The south coast is home to some of the UK’s best beaches and with sunshine continuing and record tempertures being reached, this heatwave is a good opportunity to get out and explore.
In Basingstoke, we are blessed with easy access to the M3 which is our corridor to the sea.
Or if you don't have access to a car, Basingstoke Train Station will take you straight to Bournemouth and beyond, where beautiful beaches await.
From country parks to stretches of sandy beach, Hampshire really has it all when it comes to a day at the seaside.
Here’s our pick of some of the best beaches from Hampshire and in neighbouring counties that you and your loved ones will be able to get to in just over an hour.
Boscombe
In lively Boscombe you can find a soft sandy beach stretching over 1 km either side of the restored Victorian pier.
With the RNLI on patrol here it is one of the safest most family friendly spots to go.
Bournemouth
Ranked as the best beach in the UK and the fifth best in Europe Bournemouth is definitely a go to seaside destination.
The bay has its own microclimate giving it some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK.
In this seaside destination you can find Bournemouth Pier which has fantastic views, children’s rides and boat trips.
Lee-on-the-Solent
If you want stunning panoramic views across the Solent this is the beach for you.
With safe swimming and a children’s play area it is a great choice for families of all ages.
Along the pebbly beach there is no shortage of places to eat drink and get an ice cream.
Southsea
Made up of flinty shingle with a stretch of sand exposed at low tide Southsea is a vibrant seaside town.
This is the perfect place for activity lovers with a popular Canoe Lake and great spots to go crabbing.
Situated less than a mile away from Portsmouth city centre you can also visit shops and restaurants as well as the Blue Reef Aquarium.
Lepe
This country park with crystal clear views of the Isle of Wight has something for everyone.
A family friendly and dog friendly beach with an adventure playground and spots to bird watch there is plenty to keep you occupied.
The site has tons of history having once been a hotspot for smuggling and playing a vital in the D-Day landings and the Cold War.
And last but certainly not least.
Calshot
this beach is home to 1 of the U.K.’s biggest outdoor and water sports centre where you can take part in a range of activities including windsurfing, kite surfing sailing and climbing.
If these activities don’t take your fancy you can have a look at the 16th century fort or walk down the mile-long shingle spit which reaches out into the mouth of the Southampton water.
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