Barton on Sea

Barton on Sea is part of the town of New Milton Hampshire, twixt sea and the New Forest, situated south of the A337 (Lymington Road).  New Milton town centre is about 3km north of Barton cliff top. It covers approximately 5km of coastline, from Chewton Bunny on the Hampshire/ Dorset borders to Becton Bunny in the east. 

Situated at the eastern end of Christchurch Bay, Barton on Sea has spectacular views over the Solent and the western end of the Isle of Wight and the “Needles”, with views to Hurst Castle to the east and Christchurch and Hengistbury Head in the west.

The beach is mainly shingle and the normal ebb tide level is only about 1.5 metres below high tide level. The seawater quality is of a good standard and as with most coastal areas, is regularly monitored.

Barton on Sea is probably better known internationally by geologists for its fossils.

Starting eastward along the side of the golf course towards Milford on Sea, it is possible to walk along the coastal path, which is over 90km long to Emsworth on the Hampshire/West Sussex borders.

Due to the never-ending cliff erosion, it is not possible to walk along the Barton cliff top towards Highlife in the west, and although it may be possible to walk to Highcliffe along the beach, it is not recommended due to continuing cliff slip. To walk to Highcliffe, Mudeford and Christchurch, entails walking along the main A337 from Sea Road to the footpath alongside the waterfall at Chewton Bunny, then to Highcliffe beach.

Coastguard helicopters, inshore lifeboats and land-based rescue services have, on several occasions, had to come to the aid of people and animals trapped in mud under the cliff between Barton and Highcliffe.

At the present time the New Forest District Council have cordoned of parts of the western beach and undercliff areas due to the danger from cliff slip. See also information on the geology of Barton on Sea and the surrounding area.

Visitors are welcome to bring their dogs, but they must ensure that they are kept under control, as not every one likes dogs. You must also clean up after your pet; failure to do so will incur a fine of £100

There are only a few shops in Barton, which are along Marine Drive East and in Sea Road, but the visitor and the locals have a good choice of places to eat out. There is the Beachcomber, one of the few café’s that opens 365 days per year and is open for breakfast, lunches, snacks etc., till mid evening. Next along is the Sea Cottage Tea Shop, open for morning coffee, lunches and afternoon teas. Further along is the new Pebble Beach Restaurant and Bistro serving meals and “pub” lunches.  They also have visitor accommodation to let. About 400 metres further down Marine Drive is the Cliff House Hotel, virtually on the edge of the cliff top with good accommodation and serving “bar“ meals at lunchtime and dinner in the evening and lunch on Sundays.

There are a number of Bed and Breakfast places in the area