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.

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.

Head to visitmilfordonsea.co.uk to find out even more information about the wonderful village of Milford on Sea.

Highlights

The Lazy Lion

Come and stay with us at The Lazy Lion. Our cosy, clean and comfortable bed and breakfast rooms are…

Milford Croft

5 Star bungalow available all year round for up to 6 guests, close to the beach and village. Well…

Sea Road

This premium modern home benefits from wonderful views and a great location this house is great for…

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Number of results: 95

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
774 reviews
Shorefield Country Park

Location:

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
- Escape to our stunning New Forest holiday park this September from as little as £449
  
  Take advantage of the parks being quieter and the last of the summer sun. Perfect for couples or anyone with young tots! Discover our great range of stunning accommodation, with access to amazing facilities.
  Secure your dream September staycation with just a low deposit of 10%, make flexible payments to your balance using our online guest portal and relax with our booking guarantee.
  Prices vary dependent on arrival date and accommodation. *£449 based on a Statement 3 bedroom caravan (sleeps up to 6) at Shorefield Country Park. 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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The Lazy Lion

Location:

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
52 reviews
Milford Croft

Location:

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
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
19 reviews
Sea Road

Location:

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 2021 to March 2022. 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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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
364 reviews
Lytton Lawn Touring Park

Location:

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
80 reviews
The New Forest Paddle Sport Company

Location:

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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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1327 reviews
Hurst Castle & Hurst Castle Ferry

Location:

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, which was once a prison of Charles 1st. Castle takeaway is open daily. Frequent ferry service from Keyhaven Quay.
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The Lazy Lion

Location:

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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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1210 reviews
South Lawn Hotel

Location:

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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Keyhaven

1.9 Miles
Keyhaven is approached from Milford-on-Sea. It is a small village with a very pretty
harbour. There are easy walks along the sea wall with views of Keyhaven harbour, the
Isle of Wight and Hurst Spit. The area is a good spot for bird…

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Live music with Jax Hall

Location:

Milford on Sea

The Cave welcomes Jax for the 1st time. Jax loves vintage Jazz and Blues, and with 17 years experience, its sure to be a big hit. FREE event

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BSUPA Ready to Tour Paddle Board Course

Location:

Milford On Sea

BSUPA Level 2
Ready to Tour
Full Day
£95
The Ready 2 Tour course is to introduce people to the enjoyment of touring and exploring but offer more than an experience.
Having completed this course students should feel that they are ready to plan their…

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Live music with Rich Baxter

Location:

Milford on Sea

Rich, our Americana Rock king is back here to keep you entertained just before xmas. FREE entry and guaranteed foot tapping and fun for the duration of the afternoon

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Gin 'n' Jazz Night

Location:

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

Location:

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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BSUPA Ready to Ride Paddle Boarding

Location:

Milford On Sea

Adults BSUPA Level 1 Ready to Ride
2 Hour Course
£50

The BSUPA Level 1 "Ready to Ride" course is aimed at adults who have never stand up paddled before or people who have had a go but want to learn the basics properly.
Learning to paddleboard is…

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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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The New Forest Paddle Sport Company - Online Shop

Location:

Milford on Sea

Although our shop on Milford on Sea High Street is currently closed, our online shop is still available with free delivery!
You can buy fantastic products from our online store, including inflatable and solid starboard Paddle Boards as well as…

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Milford Maddness Stand Up Comedy Night

Location:

Milford on Sea

Join us for a night of fun an laughter on Wednesday 21st November!
Our Stand Up Comedy Night will leave you in stitches whilst all proceeds will go towards funding the Milford on Sea Music & Arts Festival in July 2019.
Featuring a Fantastic Line…

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Live music with Darren Vernall

Location:

Milford on Sea

Join us between 4-7pm and enjoy the talents of singer/guitarist Darren while he sees us through sunday afternoon.
Free event!

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