Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
One of the two gates with carvings
The Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre has been open for a month and with the improving weather more vistors are drifting in.
It was good to be there on Monday and see a couple of solitary walkers going in to learn more about what can be seen from the coast path.
There is plenty of information about Iron Age pots and some are on display. Birds can be seen live on screens in their nests.
A reminder of what might have been is shown by a drawing of the castle which was commissioned by Gordon Selfridge. It would have been a rival to Castle Drogo.
Most interesting considering the storms we have just experienced is the description of the coastal protection around Double Dykes where revetments consist of steel cages filled with rocks.
The display claimed that the last storm was in 1987. This month’s will need to be added. At present the Southbourne promenade remains covered in sand and beach huts east and west have been damaged.
Maps and guidebooks are on sale in the shop along with local jam.
The staff is mainly volunteers and more people are wanted to help in the building which is a 200 year old converted barn with an extension.
At present the centre is open daily 10am-4pm; free. The nearby Hiker cafe is open daily 9am-5pm.
