Milford on Sea

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Charming Milford-on-Sea and its neighbouring Keyhaven both enjoy stunning sea views towards Christchurch Harbour and across to the Isle of Wight.

The traditional village offers a range of shops, breath-taking cliff top walks and beaches.

The village began as a Saxon settlement (known as Melleford) and until the 1800s was solely inland. Coastal erosion, and village expansion over the years have made the village border the sea as can be found today. The oldest building in the village is All Saints’ Church, there is evidence of Norman, Early English, Decorated and Perpendicular architecture on display here.

The village was once part of the Christchurch Priory estate and grew on agriculture, salt producing and smuggling in days gone by. The village green was the site of the reputed Battle of Milford Green between smugglers and the militia in the 18th century.

Look out for an array of interesting features and buildings within the village including the post box at the junction of Victoria Road with Cornwallis Road. This post box (or pill box) is the oldest in Hampshire and dates from Victorian times.

The hamlet of Keyhaven falls within the parish of Milford-on-sea and was once a fishing village. It sits opposite of the shingle bank (spit) and Hurst Castle. Historically, the area around Keyhaven was used for salt production and today remains a popular spot for bird watching with many wetland species frequenting the area.

Things to do in Milford on Sea

Although a small village, there is plenty of things to do in and around Milford-on-sea. The shingle beach is lined with colourful beach huts and spectacular views across the Solent. The closest beach to the village centre is Hurst Road Beach with parking and toilets nearby plus the Needles Eye Café which has its own ice cream kiosk and children’s play area.

To the west of the village you will find Hordle Cliff Beach. This beach has nearby parking, a food and drink kiosk and toilets. The pebble beach is accessed from a steep set of steps however at low tide, a sand bar is exposed.

Local stores including a butchers, greengrocer and off-license are on hand for picking up supplies, plus a couple of antiques and gift shops make for an interesting browse.

Milford-on-Sea is an ideal place to take to the water. The New Forest Paddle Sport Company are based in the village and offer the chance to explore the stunning Keyhaven River and salt marshes with Hurst Castle and the scenic coastline of the New Forest by stand up paddle board or kayak. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never tried either of the activities before, instructors are on hand with running taster sessions and lessons. If you are a more confident boarder or kayaker then why not hire the equipment and journey over to Hurst Castle? The New Forest Paddle Sport Company have teamed up with the castle to offer a guided paddle to the castle followed by lunch (pre-booking is essential).

Hurst Castle has a long military history, dating from Tudor times when it was built by Henry VIII to defend the Solent. It was also the prison of Charles I and is now owned by English Heritage, under the management of Hurst Marine. Visitors young and old can explore the castle with an audio tour and gaze out to the fantastic views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. During World War II, Hurst Castle was manned with coastal gun batteries and searchlights due to its strategic location. The castle is just 1 ½ miles from Milford on Sea along a shingle spit and makes for an interesting walk from the village. It isn’t possible to drive to the castle however visitors can choose to park at nearby Keyhaven and take the ferry shuttle service.

If you enjoy walking, then why not pick up the 5½ mile Sea Air Trail from Lymington to Keyhaven and then onto Milford-on-sea? This walk passes by several places to eat so could easily be combined with a tasty lunch stop. Another option would be to walk the Solent Way. This 60-mile walk begins at Milford-on-Sea before heading to Emsworth Harbour, to the east of Portsmouth.

Keen birders should make their way to Keyhaven to take a look at the Keyhaven nature reserve. These former salt marshes are a haven for internationally important numbers of birds including oystercatcher and grey plover.

Fishing is another leisure pursuit in the local area with both Milford-on-sea beach and Hurst spit being popular choices for anglers. Sea fishing trips can also be taken from Keyhaven with Greg Pitt Sea Fishing.

Events in Milford on Sea

For a small village, there is plenty going on with loads of events for everyone to enjoy. Every year, on the village green, the May day festival takes place with traditional maypole dancing. During a week in July, look out for the Milford on Sea Music and Arts Festival and head to the Milford on Sea Community Centre for a range of musical performances, film screenings and workshops.

Hurst Castle runs a variety of events throughout the year including some school holiday events.

Keep an eye on our what’s on pages for details of other events up and coming in and around Milford-on-sea.

