lively Monday market to the great shops and restaurants along the high street it is a great coastal town. It is a short trip in the car or by the Ferry that leaves from Mudeford Quay. Christchurch Priory is the longest parish church in the country and is surrounded by beautiful grounds, riverside walks and Christchurch Quay. The Priory is a must see and is steeped in history. The Priory contains the 'miraculous beam' said to be placed there by a carpenter locals believed was Christ himself.
The New Forest - a National Park situated on the south coast of England. The landscape is a mix of heathland, grassland, bogs and woods. Domestic animals are permitted to roam freely throughout the Forest. Visit Beaulieu Motor Museum, catch a ferry from the pretty town of Lymington to the Isle of Wight or just enjoy the many cycle trails, walks and forest villages.
Bournemouth - the famous seaside resort with miles of beaches, loads of restaurants, bars, clubs and great shopping. Just 9 miles away, it has so much to see and do.
Other Attractions - Alice in Wonderland maze Theme Park, Serendipity Sam's, Go Ape at Moors Valley, Tower Park with its Multiplex Bowling and Splashdown Indoor Water Park, Paulton's theme park on the edge of the New Forest, the Bournemouth Oceanarium, Compton Acres, Poole Old Town & Harbour, Sandbanks and Brownsea Island to name but a few.
