Prettiest Autumn Walks in Hampshire
Nothing says a cosy autumn day quite like a family walk, lined with orange trees, crunchy leaves and a steamy seasonal drink.
Discovering the best beaches in the south of England
Looking for the perfect family seaside trip? From soft, safe beaches to hidden gems, the South of England is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of the UK. So whether you’re planning a sunny holiday or a weekend escape, we have gathered our top recommendations for three counties, Dorset, Hampshire and Sussex. Pack your buckets and spades and plan your next family adventure.
Our top 5 Dorset beaches
1. Weymouth Beach
Weymouth beach has to be one of the best family beaches in Dorset. With its soft, clean sand and gentle sloping shoreline, it’s ideal for little ones to paddle safely. All thanks to the RNLI, there are lifeguards on duty during peak season, offering you a little peace of mind. If you bring your furry friend along, you’ll find allocated dog friendly areas along the beach, just look out for the signs. Weymouth also has one of the only remaining Punch & Judy shows in the UK. As well as being super cute, the donkey rides are such an amazing way for children to enjoy the visit (a great photo opportunity).
For older children, there is beach volleyball and paddleboarding and even a new attraction to Weymouth. The Weymouth Wheel! At Alexandra gardens you will find the permanent fun fair, filled with rides suitable for all ages. This beach really has everything, there are accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, public showers and water drinking stations dotted along the beach. If needed there are also beach wheelchairs free for hire, just ask. They have chunky wheels which are really helpful whilst on the sand.
When lunchtime rolls around, you’ll find the road lined with cafes, the best fish and chips, ice cream parlours and family friendly pubs. We recommend The Boat. It is a firm favourite with locals and is located right next to the donkey rides. Don’t forget to pick up some freshly made doughnuts before you leave. If you’re local or exploring on bikes, there is a bike repair station along the pavement. Here you’ll find all the tools you could need to fix any minor damage or a flat tire. And of course, no visit to Weymouth beach would be complete without admiring the Jubilee clock… or an ice cream.
2. Durdle Door Beach
INSERT TOM’S PHOTO OF DURDLE DOOR*
Alongside Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door Beach offers families a perfect mix of learning, adventure and memory making. Unlike Weymouth Beach, this beach is not your typical sandy beach with arcades, although it does offer something special. It offers visitors a chance for families to connect with nature. Upon arrival, there is a large car park, where you’ll find the only toilet before heading down. We recommend wearing suitable trainers or walking boots for this walk as the paths are gravelled. Unfortunately, we wouldn’t recommend this trail for mobility scooter or wheelchair users as it is not flat and includes a lot of steps. Durdle Door is thought to have been carved by the sea for over millions of years! This site has also made appearances in popular films and tv shows like Nanny Mcphee and Doctor Who. Why not explore the beach, collect smooth stones and try to spot sea creatures in the rock pools. For families who love being outdoors or want a great opportunity to learn and have fun then Durdle Door has to be on your list.
Just a few tips to help plan your visit
- We recommend wearing good shoes, the walk to the beach includes steps and gravel paths.
- Be sure to pack water, snacks, sun cream, a rubbish bag and swimwear (avoid dark colours, opt for bright contrasting colours like neon orange or pink).
- There are no lifeguards so check times before visiting for the tide.
3. Bournemouth Beach
For many families, Bournemouth Beach is a place to reconnect. Whether that be enjoying a stunning shoreline walk or grabbing an ice cream, Bournemouth creates those simple, meaningful memories and everything you will need for a day or weekend escape. During the summer months, there are lifeguards on duty to ensure safety whilst splashing in the sea. There are also lots of toilets, changing facilities, public showers and parking nearby. This family friendly beach stretches for miles along the Dorset coast, there will be a spot for you and your family to get out the beach towels and let time slow down. Or why not rent a beach hut for a comfy base.
We recommend arriving early, especially during the summer holiday months, to find a good spot close to the facilities available. Even bring your own small cooler with drinks and snacks to avoid queues and save money. If you need to escape the crowds then we would highly recommend walking up to the Each Cliff for a little quiet and you get some incredible panoramic views too, bonus!
