Hurst Castle
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Hurst Spit and Shingle Bank

4.7
Β·15 reviewsΒ·, United Kingdom

A unique shingle spit offering historic castle views, calm waters for swimming, and prime spots for crabbing and water sports.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Warm weather, calm seas

CrowdMedium
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Hurst Castle

Hurst Spit and Shingle Bank

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Warm weather, calm seas

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique shingle spit offering historic castle views, calm waters for swimming, and prime spots for crabbing and water sports.

4.7
(15 reviews)

"One of my favourite places on earth! Great little bridge for crabbing, can swim in the sea and even on the other side of the spit."

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸš— Parking Strategy

Limited parking at the spit; consider parking a short walk away for more space. πŸš—

🎣 Crabbing Fun

The bridge is a prime spot for crabbing. Don't forget your bait and lines! :fishingpoleand_line:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 Β· 15 reviews

Type

Beach

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hurst Castle Views

Hurst Castle Views

Western end of the spit

Walk to the historic Hurst Castle for panoramic views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight. A must-see!

Reddit
Crabbing Bridge

Crabbing Bridge

Near the start of the spit

A popular spot for crabbing, especially for families. Bring your lines and bait for some fun!

Reddit
Calm Waters for Swimming

Calm Waters for Swimming

Sheltered side of the spit

Enjoy a refreshing swim in calm, clear waters, often free of seaweed. Perfect for a family dip.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Parking Pointers

Parking at Hurst Spit can be tricky. While there are some spots near the spit, they're limited and tight. Many visitors opt for parking a short walk away, which offers more space. Plan for a bit of a stroll to reach the prime spots. Reddit

Tide Times are Key

For activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and kite surfing, checking the tide times is crucial. The water conditions and accessibility can vary significantly. Instagram

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Warm weather, calm seas
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A beautiful english summers day in Burley, New Forest βœ¨πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ #newforest #burley #village #hampshire
@amidlifetravelcrisis
15.5K likes β€’ 228.8K views

πŸš— Parking Strategy

Limited parking at the spit; consider parking a short walk away for more space. Reddit πŸš—

🎣 Crabbing Fun

The bridge is a prime spot for crabbing. Don't forget your bait and lines! Reddit :fishingpoleand_line:

Chilling to nature's sounds, the wind and sea πŸ˜‘ #chill #relax #soothing #unwind #sheerness #minster #shinglebank #vanlife #vanlifeuk #builtnotbought #vanconversion #fordtransitconnect #microcamper #microcamperconversion #camper #vancamper #sea #beach #innerfury #billybigconkers #thegrumpycampervanman #noideawhatimdoing
thegrumpycampervanman
27 likes β€’ 0 views

🐢 Dog-Friendly Beach

Your furry friends are welcome here! Enjoy a walk along the shingle bank. Reddit πŸ•

πŸ„β€β™€οΈ Water Sports Ready

Ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and kite surfing when the tide is right. Instagram :surfer:

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸš— Parking Strategy

Limited parking at the spit; consider parking a short walk away for more space. Reddit πŸš—

🎣 Crabbing Fun

The bridge is a prime spot for crabbing. Don't forget your bait and lines! Reddit :fishingpoleand_line:

🐢 Dog-Friendly Beach

Your furry friends are welcome here! Enjoy a walk along the shingle bank. Reddit πŸ•

πŸ„β€β™€οΈ Water Sports Ready

Ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and kite surfing when the tide is right. Instagram :surfer:

🍦 Friendly Ice Cream

Look out for the friendly ice cream lady for a sweet treat! Reddit 🍦

What Travellers Say

4.7
(15 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hurst Spit is cherished for its natural beauty, calm waters ideal for swimming, and family-friendly crabbing opportunities. Visitors love the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to explore historic Hurst Castle. Some find parking challenging and note the limited facilities, but the overall experience is highly recommended for its unique charm and activities.

"One of my favourite places on earth! Great little bridge for crabbing, can swim in the sea and even on the other side of the spit if it’s a bit rough and that side is also always great for paddle-boarding, kayaking and kite surfing (provided the tide is right). The beach is dog friendly and has the friendliest ice cream lady I’ve ever met! Would absolutely recommend!"

E L

"Not bad for few hours of fishing. Only problem parking spot to find."

Kerim Kilic

"Loved it here, will definitely come back and walk to the fort."

Jake

What People Like

Calm, clear swimming waters
Family-friendly crabbing
Historic Hurst Castle

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Minimal facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Hurst Spit is accessible by car, though parking can be limited. It's also a popular spot for walking and cycling. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, but it's very limited and can be tight. Many visitors find it easier to park a short walk away. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a scenic walk, and many people enjoy strolling along the coast to reach the spit. Reddit

Access points vary depending on the tide. Check tide times and conditions before heading out for paddleboarding, kayaking, or kite surfing. Instagram

Public transport options are limited directly to Hurst Spit. It's best reached by car or as part of a longer coastal walk.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Hurst Spit is a natural shingle bank and coastal area, so there are no entry fees or tickets required.

Hurst Spit is an open natural area and is accessible at all times. However, consider daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.

Parking fees may apply depending on the specific car park you use. It's advisable to check signage at the parking area. Reddit

Yes, Hurst Spit is a dog-friendly beach, making it a great spot for owners to enjoy with their pets. Reddit

The shingle bank can be challenging for mobility aids. Access to the castle itself may also have limitations.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, swimming, crabbing, paddleboarding, kayaking, kite surfing, and exploring Hurst Castle. InstagramReddit

Many visitors describe the water as calm, clear, and clean, with no seaweed, making it pleasant for swimming. Reddit

Highlights include the historic Hurst Castle, the long shingle bank, and views across the Solent. Reddit

Crowds can vary. It's generally quieter than some other coastal spots, especially on weekdays. Reddit

Facilities are limited. There's an ice cream vendor, but for restrooms and more substantial food options, you may need to go to nearby Keyhaven or Milford-on-Sea. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Directly on the spit, options are minimal, primarily an ice cream vendor. Nearby villages like Keyhaven offer more dining choices. Reddit

Yes, Hurst Spit is a great spot for a picnic. Remember to take all your rubbish with you to keep the area clean.

You can find pubs and cafes in the nearby villages of Keyhaven and Milford-on-Sea, offering a range of dining experiences.

Yes, it's a popular spot for fishing, with opportunities for a few hours of angling. Reddit

Occasionally, you might find mobile vendors, most notably the friendly ice cream lady mentioned by visitors. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

Capture the long shingle bank, the historic Hurst Castle, dramatic sea views, and the unique atmosphere of the spit.

Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for landscape photography. Overcast days can also create dramatic moods.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the spit and sea. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of Hurst Castle.

The walk towards Hurst Castle provides increasingly impressive vistas. The crabbing bridge area also offers charming shots. Reddit

Drone usage may be restricted, especially near Hurst Castle and due to proximity to the Solent. Always check local regulations before flying.

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