If you’re thinking of a visit to Hurst Castle, then there are plenty of options for you to enjoy! For full information on what this lively village has to offer go to visitmilfordonsea – the official tourism destination website for Milford on Sea.

For only a small village, it’s big on choice of where to stay in a range of holiday accommodation. Looking for a hotel? Then you have a choice, The Beach House, a Grade II listed Victorian mansion run by Hall & Woodhouse brewery of Dorset with stunning sea views, or the independently run South Lawn Hotel, with 51 ensuite bedrooms a former country house with fine gardens, can be found at the entrance to the village.

If you fancy the freedom of doing your own thing on holiday then take a look at the different self-catering and B&B options the village has to offer. It has the uniquely different Vinegar Hill & Pottery for those families, couples and glampers with a spirit of adventure and Dee’s B&B, with a two-bedroom choice and beautiful grounds with easy access to the village centre.

Check out New Forest Escapes for its eclectic collection of houses for a special retreat with The Old Post Office at Keyhaven, a favourite for its views across to Hurst Castle and a short stroll to catch the ferry. Or New Forest Cottages for their collection of beautiful houses all within easy access to the ferry.

Plover Cottage and Joyful Cottage offer a central village location and are owned and run by local resident Jane who will be happy to help you feel right at home.

We’re also lucky to have our very own holiday park in Milford on Sea – Shorefield Country Park – that offers a fantastic range of facilities and luxury accommodation, where you can be sure everything is on hand to provide you with a memorable getaway.

When holidaying in the area or just enjoying a day out then it’s good to know the top spots to eat too. If you’re down in Keyhaven, having just got off the ferry from Hurst Castle then why not stop at The Gun Inn for lunch or dinner.

Just a short hop back in the car from Keyhaven and you’ll be back in the village of Milford on Sea, known for its many restaurants, including The Lighthouse, a relaxed seaside dining experience and Ray’s Italian Kitchen, offering delicious pastas and pizzas for the whole family. But if you’re looking for that extra special dining experience then the award-winning fish restaurant, Verveine with its tasting menu is definitely for you, or Britannia Thai for authentic Thai cuisine.

And don’t forget to check out our amazing independent cafes, such as Saltwater, The Needles Eye or if you’re looking for quick bite to eat then head to the The Paddle On The Green and The Coastal Bakery. Or our pubs The Lazy Lion, The Cave and The Smugglers Inn.

Again, for full information on what this lively village has to offer go to visitmilfordonsea – the official tourism destination website for Milford on Sea.

A day out at Hurst Castle not only gives you the chance to experience what life was like for Charles I as a prisoner here in 1648 but also one of the best walking routes the New Forest has to offer.

Visit Milford on Sea offer two guided walks, which run April-September every Thursday at 10.30am leaving from Milford on Sea village green. For more information or to book, visit: Guided Walks – Visit Milford On Sea

The 2-mile walk to Hurst Castle along Hurst Spit, with sea views across to the Needles one side and the tranquillity of the Keyhaven River the other is spectacular. You might notice here people enjoying the river via paddleboard so if you fancy giving this a go whilst on holiday then contact The New Forest Paddle Sport Company located in the heart of Milford on Sea village.

But note if you are walking Hurst Spit it is recommended that you wear sturdy footwear as the spit is made up of shingle so can be hard underfoot in places. It is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs and best not to cycle to Hurst Castle unless you have one of the bikes with big fat wheels or an electric one, as it’s difficult to manoeuvre over the shingle. If you fancy trying this out contact New Forest Bikes who can deliver bikes to your accommodation.

And don’t forget to check out Sturt Pond, a 27-acre local nature reserve with a bird hide, where you can spot Canadian Geese, Mallards, Wigeons, Teals, Shelducks and Grebes on your walk to the castle – it’s just down from the crabbing bridge, near The Lighthouse restaurant.