Self-guided visit
Discovering Hengistbury Head with a group
Bringing a group?
You might like to check out our ‘Information for schools’ page. Even if you’re not with a school, there are lots of tips on this page about how to get the best from the reserve when there are lots of you together.
Exploring on your own, with friends or family?
The reserve is easy to find your way around (but maps are available for just £1 at the Visitor Centre if you’d rather). With the harbour on one side and the sea on the other, it really is hard to lose your way.
Roam along easy-access paths amongst grassland, heathland, woodland and wetland; there’s even a harbourside walk (though this is best done on Spring Low tides if you don’t want wet feet! Check out the day’s tides at the Visitor Centre before you set out).
Look out for more than just wildlife - if you look carefully, you might see evidence of 12,000 years of human history on this site. Bronze Age barrows and, of course, the Double Dykes are some of the easier archaeological features to spot.
If you’re less confident about finding your way, or just want some expert knowledge to add a little more to your visit, why not check out our events listings to see if there’s something happening while you’re here?