The New Forest isn’t just, well, forest’ there’s more to a break here than woodland walks and spotting the famous ponies – although those are both lovely. Head to Barton-on-Sea and you’re presented with a cornucopia of coves and beaches. There’s wildlife to spot, fantastic swimming to enjoy – and best of all, many of them are dog friendly.
Here are our favourite five:
Barton-on-Sea Beach
Barton-on-Sea Beach is a shingle and rocky beach and a firm favourite of the New Forest. Barton-on-Sea Beach also offers plenty of activities and great amenities. Here, you can find great public toilets. There are several public toilets located along the beachfront, including one near the Barton on Sea Beach Access building and one near the Pebble Beach Cafe. There’s also a cliff top cafe and restaurant with some great views of the bay. Doggies are also more than welcome!
Other amenities include:
Beach huts: There are a number of beach huts available to rent for the day, week, or season. Beach hut rentals provide a private space to relax, store your belongings, and change clothes.
Cafés and restaurants: There are several cafés and restaurants located near the beach, including the Pebble Beach Cafe, which offers indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views of the Solent.
Parking: There are several pay-and-display car parks located near the beach, as well as some roadside parking.
Disabled facilities: There are several disabled-friendly facilities available at Barton on Sea Beach, including beach ramps, accessible toilets, and designated parking spaces.
Activities:
Sunbathing and swimming: The long, sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The water is generally calm and shallow, making it ideal for families with children.
Beach walks: There are several scenic walking trails along the beach and the surrounding cliffs. The Solent Way, a long-distance footpath, starts at Barton-on-Sea and stretches for over 40 miles.
Sea kayaking: Sea kayaking is a popular activity at Barton on Sea, offering opportunities to explore the coastline and wildlife. Several companies offer sea kayaking tours and lessons.
Birdwatching: The area around Barton on Sea is home to a variety of birds, including seabirds, waders, and songbirds. The nature reserve at Keyhaven Marshes is a haven for birdlife.
Paragliding: Paragliding is another popular activity at Barton on Sea, offering stunning views of the coastline and the Isle of Wight. Several paragliding companies operate in the area.
Golfing: There are two golf courses located near Barton on Sea.
Within this area, you’ll also find a great selection of local restaurants and gorgeous walks to enjoy with a dog padding by your side, or perhaps cycling with family and friends in tow.
Highcliffe Beach
You won’t be bored at Highcliffe Beach in Dorset, just along the coast from Barton-on-Sea. This shingle and sand beach is great for bodyboarding and swimming, and there are plenty of clifftop walks to explore, including one to Highcliffe Castle.
The beach is surrounded by unique cliff habitats which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest and provide a home to many of the UK’s rare species of reptiles, birds and insects.
There’s a sizeable car park (over 400 spaces), along with a cafe. BBQs aren’t allowed on the beach, nor are horses between Easter and the end of September.
Facilities:
Toilets: Public toilets are conveniently located throughout the beach area, ensuring easy access for visitors.
Beach Huts: Rent a beach hut for the day, week, or season to enjoy a private haven amidst the seaside setting. Beach huts provide a place to relax, store belongings, and change clothes.
Cafés and Restaurants: Several cafes and restaurants line the beachfront, offering a range of refreshments and dining options. From casual bites to sit-down meals, there’s something for every taste.
Parking: Two main car parks, Highcliffe Castle Car Park and Steamer Point Car Park, provide ample parking for visitors. Pay-and-display options are available.
Disabled Facilities: Highcliffe Beach is thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind. Beach ramps, accessible toilets, and designated parking spaces cater to individuals with disabilities.
Water Sports: Embrace the thrill of water activities at Highcliffe Beach. Sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and surfing are popular choices, with several companies offering lessons and rentals.
Nature Reserves: Explore the surrounding nature reserves, including Steamer Point Nature Reserve and the Highcliffe Cliffs Local Nature Reserve, to discover a diverse array of wildlife, including birds, insects, and marine life.
Highcliffe Castle: Ascend to the grandeur of Highcliffe Castle, a Victorian Gothic mansion perched atop the cliffs, offering panoramic views of the coastline and the English Channel.
Dog Walking: Highcliffe Beach is a designated dog-friendly beach, allowing furry companions to accompany their owners on seaside adventures.
Activities:
Sunbathing and Swimming: Bask in the warm sunshine and unwind on the sandy and shingle beaches. The calm waters are ideal for swimming and paddling, especially for families with children.
Beachcombing: Explore the shoreline and discover hidden treasures among the pebbles, shells, and driftwood. Beachcombing can be a delightful and rewarding pastime.
Surfing and Bodyboarding: Hone your surfing skills or learn the basics of bodyboarding at Highcliffe Beach, where the waves provide a thrilling challenge.
Rockpooling: Embark on an underwater adventure by exploring the tide pools at low tide. Discover fascinating sea creatures like crabs, shrimps, and starfish.
Walking Trails: Embark on scenic walking trails along the cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the coastline, the English Channel, and the Isle of Wight.
Birdwatching: Observe the diverse array of birds that frequent the area, including seabirds, waders, and songbirds. The nature reserves provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Photography: Capture the captivating beauty of Highcliffe Beach and its surrounding landscapes. From dramatic clifftop vistas to sun-kissed coastal scenes, there’s plenty to inspire photographers.
Arts and Crafts: Unleash your creativity with a variety of arts and crafts activities, such as painting seascapes or creating sandcastle masterpieces.
Family Fun: Highcliffe Beach provides a welcoming environment for families to enjoy a variety of activities, from building sandcastles and collecting shells to exploring rockpools and playing games.
