Discover Milford on Sea on your next Short Break or Holiday
Perched on the cliff-tops with stunning sea views, Milford on Sea is a natural beauty spot enjoyed by many of our Hampshire and Dorset holiday park guests throughout the year.
Situated just a short walk through Shorefield Country Park (c.800 meters) and down the road from Lytton Lawn Touring Park, the views from Milford on Sea beach stretch across the Isle of Wight and the Needles and west towards Hengistbury Head & Christchurch Harbour, giving an impressive backdrop to any day out.
Despite being a small village, Milford on Sea has a surprisingly wide range of fantastic shops, restaurants and pubs, there are over 15 different places to eat and drink in the village, from traditional Fish and Chips (renowned to be some of the best in the area), to tapas and Thai.
Hurst Castle
Take a wander through the village, down to the seafront and walk along the cliff-top path, down Hurst Spit to Hurst Castle with its military history from Tudor times through to World War II. It was also one of the prisons of Charles I.
This artillery fortress was built by Henry VIII at the seaward end of a spit and commands the entrance to the Solent, it offers one of the best views in England from the top of the Tudor keep. Explore the castle, marvel at the 8 ton guns and enjoy the uninterrupted views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight... This really is the closest you'll get to the Isle of Wight without getting wet. There are plenty of open spaces for children to run free and explore and it's a great day out for the whole family.
If walking isn’t your thing then you can take a trip to the castle via a leisurely ferry ride from Keyhaven (charges apply). You can even book sea fishing trips from here and catch your own Mackerel for dinner.
Paddle Boarding
For those of a more sporty persuasion, why not experience paddle boarding?
The New Forest Paddle Sport Company is based in Milford on Sea and offers Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Boarding hire as well as tuition. So if you want to get on the water and would like a taster session along Keyhaven’s twisting river, a Castle Experience Tour from the water or just an afternoon relaxing on the water they can certainly help!
Interesting Milford on Sea facts
In the time of King John, Hugh de Whitwell and his son William granted land at Milford to William Mackerel, which he subsequently granted to the Knights Templar. Mackerel can still be caught in abundance in the area. Coincidence or just a tenuous link above?
The Norman All Saints Church has eight bells, hung in 1928, called Faith, Hope, Love, Peace, Joy, Liberty, Patience and Victory. It is said that the window on the south side was used to smuggle beer in for the bell ringers.
The traditional beach huts at Milford on Sea were destroyed by the infamous Valentine's Day storm of 2014. Due to their popularity a project was launched to rebuild them, with 119 colourful huts now standing proud along the beach and coastline.
What’s on?
Milford’s very own arts and music festival is a unique event. Taking place 24th to 30th July, it attracts thousands of residents and visitors to local venues and onto the village green to enjoy a huge variety of musical and artistic entertainment. Featuring performances, workshops and exhibitions, the Festival has become a must-see event in the New Forest’s summer calendar.
Milford on Sea Food Week celebrates all that is great about food. As the village is fortunate to be blessed with great places to eat and surrounded by quality local producers, what better way to celebrate this than to have an entire week dedicated to the joys of food and drink!
The Food Week has over 100 activities including: Themed Dining Evenings, Professional Cookery Theatre, Celebrity Shows, Cooking Demonstrations, Educational Talks, Film Shows, Cookery Competitions, Dining Offers, Wine Tastings, Kid's Events and a fantastic Sunday Food Market.
So when next staying at one of our holiday parks, either on a self catering break or a camping & touring holiday, be sure that you take a visit this surprising and quaint village, that really does offer something for everyone.
