The 'uncrowded' UK beach surrounded by woodlands and dunes most people haven't heard of

Nestled between the historic Dorset town of Christchurch and the village of Highcliffe-on-Sea, you’ll find a secluded beach flanked by plenty of greenery and sand dunes. Highcliffe Beach is a stunning Blue Flag beach perfect for a day out or weekend summer break from the hustle and bustle.

Highcliffe offers stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Needles, as it sits on the Dorset-Hampshire border. It’s popular for both tourists and locals alike. There’s both shingle and sand on the beach, making it the perfect place to set up camp for a day under the sun.

It’s a popular place for swimmers and surfers alike, so don’t forget to bring your bodyboard.

If you’re a fan of walking, there’s a 2.5 mile walk along the beach to Mudeford Quay, where you can take the ferry across to Mudeford Sandbank. Or you can continue along to Hengistbury Head and then all the way along the promenade to Bournemouth Pier.

While it is a dog friendly beach, Visit South East England advised that your furry friends are banned between groynes H8 and H11 between May 1 and September 30. However you can walk dogs on a lead all year round.

Previous visitors to the beach praised it as a “wonderful stretch of coastline” with “incredible views”. ECC said on Tripadvisor: “Wonderful stretch of coastline. Incredible views. No roads in sight once down by the sea. Nice cliff top cafe/restaurant. Public toilets. No showers. Beach is a lovely mix of sand, stones, small boulders. Paddle boarders, surfers, swimmers even in freezing weather! Dog heaven.”

Anna agreed: “A very lovely place. We were able to walk even with our daughter who is a wheelchair user. Amazing view, great parking (accepts only coins) and lovely cafe and ice cream van on the right side it’s rocky beach and on the left side sandy beach (dogs friendly) so everyone can find something lovely.”

Tracey commented: “An absolutely stunning beach with soft silky sand making it perfect to gently stroll along, or to just sit peacefully with your family for a great day of fun with or without a tasty picnic.”

Just beyond the dunes of the beach you’ll spot Highcliffe Castle. Built in the 1830s, the castle is considered to be one of the most important and last remaining houses built in the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture.

Lord Stuart de Rothesay followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, the third Earl of Bute, who’d previously built on the site of the castle. The castle has played host to many famous names over the years, including Kaiser Wilhelm, four-time prime minister William Gladstone, and author and socialite Nancy Mitford, of the infamous Mitford family.

In more recent decades, Highcliffe served as a children’s home, and as a training centre for the Claretian Fathers, an order of the Catholic Church, before suffering two fires and falling into ruin.

Since then the castle has been restored to its former glory, hosting weddings, productions, fairs, and exhibitions.