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Nothing beats a trip to the beach. The endless line of blue waters and the cool breeze blowing over your skin is an experience you won’t quickly forget. Those who aren’t lucky enough to live by the sea should consider a visit to Hampshire for an unforgettable waterfront experience. This article will go over the best beaches in Hampshire and what to expect when visiting them.
Hampshire is a ceremonial county in South East England, known for its beautiful coastline and exceptional views out to sea. For many years, this county has played host to people from all over the world who come to experience its diverse attractions. Keep reading as we explore the 10 best beaches in the area.
Top 10 Beaches To Check Out In Hampshire
Here are the top 10 beaches to see during a visit to Hampshire.
1. Lepe Beach
Lepe Beach forms a part of Lepe Country Park, which is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This stony beach offers excellent views directly across to the Isle of Wight. The long stretch of shingle beach often hosts windsurfers, kitesurfers and families from various parts of the country.
Lepe was an important departure point for troops and supplies during D-Day.
The park has various walking routes that take you through its beautiful woodland and coastal environs. For the best swimming experience, head east from the car park to the spot of the memorial to those who took part in D-Day.
Lepe also has a natural reserve and protected habitats for wildlife, which you can explore before or after your visit to the beach. Consider staying at the Lepe Beach Campsite, which is a few minutes inland on Lepe Road, if you intend to spend a few days in the area.
2. Southsea Beach
Southsea is a traditional British seaside resort that has welcomed visitors since the Victorian era. This beach stretches for nearly two miles and provides safe swimming areas with lifeguards.
Southsea Beach gets its name from the 16th-century Southsea Castle.
Although the beach can get busy sometimes, you’re certain to find a secluded spot away from the crowd if you want some quiet. You can get some of your favourite seaside food from any food outlets across the beach.
Southsea also has a food, drink and shopping scene that you can explore in the evening after spending your day at the beach.
3. Calshot Beach
Calshot Beach is located near Lymington in Hampshire. This popular beach gets numerous visits from sports enthusiasts due to its shallow lagoon area, which makes it great for beginner windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Calshot is home to a 16th-century castle, which Henry VIII built to defend the south coast.
Calshot Beach is part of a mile-long shingle spit that goes into the estuary of Southampton Water. It has a range of colourful beach huts, which provide shelter from the sun and serve as changing rooms. The pebble beach also offers plenty of parking space for visitors, and the rules permit you to visit with your dog if you put it on a leash.
See more dog-friendly beaches in Hampshire.
4. Hill Head Beach
Hill Head Beach is just south of Fareham, a small market town between Portsmouth and Southampton. This town was formerly known for its role in D-Day preparations, but these days, its beach welcomes numerous windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Hill Head Beach is quite peaceful and quiet, which makes it a great location for anyone who wants alone time. The beach has a small harbour located at the mouth of the River Meon – a good location for paddle sports.
On the rear of Hill Head Harbour, you’ll find Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve. Visit this reserve after spending time at the beach.
The main part of Hill Head Beach has dog restrictions from May to September, but some sections of the beach are open to dogs all year. There is a tarmac walkway right by the side of the beach, which is great for bikes and scooters.
5. Lee-On-Solent Beach
Lee-on-Solent Beach is made up of an attractive stretch of coastline, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Hampshire. Its unique position between Southampton and Portsmouth means that visitors get an excellent view of the ships that pass through the Solent.
Lee-on-Solent is home to the Hovercraft Museum, which is open on Saturdays.
Lee-on-Solent Beach is mostly a shingle beach, but some areas contain small portions of sand. It is usually a great area for crabbing because there are several crab pools that you can explore.
After your day at the beach, Lee-on-Solent also has a grassy area where you can enjoy a picnic and play games.
Check out the best beaches in Hampshire.
6. Milford-On-Sea Beach
Milford-on-Sea is a beautiful stony beach that offers excellent views of the Isle of Wight’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The beach is mostly pebbles with a concrete sea wall, but there are some areas with sand. The views from this beach are vast, with Purbeck Hills and Christchurch Harbour to the west and the Isle of Wight to the east.
Milford-on-Sea Beach has a long beachfront with two access points for visitors: Hordle Cliff and Hurst Road.
Alternatively, you can catch the ferry from Keyhaven to Hurst Castle, which takes you along the Keyhaven River. There’s plenty to see and do in Milford-on-Sea, with lots of facilities. There are a couple of cafes and an ice cream kiosk along the seafront. The beach also has enough car parking space, so you don’t have to park your car far away.