One of the best things about this beach is the easy access to the activities here, you are free to dip in and out of activities whenever you and your family want to. So why not visit the Pier for some soft play fun or adrenaline filled zipline rides! Or walk through Bournemouth Gardens and even have a game of mini golf or take in your surroundings on a paddle boat. Bournemouth Beach has its own twist on family trips, with its unique gentle atmosphere, welcoming vibe and everything you could possibly need for a fun family day out, it makes for a perfect place to enjoy each other’s company.
4. West Bay Beach
West Bay Beach has calm waters, making it safe for children to paddle and play. With lifeguards patrolling during the summer months, this beach has a beautiful mix of nostalgic charm and fun adventure. From the working harbour to the West Bay Discovery centre there is something here for the whole family to enjoy. It has interactive exhibitions where kids can learn about local sea life and history. So why not make a day of it, after visiting the West Bay Discovery Centre, fuel up with some fish and chips by the harbours… and some ice cream! Then enjoy a gentle boat ride or take a hike and climb the East Cliff for breathtaking views.
So if you’re after a chilled coastal trip with a mix of nostalgia and family adventure, West Bay Beach has to be on your list! Its charming atmosphere invites both relaxation and exploration.
5. Knoll Beach
Looking for a fantastic spot for your family to play? With safe waters and soft golden sands, Knoll Beach must be at the top of your list. This beach is managed by the National Trust and makes for a wonderful natural play area for all ages. It’s the kind of beach where you can set up a picnic and let the kids play with buckets and spades. There are few sharp rocks or steep drops, making this a beach where your little ones play safely. And if you’re wanting to go for a family stroll then there are heathlands at the back of the beach, perfect for fun wildlife spotting. Here you will also find a National Trust Cafe serving hot drinks and lunches. As well as clean facilities and tons of parking. Dogs are welcome on this beach although there are restrictions during peak summer times.
Or if you fancy trying something new and adrenaline packed together as a family then there is a water sports centre. This is where you can rent our paddleboards and kayaks! What a great way to create memories. With the calm waters and instructors on hand, this is ideal for beginners. If you’d rather stay on land, there are marked walking and cycling routes that connect to Studland Peninsula. Here there are stunning views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight. So, whether your family wants to splash in the sea or explore their surroundings, this beach makes spaces for families to enjoy and create lasting memories.
Our top 5 Hampshire beaches
1. Eastney Beach
Eastern Beach in Portsmouth is perfect for a more laid back seaside escape, similar to Knoll beach there is space for families to spread out, explore and unwind by the sea. This beach is usually less crowded compared to busier tourist beaches in Hampshire, making it easier for you to keep an eye on your children. This beach is also part of the scenic Portsmouth coastline path and has some great family friendly walks and cycle paths. So why not enjoy accessible, smooth walks, ideal for wheelchair users, pushchairs or family bike rides and enjoy lovely views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. With this beach’s quieter nature, why not let your little explorers try stone skipping, kite flying or reveal tiny crabs in the rock pools at low tide, perfect for sparking the kids’ curiosity about nature.
This family friendly beach has close links to local cafes, public toilets, shops and free parking too! Or leave the car at home and travel here via public transport with regular travel
2. Calshot Beach
When it comes to planning a family beach day that is more than sand and sea, we recommend Calshot Beach. On the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire, this beach offers a wide range of nature, history and fantastic family adventures along the way. Calshot is incredibly accessible for families too, it has parking onsite as well as well maintained toilets and a beach cafe, serving traditional seaside treats to warm drinks for those windy summer days. This cafe also has outside seating, great for picking up a drink in between beach games! Don’t forget to bring along the scooters or bikes because Calshot beach offers plenty of space for little ones to run and scoot along the waterfront.
No matter the weather, step into adventure at the Calshot Activities Centre. Just a few steps from the beach, this facility offers indoor climbing, skiing and snowboarding! As we all know, British weather can be unpredictable, so this is a great back up or just something different. For older kids there are water sports available too, including kayaking and windsurfing.
At Calshot you can expect to find a cobble beach with stunning breathtaking views across the Solent stretching to the Isle of Wight. The calmer waters make it safe for kids to splash around in the water and watch boats and cruise ships pass by. Be sure to pack the beach shoes and a picnic blanket too for a relaxed day by the water. This beach is the perfect escape from arcade noise and a wonderful way to enjoy quality time whilst soaking up the rich history and nature.
Managed by English Heritage, Calshot Castle is an adventure packed, fun way to introduce your little ones to Hampshire history. With amazing, not too high views from the top of the castle, this has to be at the top of your next family beach day out.
