Visit Milford on Sea Beach Huts

Hello Autumn

There’s something very special in the air at this time of the year. A crisp autumn breeze, crackling log fires and bristling leaves inspire many people to celebrate this picturesque season.

And what better way to enjoy this season than a visit to Milford on Sea, where the coast meets the New Forest. Here you can enjoy the atmospheric coastal path, where you can walk a section of The Solent Way from Milford on Sea to Lymington.

You can walk all the way from Keyhaven Harbour along the coastal footpath to Lymington, with spectacular views across the saltmarshes and mudflats, where there is a wealth of birds. In late autumn and throughout the winter, you are likely to see hundreds of Brent Geese, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit and Shelduck and you might even see Long-tailed Duck, Eider and Red-breasted Mergansers out on the water as you overlook the area towards Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight

This route is also possible by bike if you don’t fancy the 2 hour walk and the friendly staff at New Forest Bikes in Lymington can help you choose the right bike for you. They have a range of bikes for hire from a hybrid, suitable for the gravel coastal paths or the comfort and ease of an electric.

You can also enjoy the orange-brown hues of the autumnal landscape by taking a walk in our very own woodlands known as The Pleasure Grounds with a network of footpaths along the Danes Stream, which runs parallel to the coast.

The Danes Stream forms part of the Milford on Sea conservation area and runs the length of the parish, through the Pleasure Grounds, Westerly towards Studland Common, Sharvells Copse and Eastwards along the rear of the village shops towards Sturt Pond. This area is popular with children as a number of rope swings can be found.

A visit to Hurst Castle is also possible until the end of October, where you can view the original part of the castle built by Henry VIII and enjoy spectacular views towards the Isle of Wight.

Feel the coastal breeze here with a walk to Hurst Castle along the Spit, an approximate 2-mile walk along shingle so sturdy footwear is advised or if you prefer there is a ferry service from Keyhaven.

Water sports can also be enjoyed in the autumn at Milford on Sea as sea temperatures are still pretty warm and it’s very unlikely that you’ll fall in with our friends at The New Forest Paddle Sport Company.

You can explore the stunning Keyhaven River and salt marshes by stand up paddle board or kayak and it really is the perfect place to start your paddling adventure. Don’t worry if it’s your first time on a board or in a kayak – it’s not a problem!

There is also the opportunity to try coastal rowing with Rowing Adventures with a one hour taster session available from Keyhaven too.

If water isn’t your thing then there’s also plenty of activity on land with Vinegar Hill Pottery based right here in Milford on Sea. It runs one-day and long weekend pottery courses, both non-residential for anyone living nearby and residential, using its fabulous B&B accommodation for those who want to make a trip out of it. There are only eight places per pottery course, meaning it can tailor the classes to suit all levels of skill and creativity. The courses are all based on the potter’s wheel – learning the basic techniques of throwing the perfect pot!

And for any golf lovers out there head to Barton on Sea Golf Club situated on the coastal cliff from Highcliffe to Milford on Sea where you can enjoy this spectacular 27-hole golf course. It also has the added advantage of a choice of three alternative 18-hole combinations with unparalleled views of the sea on every hole.

There’s also plenty of cosy places to eat and drink whilst you enjoy your stay with us so be sure to tag us with your autumnal photos at #mymilfordonsea so we can share your recommendations and experiences.