Mudeford Quay, at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour, is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
With spectacular views out to sea, access to Avon Beach and the ferry to Mudeford Spit and the home to the local fishing industry, Highcliff Sailing club, the Haven House Inn, some ex fisherman's cottages and an RNLI station.
Christchurch council bought the whole area in 1945 and in the late 1940s, the Quay was expanded and developed with reinforcement using steel piles and concrete leading to how the Quay looks today.
Mudeford also has an intriguing history of smuggling over the centuries and the quay is still the focal point of the local fishing industry with large lobster pots to be seen piled up on the ‘working’ part of the quayside.
The Mudeford ferry operates between the Quay and Mudeford Spit. Rowing boats were used until the 1960s with payment being at the discretion of the passenger.
The oldest of the buildings on Mudeford Quay are now known as Dutch Cottages.
They were formerly called Haven House built, together with an adjoining quay, in about 1687 in connection with other harbour works under powers of the Salisbury Avon Navigation Act.
They stand partially on ground formed by the artificial infilling of the old harbour mouth. As early as January 1699 one of these buildings was serving as an alehouse and today it is known as the Haven House Inn.
Developed and expanded over the years today the Quay is as popular as ever.
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