3. Hayling Island Beaches
Hayling Island beaches are built for family fun and are one of Hampshire’s best kept secrets! In between Portsmouth and Chichester harbours, whether you’re building sandcastles, hunting for shells or trying out water sports, Hayling’s beaches offer something for kids of all ages (and their grown-ups too!).
Hayling has a wide range of coastal experiences, each with a different vibe. Beachlands, a blue flag beach, complete with lifeguards on patrol in the summer and great facilities. There are even classic seaside amusement arcades, Funland Amusement Park, and fairs here, making this the most family focused in Hayling.
West beach is ideal for families wanting a relaxed and quieter day out or experience. This beach has plenty of places for you to have a picnic and watch your little ones explore and go rock pooling.
Eastoke is a shingle beach but has easy access. Very popular all thanks to its cafes and water sports activities for the whole family. This beach is great for paddleboarding and gentle kayaking.
Other than beaches, Hayling Island had plenty more family attractions such as the Hayling Seaside Railway. This is a short but scenic ride along the coast and is always a huge hit with little ones! Or there the Hayling Billy trail, an ideal activity for family walks with stunning views overlooking Langstone Harbour.
4. Lepe Beach
Lepe beach is one of those beaches that shines all year round. In summer, it’s ideal for lazy beach days, in spring and autumn it’s quieter but great for peaceful coastal walks and wildlife spotting. And in winter it transforms into a windswept escape and a cafe at the end to warm up.
This wide, shingle beach has room for your little ones to roam safely and is great for paddling, digging and stone skipping. At low tide, sandy patches are revealed making it perfect for fun beach games. This beach has an amazing set up, making it ideal for families who want a relaxing experience minus the busy town noise. There is a generous car park, clean toilets and changing facilities as well as outdoor showers. With an onsite cafe selling lunches and ice cream… What more could you want? There are even picnic benches available if you packed your own.
It also offers nearby beautiful woodland walks and nature trails in Lepe Country Park, suitable for any age and ability. Why not see how many wildlife flowers and birds you can see, this is a great way to get kids engaged with nature.
5. Netley Beach
Netley beach isn’t full of arcades or small town buzz but it offers something special to visitors. If your family is looking for an easy going, relaxed day by the sea then this beach just might be the perfect fit. It is easy to access with smooth pathways, parking nearby as well as toilets and cafes just a short walk from the country park.
The water here is usually calm all thanks to the sheltered positioning, so little ones can splash around safely in the shallow waters. Even in the warmer months, this beach doesn’t get too crowded and there is plenty of space for you to spread out the picnic blanket. The beach is in front of the Royal Victoria Country Park, a large green area, where your little ones can run around and play ball games or play in the play areas. As a family, why not go on one of the woodland trails and stop for a picnic along the way.
Our top 5 Sussex beaches
1. West Wittering and East Head
West Wittering and East Head offer something magical for families, it is the perfect escape from busy crowds. If you’re craving fresh sea air and stunning coastal beauty then this has to be at the top of your list! West Wittering is recognised for its shallow waters, it is the ideal spot for paddling, with soft sand and gorgeous views – great for a picnic too! It has safe and sandy shores and there are lifeguards on patrol in the summer months to increase safety.
Just a walk away you’ll find East Head. This beach has calm sandy dunes and salt marshes. Best known for its great wildlife spots and nature filled adventures, this special corner of the south coast offers something a little different to families visiting. So why not fly some kites or pack a frisbee and play some games on the sand. There are plenty of cafes nearby the car park so why not grab an ice cream … or two. If you’re looking for something more scenic then there are tons of gentle walks through the dune and salt marshes back to West Wittering. Sometimes you can even spot the odd seal! Or why not explore the waters a different way. Try paddleboarding, kayaking or even windsurfing. The naturally calm waters make it a great opportunity for beginners or family sessions.
We also recommend packing your bikes. There are loads of quiet country lanes for couples or coastal paths around the village for families. Local cafes and pubs offer a spot to grab a bite or a drink, we recommend stopping by The Old House at Home in West Wittering village, or visit one of East Wittering’s many fish and chip restaurants!