Places to stay in Milford on Sea

There are some fantastic places to stay in Milford on Sea, including a fantastic choice of self catering in and around Milford including Milford Croft and Sea Road are the closest to the village.

If you fancy a relaxing break at a country house hotel then South Lawn Hotel is the perfect place for you. With 26 en-suite bedrooms, most with a view over the garden and beyond and just a short walk or drive away from Milford on Sea high street and the seaside, this hotel is a great place for a tranquil escape to the New Forest.

You can also stay the night at the cosy and comfortable bed & breakfast rooms at The Lazy Lion.

Shorefield Country Park is within a short drive of Milford on Sea. Shorefield offers holiday lodge accommodation whereas guests can bring their own tents and caravans to Lytton Lawn. Another Holiday Park in Milford on Sea is Downton Holiday Park. Although Downton Holiday Park is smaller than some of our other Holiday Parks, they still have everything you need including laundary facilities, a seasonal indoor games room, an outdoor play area and they're dog friendly!

Where to eat and drink in Milford on Sea

There are a some great places to eat and drink in Milford on Sea, including a handful of cafes and pubs in the village offering a refreshing drink or a spot of food. Milford on Sea is also home to some great restaurants, including Ray's Italian Kitchen. If you fancy a tipple and some nibbles, head to The Cave where you will find just that!

Getting to Milford on Sea

If driving, Milford-on-sea is easily accessible from the A35.

The closest train stations are in Lymington and New Milton.

Highlights

Hurst Castle & Hurst Castle Ferry

Come and discover this artillery fortress, built by Henry VIII in 1544, at the seaward end of a…

South Lawn Hotel

The South Lawn Hotel is positioned between the New Forest National Park and the splendid Hampshire…

Lytton Lawn Touring Park

Lytton Lawn offers spectacular views over the Isle of Wight, and is a wonderful camping and touring…

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Number of results: 95

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
753 reviews
Shorefield Country Park

Milford-on-Sea
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Set near the scenic Milford on Sea clifftop, Shorefield Country Park is an award-winning, family run holiday park based in the south of the New Forest. With plenty of open spaces to discover right on your doorstep, from the rolling landscapes of the…
Special Offers
- 10% Deposit
  Take advantage of Shorefield Holiday's low deposit offer for any holiday booked throughout February.
  
  The family-run holiday park understands the need to be flexible at the moment too with all the uncertainty around, which is why all 2021 holidays are covered by their Booking Guarantee.
  Deposits are either 10% of your total holiday OR £50 for self-catering accommodation (whichever is greater). The 10% deposit promotion is valid for all new bookings made between 1st February 2021 – 28th February 2021. The 10% deposit is taken from the total price of your holiday, including any extras.
  Normal booking T&C’s apply and balances must be paid 4 weeks prior to your holiday arrival date.
  More offers like this - Camping, Caravan and Holiday Parks Special Offers
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1309 reviews
Hurst Castle & Hurst Castle Ferry

Milford on Sea
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Come and discover this artillery fortress, built by Henry VIII in 1544, at the seaward end of a coastal spit. Once a prison of Charles 1st it contains exhibits from all periods including 38 ton guns, Second World War Garrison Theatre and lighthouse…
More Details
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1142 reviews
South Lawn Hotel

Milford on Sea
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
The South Lawn Hotel is positioned between the New Forest National Park and the splendid Hampshire coastline. It is just 10 minutes from the idyllic market town of Lymington.
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
338 reviews
Lytton Lawn Touring Park

Milford On Sea
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Lytton Lawn offers spectacular views over the Isle of Wight, and is a wonderful camping and touring park to visit at any time of year.
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
50 reviews
Milford Croft

Milford On Sea
Awards

Other Awards Book Direct 2019
5 Star bungalow available all year round for up to 6 guests, close to the beach and village. Well furnished with modern appliances secure garden, BBQ, internet access, parking as well as linen and towels provided.
Special Offers
- Browse some fantastic offers below and stay at a Holiday Cottage/Self Catering property in The New Forest at a discounted price. Keep checking back as more offers are added daily.
  More offers like this - Holiday Cottages & Self Catering Special Offers
- Browse some fantastic offers below and stay at a Holiday Cottage/Self Catering property in The New Forest at a discounted price. Keep checking back as more offers are added daily.
  More offers like this - Holiday Cottages & Self Catering Special Offers
- Browse some fantastic offers below and stay at a Holiday Cottage/Self Catering property in The New Forest at a discounted price. Keep checking back as more offers are added daily.
  More offers like this - Holiday Cottages & Self Catering Special Offers
More Details
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
17 reviews
Sea Road

