Oh how you will just love Milford on Sea! Perched on the cliff tops just south east of New Milton lies one of the last remaining traditional seaside villages in Hampshire. Milton on Sea affords fabulous views eastwards to the azure seas of The Solent on a fine sunny day, if you look west then you will see the commanding presence of Hengitsbury Head, guarding the entrance to Christchurch Harbour and glimpses of Bournemouth beyond.

Milford on Sea benefits from being a pretty little coastal village and having the beautiful New Forest just on the doorstep. Visitors are treated to a variety of small shops that are full of tempting gifts, sweets, ice cream and the usual offerings of a typical British seaside resort. There are a number of relaxing pubs to choose from if it`s a light lunch you are seeking or want to sample the local ale.

A favourite pastime of both visitors and residents to Barton on Sea is to wander through the charming streets to the seafront where a walk along the magnificent cliff tops will simply take your breath away! Part of The Solent Way coastal path, the walk passes right through Milford on Sea from Barton on Sea and onwards to Keyhaven and Southampton Water. On a clear day amazing views of the Isle of Wight and The Needles can be seen, which seems like just a stones throw away. Hurst Castle is a particular place of interest and can be walked to from Milford on Sea joining the famous one and a half mile Hurst Spit to reach the castle.

If you are looking to stay in Milton on Sea, it offers varying types of accommodation. Due to the relatively small size of the village however, it is rather restricted on the choice of hotels. There are a couple of decent Milford on Sea hotels in the area but not necessarily on the seafront. The South Lawn Hotel is a short drive or walk from the centre of the village and just a 10 minute journey from the popular coastal town of Lymington.

Just up the coast to the west is the lovely Cliff House Hotel. It is actually in Barton on Sea but is only 3 miles from Milford. Lying high on the cliff tops as it`s name suggests, this hotel is a favourite option of visitors who like to stay in the local area. Another good choice for a place to stay is The Beach House. Although not a hotel, this is a large beautiful pub built in the Victorian times and has views to die for of The Solent and Isle of Wight. This pub oozes grandeur, offers luxury well appointed rooms and a busy bar/restaurant serving the usual British fare in a friendly cosy environment.

Milford on Sea is a wonderfully unspoiled small coastal village that is the ideal place to visit for all types. As well as an array of quaint little shops and cafes that fill the streets, there is a pleasant green area in the heart of the village where you may see the local ponies residing. Milford also has various other accommodation options including a number of great Bed and Breakfast choices, Camping and Caravan Sites, Self Catering Cottages and Holiday Parks.

Things To See And Do In Milford on Sea

• One of the highlights of visiting Milford on Sea has to be exploring English Heritage owned Hurst Castle. Built by Henry V111 in 1544 this imposing castle protects the entrance to The Solent and lies in the shadow of the Isle of Wight. It was constructed as part of the king`s chain of sea defences along the South Coast to deter invading forces. It can be reached via Hurst Spit which is a one and half mile walk across pebbles. This walk would not be suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. Alternatively, the castle can be visited by a short ferry ride from nearby Keyhaven.
• A stroll along the beautiful cliff tops to admire the awesome vistas that The Solent Way coastal path has to offer. Be captivated by the panoramic views across to Christchurch Harbour, Bournemouth and Poole in the east. Whilst much nearer the dazzling waves of The Solent mesmerise and the Isle of Wight beckons you to it`s shores.
• Wander the pretty streets savouring Milford`s charm. Family orientated pubs will satisfy your pallette whilst quirky little tea rooms will quench your thirst. Try the unique teapot themed tearoom Polly`s Pantry, it`s well worth a visit.
• Take the time to have a look at the local Norman parish church of All Saints. It so happens the 8 bells have been affectionately named Faith, Hope, Love, Peace, Joy, Liberty, Patience, Victory and have been ringing throughout the village since 1928 when they were hung. Folklore says the window on the south side of the church was used to smuggle in a well needed beer to the bellringers. It is thought most of the church was built in the 13th Century but the spire was added much later in 1828.
• Local boat hire is available for those with nautical aspirations, why not have a potter up the coastline taking in the dramatic cliffs that stretch for miles off into Dorset and beyond. Ferry trips to the Isle of Wight run frequently, as do cruises around The Needles, weather permitting. If fishing is your thing then hop on a boat to catch Mackerel. These fish are in abundance in this area and many anglers come to Milford and Keyhaven to land a few in the net.

History Of Milford on Sea

The original name “Milford” began as a settlement in Saxon times and as stated in the Domesday Book of 1086 five hundred years later, existed with a small manor and church, a mill and about 50 inhabitants. Later on Milford comprised of three manors, one of which belonged to Christchurch Priory from circa 1107 to 1539. It was sold on to various gentry in the area and merchantmen from the city as an investment but after numerous aquisitions the manor descended after the Dissolution.

Milford`s survival at that time depended on it`s local resources. Having both the land and sea at it`s disposal Milford used Agriculture and the production of sea salt as a way of helping the village to thrive. Smuggling was notable during those times so it is said this also helped to supplement its prosperity. Development was slow however as times were tough, but there appeared to be a turn around in the late 18th Century when after the advent of the railways, Victorians began to flock to Milford to enjoy its beaches and safe bathing. Affluent newcomers subsequently moved to this attractive part of the Hampshire coastline and began to construct new homes and buy local farms. This turn of events totally changed the character, destiny and social structure of the village and many of the still standing Georgian houses bear witness to that change this very day.

Little development followed until the 1880s when a local landowner decided he wanted to establish Milford as a premier seaside resort on the South coast and also let it be known as “Milford on Sea”. The plan failed disasterously however and no further projects materialised, but Milford on Sea retained its new name and this is how we know it today.

Despite the inevitable new development that has gone on in Milford and the surrounding area, the village has still kept its character and charm intact. It has refrained from becoming overdeveloped and still attracts a large number of visitors old and new each and every year. A trip to Milford on sea is well worth your time if you happen to be in the area.

How To Get To Milford On Sea