Milford-On-Sea Beaches
- Discover
Milford-On-Sea is mostly known for its breathtaking views, and the view from the cliff tops is just one of them; the village also has beautiful beaches, wonderful shops and amazing wildlife. But there is more than just magnificent sights to this village, so let’s get into it…
According to the Domesday Book, the village was established as a Saxon settlement (then called Melleford).
The beginning of modern Milford is associated with Colonel Cornwallis-West of Newlands Manor, who in 1886 attempted to mould the village into a fashionable place, at the same time as his close friend, the Duke of Devonshire, was attempting the same at Eastbourne. Unfortunately, he failed in his attempt due to a lack of capital and an unfortunate outbreak of typhoid, keeping potential purchasers at bay.
Fun fact – the first church in the area is thought to have been built (using timber) around 1080, and was later replaced by a stone building in the 12th century, remains of which you can still see today!
In the quiet village of Milford-On-Sea, you can often find many small, independent events occurring, such as the Milford Music Festival, where amazing live music floods the village and visitors sip on delicious drinks and nibble on yummy food. An amazing event taking place all over the UK in 2022 is the Special Jubilee Lunch, where the country will be celebrating Her Majesty The Queen becoming the first British Monarch to commemorate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service. And guess who is hosting a brilliant and (hopefully) sunny celebration? Milford-On-Sea – so head on over to Hurst Street to get involved!
Although only a few famous faces were raised on the grounds of Milford-On-Sea, the talent is still thriving. Frances Fisher, a wonderful actress who’s starred in the likes of Unforgiven and Titanic, was born here, as were sociologist and professor, Peter Byard Davis and Ray Flacke, a passionate country guitar session player.
With an area size of 2.755km2, this lovely village has a small population of around 4,600 residents, with just under half of them over the age of 65. We can’t argue with Milford-On-Sea as the perfect haven to retire to!
The beaches in Milford-on-sea really make the area sparkle with life. From golden sands to sunny blue skies, the beaches in Milford-on-sea make for a fantastic day out in the New Forest.
Main Beach is the largest and most popular beach in Milford-on-Sea. It has a wide sandy beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles if you’re so inclined. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants along the seafront, making it a great place to spend a day when visiting the New Forest.
Shore Road Beach is another great Milford-on-Sea beach. This beach is located just behind the seafront and is a great option for families with young children who want to run around and play. The water is shallow and there are several rock pools to explore. There are also many playgrounds and picnic areas along the shore.
Another charming Milford-on-Sea beach is Shell Bay Beach. This beach is located at the northern end of Milford-on-Sea and is a great place to go for a swim or sunbathe if you prefer a more leisurely beach experience. The beach is also known for its abundance of shells, which can be found washed up on the shore and make for a great activity searching for the prettiest shells.
Aside from all the beaches that make this area so beautiful, there are also plenty more things to do in Milford-on-Sea. The Milford-on-Sea museum, for example, tells the story of Milford-on-Sea, from its earliest days as a fishing village to its development as a popular seaside resort. The museum has several exhibits on the town’s history, including artefacts, photographs, and documents that are incredibly enlightening.
However, another slightly different beach is the exciting Milford-on-Sea pleasure beach! This beachfront amusement park is a great place to go for a family day out. There are a number of rides and attractions to enjoy, including a roller coaster, carousel, and lots of arcade games. This is a great activity for children of all ages and is sure to provide hours of fun for the entire family!
The Sturt Pond Nature Reserve is another great choice for things to do in Milford-on-Sea. This nature reserve is a great place to see a variety of wildlife, including native birds, gorgeous wildflowers, and plenty of insects if you’re eagle-eyed enough. The reserve also has a number of trails to explore, so you can choose one that suits your fitness level and interests and hopefully get to see more of the abundant beauty of the New Forest too.
With so much water surrounding you on Milford-on-Sea, one of the best things to do is visit the pier. The pier offers stunning views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight. There are also a number of shops and restaurants on the pier, so you can enjoy a meal or snack while taking in the views and planning what to do next.
If you’re one for sitting back and appreciating stunning views, Milford-On-Sea should be at the top of your bucket list. With endless sightseeing destinations, you’ll find it hard to squeeze them all into your stay. Take a relaxing trip along Hurst Spit to discover Hurst Castle or Hurst Point Lighthouse.
Visit one of New Forest Collection’s pubs & restaurants and treat your tastebuds to delicious foods and replenishing drinks. Pop over to The Drift near Beaulieu, a brilliant pub that serves classic British dishes and anything from a yummy breakfast to a mouth-watering lunch and dinner. Here, our beers, cask ales and spirits are all sourced from the best local brewers and distillers – and feel free to bring your four-legged companions, because at The Drift, they’re more than welcome.
If you’re craving a juicy cocktail (or two), then make the short journey over to Taylor’s in Beaulieu where you can enjoy locally sourced beers, spirits and luscious cocktails, so no matter what you fancy, we’ve got it.
If you’re after an afternoon tea experience, visit Bartley Lodge, where you have the choice to either eat outside in the warm sunshine or you can opt to eat inside if you prefer.
Luckily for you, no matter where you go or what you do in Milford-On-Sea, you’re only a short drive to a few of the most beautiful and accommodating hotels in the area. Our closest hotel in the New Forest is Burley Manor, with only a 24-minute drive. If you’re looking to stay at our beautiful Beaulieu Inn or Forest Lodge, good choice! If you stay at either, you’re only a 28-minute drive away from the centre of Milford-On-Sea. Our furthest hotel (but only by a few minutes) is Bartley Lodge, with a 30-minute drive. We hope we’ve given you the perfect insight into Milford-On-Sea and we hope to see you stay with us soon as The New Forest Collection!
Ashurst, Barton-On-Sea, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Fordingbridge, Lyndhurst, New Forest, New Milton, Ringwood, Lymington, Minstead
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