Bournemouth Boating https://bournemouthboating.co.uk offer a Vintage Ferry Service from Christchurch Quay to Mudeford Beach (Mudeford Sandbanks).
The service begins its season at Easter and runs every day until the end of October. The time table varies depending on demand and the time of the year but, in general boats depart every hour). It could be anything between 30 mins and 90 mins between departures. See website for timetable
The scenic boat trip takes around 40 minutes to cruise down the River Stour from Christchurch Quay to the beach at Mudeford Sandbank. Many of the boats do not have protection from the elements so remember to pack something warm and waterproof just in case.
| Christchurch Quay to Mudeford Sandbank | Ticket Price |
| Adult Return | £10 |
| Child (under 12) Return | £5 |
| Senior Return (65+) | £9.50 |
| Adult Single | £8 |
| Child (under 12) Single | £4 |
| Senior Single (65+) | £7 |
Note that this ferry service actually starts further up the River Stour at Tuckton and also stops at Wick before stopping at Christchurch Quay. For prices and departure times see their website.
Ideas for a Circular Walk– Christchurch – Mudeford Sandbank – Hengistbury Head – Christchurch
A really nice day out is to park at Christchurch and then take the ferry across to Mudeford Sandbank. You can explore the beach and have a coffee and sandwich at the beach cafe and then walk back via Hengistbury Head and Tuckton Bridge. An even quicker walk back is to head for Wick Ferry (Google map). https://bournemouthboating.co.uk Wick Ferry takes you across the River Stour and will shorten your walk by about 20 minutes. The Ferry is run by the same company as the Christchurch to Mudeford Ferry so you can always check with them to confirm that it is running. There has been a ferry operating at Wick for more than 250 years. Some historians suggest it could even be as much as 1000 years.
The walk back from Mudeford Sandbank to Christchurch Quay via Wicks Ferry takes around 1 hour 10 minutes (3 miles) if you follow the more direct route or about 1 hour 25 mins if you walk over the top of Hengistbury Head (3.5 miles).
Related Pages: Dorset Boat Trips / Boat Trips from Poole Quay / Boat Trips from Sandbanks / Boat Trips from Swanage / Boat rips from Wareham