Hengistbury Head Land Train

What it’s like

A land train shuttles you along the headland between Broadway and Mudeford Spit, with harbour and Priory views the whole way.

This is less a ride and more a lift to the good bit of Hengistbury Head, trundling between Broadway and Mudeford Spit so you don't have to walk the whole headland with a buggy or a picnic bag. On the way you get views over Christchurch Harbour, the Priory in the distance, and the protected habitat that makes this stretch worth the trip in the first place.

There's no fixed timetable. The site just says it runs continuously from 10am, April to October, so you turn up and wait for the next one rather than planning around a departure board. That's handy if you've got a toddler who won't wait patiently but not so handy if you were hoping to time it precisely.

A single ticket is £4.95, or £16 for a group of four, which works out a bit cheaper if there's a few of you. Card only, no cash, so don't rely on loose change in your coat pocket. If you're hauling more than carry-on sized luggage, say for a beach day with all the gear, you'll need to email ahead 48 to 72 hours for the Land Rover service at £40, which feels steep unless you're genuinely struggling with kit.

It only runs April to October and shuts for winter, so this is a fair-weather option rather than a year-round one.

Facilities

Need to know

Best for

A gentle ride for all ages, especially handy with a buggy or toddler in tow

• Card only, no cash accepted on the train
• No scheduled departures, it just runs continuously so there's no timetable to miss
• Larger luggage needs the £40 Land Rover service booked by email in advance
• Closed over winter, only running April to October

Plan your visit

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