A beautiful clifftop wooded nature reserve between Highcliffe Castle and Friar's Cliff.

Steamer Point is a Local Nature Reserve covering 11ha of predominantly deciduous woodland, with some areas of grassland, ponds and wetland and sea cliffs. All supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The clifftop location of Steamer Point and its connection to the continuous open habitat of the undercliff make it an essential part of a larger coastal wildlife corridor. The reserve is also an invaluable stopping off point for migratory birds and insects.

The 10.5ha site has picnic benches and seats along the clifftop, which allow you to sit and enjoy the stunning views out to sea and towards the Isle of Wight and Hengistbury Head.

There’s an unmanned information centre at Steamer Point with extensive information about the surrounding countryside and an interactive display for children to play and learn. The reserve and the centre are both used by volunteers, schools and other visiting groups.

Getting there

Nearest town

Christchurch or Highcliffe

Grid reference

SZ 197 929

Nearest train station

Christchurch/Hinton Admiral

Nearest bus stop

Wilts & Dorset bus 123 stops at Bure Lane, near the junction with Seaway Avenue.

Parking

There are pay and display car parks at both ends of the site.

Toilets

There are toilets on the beach and at nearby Highcliffe Castle.

Accessibility

Most of Steamer Point is flat with gravel paths and the main route through is tarmac. There are gates with an easy-access latch at the car park end of site.

Habitat

Broadleaf woodland, ponds and grassland.

Look out for

Nuthatch, woodpeckers, white admiral butterflies and fungi.