The Best 10 Beaches to Visit in the South of England

🌊☀️ Exploring the best 10 Beaches of Southern England! 🏖️🌴

Looking for a sun-soaked getaway or a refreshing coastal retreat? Look no further than the mesmerizing best 10 beaches of Southern England! With its picturesque coastline, charming seaside towns, and stunning natural beauty, the South of England offers a wealth of options for beach lovers. Let’s dive into some of the best beaches this region has to offer, each offering its own unique charm and allure:

1. Bournemouth Beach

📍 Location: Bournemouth, Dorset

Located in the vibrant county of Dorset, Bournemouth Beach offers seven miles of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. This Blue Flag beach is perfect for families, with plenty of amenities and attractions nearby. From beachfront cafes to water sports activities, there’s never a dull moment at Bournemouth Beach.

Highlights: There are plenty of things to do here, you can visit the gardens and parks, the town centre is a short walk away or you can take in some the stunning Victorian architecture, with many historic buildings and landmarks dotting the landscape.

Bournemouth also offers a vibrant entertainment scene, with a wide array of restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs catering to all tastes and preferences.

2. Brighton Beach

📍 Location: Brighton, East Sussex

No list of top beaches in the South of England would be complete without mentioning Brighton Beach. Known for its iconic pier and vibrant atmosphere, this pebble beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Take a stroll along the promenade, enjoy some fish and chips, and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Highlights: Visitors can swim in the sea, stroll along the bustling promenade, and explore attractions like the Brighton Palace Pier, British Airways i360 observation tower, and Royal Pavilion. The beachfront is lined with cafes, shops, and entertainment venues.

3. Durdle Door

📍 Location: West Lulworth, Dorset

Durdle Door Beach is a picturesque spot along the Jurassic Coast, famous for its natural limestone arch rising dramatically from the sea. The golden sands and clear turquoise waters provide a stunning backdrop for sunbathing, swimming, and coastal walks

Highlights: Visitors can explore the iconic Durdle Door rock formation, relax on the beach, or embark on scenic hikes along the South West Coast Path.

4. West Wittering Beach

📍 Location: West Wittering, West Sussex

West Wittering Beach boasts pristine sandy shores and shallow waters, making it perfect for families with young children. The beach is backed by sand dunes and offers panoramic views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs.

Highlights: Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as kite surfing, windsurfing, and beachcombing. The nearby nature reserve is home to diverse wildlife and scenic walking trails.

5. Studland Bay

📍 Location: Studland, Dorset

Located on the Isle of Purbeck, Studland Bay is a stunning beach that offers something for everyone. With its four miles of golden sand, it’s perfect for sunbathing and sandcastle building. Nature lovers will also appreciate the nearby nature reserve, which is home to a variety of wildlife. It’s also part of a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights: Visitors can swim in the clear waters, sunbathe on the sandy shores, and explore the nearby nature reserve. The beach is popular for wildlife spotting, particularly birdwatching and rare species of flora and fauna.

6. Camber Sands

📍 Location: Camber, East Sussex

If you’re a fan of wide sandy beaches, Camber Sands is the place to go. Located near the historic town of Rye, this beach offers miles of unspoiled coastline and sand dunes. It’s a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, with opportunities for kiteboarding, windsurfing, and more.

Highlights: Visitors can indulge in kite surfing, beachcombing, and sandcastle building. The nearby Rye Harbour Nature Reserve provides opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and scenic walks along the coastline.

7. Weymouth Beach

📍 Location: Weymouth, Dorset

Weymouth Beach, located in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, is a true seaside paradise. With its shallow waters and soft sand, it’s perfect for families with young children. The beach is also backed by a charming Georgian seafront, where you can find plenty of shops, cafes, and traditional fish and chip stalls.

Highlights: For a bird’s-eye view of Weymouth and its surrounding coastline, visitors can take a ride on the Jurassic Skyline observation tower.

Weymouth’s Georgian seafront is lined with elegant buildings or you can visit Nothe Fort, or take a look around the sealife centre.

8. Mudeford Sandbank

📍 Location: Mudeford Sandbank, Dorset

If you’re looking for a beach with a touch of exclusivity, Mudeford Sandbank is the place to be. This secluded beach is only accessible by ferry or a long walk, which adds to its charm. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by pristine white sand and stunning views of Christchurch Harbour.

Highlights: One of Mudeford’s most distinctive features is Mudeford Spit, a long sandbank that extends into Christchurch Harbour. The Spit is popular for its sandy beach, shallow waters, and panoramic views of the harbor and coastline

9. Shanklin Beach

📍 Location: Shanklin Beach, Isle of Wight

For a classic British beach experience, head to Shanklin Beach on the Isle of Wight. This sandy beach is surrounded by picturesque cliffs and offers a range of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to paddleboarding and beach volleyball. Don’t forget to explore the charming town of Shanklin, with its traditional tea rooms and quaint shops.

Highlights: One of Shanklin’s most distinctive features is Shanklin Chine, a deep ravine carved by a stream flowing down to the sea.

Shanklin offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, including Shanklin Theatre, which hosts a range of live performances and shows throughout the year. Nearby attractions such as the Isle of Wight Zoo and Shanklin Seafront offer entertainment for visitors of all ages.

10. Sandbanks Beach, Dorset

📍 Location: Poole, Dorset

Last but not least, Sandbanks Beach is a true gem on the South Coast. Located near Poole, this beach boasts pristine golden sand and stunning views of the Isle of Purbeck. It’s a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, with opportunities for jet skiing, kayaking, and sailing.

Highlights: Activities range from sailing and windsurfing to beach volleyball and sunbathing. The nearby Sandbanks Peninsula offers upscale shops, restaurants, and beachfront properties with stunning views of Poole Harbour.

So there you have it, the best 10 beaches to visit in the South of England. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or simply a day out in the sun, these beaches have it all. So pack your bags, grab your bucket and spade, and get ready for a beach-filled adventure!

Don’t want to travel to the beach? Check out the top 25 things to do outdoors