Relaxation: Simply unwind and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of Highcliffe Beach, letting the soothing sounds of the waves wash away stress and worries.
Taddiford Gap Beach
Nestled amidst the picturesque cliffs of the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, Taddiford Gap Beach is a hidden gem offering a tranquil seaside retreat and a haven for nature enthusiasts. While not as well-known as its neighbouring beaches, Taddiford Gap Beach boasts a unique charm and a variety of activities to appeal to nature enthusiasts, beachgoers, and those seeking a more serene coastal experience. Taddiford Gap Beach is about a mile and a half from Barton-on-Sea and is an isolated shingle, mud and sand beach.
It’s a bit off the beaten path so is one of the quieter beaches in the area; there’s no lifeguard and there is a risk of being cut off by the tide if you head too far along the coast. The low cliffs are rich in fossils, and there are some great views of the Isle of Wight. Dogs are allowed on the beach also.
The facilities at this beach include:
Accessibility: Taddiford Gap Beach is relatively accessible, with a car park located nearby and a well-maintained path leading down to the beach. However, please note that the path can be steep and slightly overgrown, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Nudist Area: Taddiford Gap Beach is a designated naturist beach, meaning that clothing is optional. Naturists are respectful of others’ choices, so please respect their privacy by not wearing revealing clothing or taking photographs without their consent.
Solitude: Taddiford Gap Beach is relatively secluded, offering a sense of tranquillity and privacy. However, it can also get crowded during peak season, so consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or early mornings for a more peaceful experience.
Stunning Views: The beach provides panoramic views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight, offering a breathtaking backdrop for your coastal adventures.
As for activities:
Sunbathing: Bask in the warm sunshine and unwind on the pebbled beach while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
Exploring Rockpools: At low tide, explore the intertidal zone and discover hidden marine life in the rockpools. Be cautious of tides and currents.
Beach Walking: Embark on scenic walks along the cliffs, enjoying the fresh air and stunning views of the coastline.
Nature Photography: Capture the beauty of Taddiford Gap Beach and its surrounding landscapes, from the rugged cliffs to the diverse marine life.
Sea Kayaking: Experience the thrill of sea kayaking and explore the coastline from a unique perspective. Several companies offer sea kayaking tours and lessons.
Birdwatching: Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife that frequents the area, including seabirds, waders, and songbirds.
Milford-on-Sea Beach
Dog friendly and offering great views of the Isle of Wight, Milford-on-sea is a stony beach with a couple of cafes, an ice cream kiosk and a children’s play area. There’s a great walk along Hurst Spit to Hurst Castle if you’re not one for sunbathing and swimming. A word of caution if you’re doing the latter; there’s no lifeguard on duty. Dogs are allowed on the beach.
The facilities at this beach include:
Parking: Several pay-and-display car parks located near the beach offer ample parking for visitors, ensuring easy access to the seaside attractions.
Cafés and Restaurants: A variety of cafés and restaurants line the beachfront, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. From casual eateries serving mouthwatering ice cream and freshly made sandwiches to traditional pubs offering hearty meals and refreshing drinks, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Public Toilets: Convenient public toilets are located throughout the beach area, ensuring easy access for visitors.
Water Sports: Milford-on-Sea Beach is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and surfing are popular activities, with several companies offering lessons and rentals.
Playground: A fun-filled playground provides entertainment for children of all ages, ensuring they have plenty to keep them occupied while their parents relax on the beach or enjoy water activities.
Treetop Adventure: For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Treetop Adventure offers a series of aerial challenges, including zip lines, climbing nets, and suspension bridges.
As for what you can get up to at this beach, you’ll find no shortage:
Sunbathing and Swimming: Bask in the warm sunshine and unwind on the sandy beach, soaking up the tranquil coastal atmosphere. The gently sloping shores and shallow waters make Milford-on-Sea Beach ideal for swimming, especially for families with children.
Beachcombing: Explore the shoreline and discover hidden treasures among the pebbles, shells, and driftwood. Beachcombing can be a delightful and rewarding pastime, offering glimpses into marine life and coastal ecology.
Low Tide Adventures: At low tide, the beach reveals a sandbar, creating a unique opportunity for exploring the intertidal zone and discovering fascinating marine life like crabs, shrimps, and starfish.
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing: Milford-on-Sea Beach is a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to its consistent winds and sandy shores. Several companies offer lessons and equipment rentals for those eager to experience these exhilarating water sports.
Hengistbury Head Beach
If you want to get closer to nature, then Hengistbury Head Beach should be top of your list when it comes to beaches near Barton-on-Sea.
There are miles and miles of nature reserve to explore, and a myriad of activities to enjoy (check the website or head for the Visitor Centre); take the land train to Mudeford Sand Spit, then enjoy tea and cake at one of the cafes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Hengistbury Head, but please remember that this is a nature reserve with plenty of rare and beautiful wildlife.
Hengistbury Head has plenty of exciting facilities:
Parking: Ample parking is available at the Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, which also houses a café and a shop.
Toilets: Public toilets are located near the parking area and along the beachfront.
Beach Huts: Beach huts are available to rent for the day or by the season.
Nature Reserve: Hengistbury Head is a designated National Nature Reserve, offering a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Land Train: A small land train operates between the visitor centre and Mudeford Quay, providing an easy way to navigate the headland.
Then for something active to keep you busy, this beach is rife with native wildlife. Enjoy a spot of birdwatching, cycle across the scenic paths, or perhaps comb the beach for forgotten treasures, intricate shells and little keepsakes.