2. Goring Beach
When it comes to Goring Beach, it is the ideal beach for families wanting to escape the crowds but still want an adventure packed trip. It has spacious, wide sand, perfect for your little explorers to play in. When the tide is low, sandy areas appear and this is ideal for sandcastles or safe paddling. Unlike busier beaches, Goring is well known for having a naturally safe, chilled area. Bluebird Cafe, popular with the locals, sits right at the seafront. It serves snacks and full lunches catered to kids and adults. There are family facilities nearby as well as great parking just a few steps from the beach.
If you and your family are feeling brave, why not try out kayaking or paddleboarding. The gentle waters make it more forgiving for beginners or older children, or why not see what marine life you can spot when the tide is low at the rock pools (also check the tide times before planning). And if your four legged family member wants to come along for the adventure too, dogs are welcome all year round. So if you’re after a chilled or adventure packed family day out (without the usual crowds) then this beach ticks all boxes!
3. Camber Sands
Though mainly a pebble beach Brighton Beach remains vibrant and characteristic with tons of fun to be had. Kids love to skip stones and splash around in the shallow waters, and of course, you can’t visit Brighton without stopping by the famous Brighton Palace Pier. There are loads of arcades, rides and kid friendly attractions like Sealife – which has over 5000 sea creatures and is packed with child-friendly and fun exhibits to enjoy! It is a great option if the weather makes a turn for the worst or if you’re just after some educational fun. There are also plenty of ice cream shops with tons of seaside treats to choose from.
If your family are after some adrenaline packed activities, Brighton has got you covered. Soar through the air on the Brighton zipwire, offering amazing views overlooking the beachfront. Suitable for older kids and teens. There is mini golf too! Along the sea front you can try mini golf or if the weather is bad head over to Marina’s for some illuminated fun, glow in the dark mini golf! There are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby catering to the whole family. This beach really does have some amazing family facilities and there is something for everyone, any age, so definitely add Brighton Beach to your list!
4. Brighton Beach
The iconic Brighton Beach is a vibrant and characteristic beach, with tons of fun for the whole family. The beach itself is mainly pebbles, children can skip stones, splash in shallow waters and even go on the famous Brighton Palace Pier. There are loads of arcades, rides and kid friendly attractions like Sealife. The world’s oldest aquarium in a gorgeous Victorian building. It has over 5,000 sea creatures and loads of kid friendly interactive exhibits to discover! It is a great option if the weather makes a turn for the worst or if you’re just after some educational fun. There are also plenty of ice cream shops with tons of seaside treats to choose from.
If your family are after some adrenaline packed activities, Brighton has got you covered. Soar through the air on the Brighton zipwire, offering amazing views overlooking the beachfront. Suitable for older kids and teens. There is mini golf too! Along the sea front you can try mini golf or if the weather is bad head over to Marina’s for some illuminated fun, glow in the dark mini golf! There are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby catering to the whole family. This beach really does have some amazing family facilities and there is something for everyone, any age, so definitely add Brighton Beach to your list!
Bournemouth Pier is 1,000 feet in length which stretches into the English Channel, there you will find arcade games, restaurants and modern attractions including a popular zip-lining experience. The Oceanarium has a variety of fascinating marine life from around the world, with walk-through tunnels offering up close encounters with sharks, rays and tropical fish.
The town centre has kept part of its Victorian architecture while adding modern shopping centres. A few of the attractions that are popular with tourists include theatres, art galleries and music venues that host a range of entertainment year-round
5. Bexhill Beach
Bexhill beach is a mixture of stones and pebbles, but is best known for its very own dinosaur footprint trail, sure to spark adventurous imaginations! The beach itself is wide and has a gentle slope which is great for little ones to splash and play safely. Along the sea front, look out for fun play equipment areas, these are really great for your little ones to burn off some energy. There is also a colonnade nearby filled with amazing independent shops and quirky boutiques, why not pick up a souvenir for a loved one. Just a walk away lies Bexhill museum. This museum showcases fascinating local history, cool costumes and some incredible World War 2 memorabilia. They also have some fun, kid friendly exhibits here too, including model railways.
At low tide, sand is revealed, perfect for building sandcastles! (Check tide times before planning). There are also loads of great family friendly facilities, cafes, huts and even deckchair hire, Bexhill makes for a great chilled seaside trip. However, dog restrictions apply seasonally and lifeguards are not present here.
Looking for more beachy adventures? Check out our Busy Beach Book by following the link:
https://famshire.co.uk/busy-bee-signup/ (Limited availability!)
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