7. Barton-On-Sea Beach
Barton-on-Sea is just a few miles east of Bournemouth but still in Hampshire. It is a mixed beach with both sand and shingle, serving as an extension of the sandy beach that runs all along the Dorset coast.
Barton-on-Sea is a very popular retirement location, with 36% of the village’s population retired.
Barton-on-Sea and Milford-on-Sea Beach are within 3.5 mi (5.6 km), so it is possible to take a cliff walk from one end to another while enjoying an amazing coastal view. Barton-on-Sea also has beautiful beach huts that provide shade and serve as changing rooms. Best of all, it is dog-friendly all through the year.
8. Stokes Bay
Stokes Bay is not very popular, but it is one of the best beaches in Hampshire. This shingle beach, located just outside of Portsmouth, is excellent for various activities such as sailing, swimming, windsurfing and kayaking.
Visit Solent Springs Adventure Golf nearby if you want to try out a fun activity with your family.
Stokes Bay has a very long coastline, stretching as far as the eye can see. It also has various important facilities, such as small cafes, play areas for children and a parking lot that is a short walk from the beach centre. To cap it off, Stokes Bay is dog-friendly from October to April.
9. Eastney Beach
Eastney Beach is a vast pebble beach located at the eastern end of Hampshire between Southsea Castle and Fort Cumberland. This Hampshire beach is for anyone who wants a quiet and more natural seaside experience.
Eastney has a discreet, signposted area for naturists.
The beach slopes gently down to the shoreline, taking you away from the noise of the roads. It is the perfect location to enjoy water sports alone or with your friends, and it also has nice spots where you can sit and watch ships sail by.
Eastney is popular among dog walkers, cyclists and people looking to take walks across the coastline.
10. Hayling Island Beaches
A list of the best Hampshire beaches would not be complete without mentioning the three beaches on Hayling Island. Hayling Island has three main beaches, which include West Beach, Beachlands Central and Eastoke.
Hayling Island is known for its amusement parks and holiday centres, making it a great vacation location.
West Beach is a shingle beach that has sand dunes protecting the beach from high winds, which makes it ideal for swimming. Beachlands Central has a mixture of sand and pebbles with lots of family-friendly activities to choose from.
Eastoke is the most beautiful of the three beaches, offering lovely views of Chichester Harbour. It is also home to Sandy Point Nature Reserve, a haven for native plants and animals.
Are you planning a visit to one of these alluring beaches with family and friends? SDVH’s 7-seater car hire option is perfect for you. You can also contact us when you need a 9-seater car for a larger group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Hampshire Got A Coast?
Yes, Hampshire has a coast. Hampshire’s coast runs from Highcliffe in the west of the county to Chichester Harbour in the east. Due to its long coastline, several beaches are spread across the county. Hampshire’s Solent coastline provides a welcome retreat for beachgoers, walkers and nature lovers. There are also numerous attractions in the area for visitors to enjoy.
Are There Any Sandy Beaches In Hampshire?
Yes, there are sandy beaches in Hampshire. Although most beaches in Hampshire have pebbles or small to medium-sized cobbles, there are a few with sandy patches. For the perfect sandy beach experience in Hampshire, visit the Sandy Point corner of Hayling Island. Lee-on-Solent, Milford-on-Sea and Barton-on-Sea beaches also have sandy parts.
Does Southampton Have a Beach?
Southampton doesn’t have a beach. It is a port city with harbours where ships load and unload. However, there are several stunning beaches within a short distance of the city. Some great beaches close to Southampton include Lee-on-Solent, Bournemouth Beach, Highcliffe Beach, Mudeford Beach and the Hayling Island beaches.
What Is The Closest Beach To Winchester, Hampshire?
The closest beach to Winchester, Hampshire, is Netley Beach. Netley Beach is only a half an hour’s drive from Winchester. It is a lovely beach for a walk, but it is not great for swimming because it overlooks the heart of the Solent, where cruise ships pass. Other great beaches close to Winchester include Meon Shore, Mudeford, Highcliff and Studland Beach.
Can You Swim In Winchester?
Yes, you can swim in Winchester, but there is no saltwater beach there. Winchester has several swimming pools and leisure centres that are great for people of all ages. To swim in a natural body of water, you have to go to St Cross, where the River Itchen flows through Winchester. There are also several great beaches within a short distance of Winchester that are great for swimming.
Conclusion
If you’re an adventurer looking for a fantastic waterfront experience, you now know the best beaches in Hampshire. This county has a long coast with several beaches that offer stunning views out to the sea. So, whether you’re a windsurfer or kitesurfer, or you’re looking for quiet beaches with country parks or nature reserves for a fun time with your family, you know the places to visit.