Milford-On-Sea, Lymington

This premium modern home benefits from wonderful views and a great location this house is great for families or groups of friends (6 adults and 2 children, see bed arrangement). A short wall away is the busy village with 5 pubs and other places to…
Special Offers
- Book 7 nights for the price of 6* during October 2020 to March 2021. Mention this in the enquiry on Holiday Lettings site for a quote to be amended. *This offer will only be upheld if mentioned at the time of enquiry.
  More offers like this - Holiday Cottages & Self Catering Special Offers
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The Lazy Lion

Milford on Sea

Enjoy a wide variety of locally brewed beers, a fantastic selection of wines and bubbles or a refreshing soft drink and a delicious home cooked meal at The Lazy Lion.
Our warm, bright dining room and bar area is the perfect setting to relax with…

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The Lazy Lion

Milford on Sea

Come and stay with us at The Lazy Lion. Our cosy, clean and comfortable bed and breakfast rooms are perfect for a break in the New Forest and near the coast.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
73 reviews
The New Forest Paddle Sport Company

Milford On Sea
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Come and experience the Joys of Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking on the stunning New Forest Coastline
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The Cave

Milford on Sea
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
The Cave is a 'must go' meeting place for pre or post lunch or dinner drinks with friends.and family. We also have a varied Tapas menu if you fancy a more relaxed way of dining. Come on down, we promise to make you feel welcome!
Special Offers
- Show us your GNF card and receive 10% off food and drink in the bar ONLY, (not retail shop)
  More offers like this - Food and Drink Special Offers
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Halloween at Hurst Castle

Keyhaven, Lymington

Half term Halloween fun at Hurst Castle. With lots of open space for everyone to enjoy it's a great place to blow away the cobwebs! Open every day 10am - 4pm, ferries available from 9.45am at Keyhaven.

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Hordle Cliffs

2 Miles, 2.6 Miles
The Hordle cliffs are just to the west of Milford-on-Sea village centre. There are excellent walks on a sealed surface of fine gravel embedded in tarmac, with wonderful views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight.

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Race 2 of the SUP New Forest Paddle Boarding Winter Race Series

Keyhaven

Race 2 of the winter race series held at Keyhaven Quay run by SUP New Forest and The New Forest Paddle Sport Company.
This series of 4 races over the winter is designed for everyone and anyone to come along and give SUP racing a go in a friendly…

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Keyhaven Marshes

Milford on Sea

3.5 miles (5.6 km)
Along the route there are views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and the Needles and opportunities to watch the ever-changing bird life of Keyhaven Marshes. The path then cuts inland to follow an ancient highway behind the…

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Art on the Green

Milford-on-Sea

Annual Art Exhibition. Paintings for sale.

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Britannia Thai Milford on Sea - Takeaway Service

Milford on Sea

Open 6 days a week, closed on Mondays. 15% off for takeaways. Take Away dishes will be available at both restaurants.

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Live music with Rich Baxter

Milford on Sea

Live music from 4-7pm. Rich specialises in Americana rock and pop styles. Not to be missed. Free entry

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The Cave

Milford on Sea

Please feel free to browse our interesting shop, full of great wines from around the globe, local beers and fantastic spirits

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Solent Way Walk

60 Miles
The Solent Way is a long distance coastal walk, starting from the seaside town of Milford-on-Sea and finishing at Emsworth Harbour. Along the way you can enjoy shingle beaches, exhilarating views, deserted coastal marshes, promenades,…

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Gin 'n' Jazz Night

Milford on Sea

We are hosting a Gin 'n' Jazz night to raise funds for 'Friends of NCF' charity that work tirelessly in Uganda to help children get an education and help with their well-being. Please come and enjoy the evenings entertainment. All ticket proceeds go…

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