The New Forest might be best known for its wild ponies and, well, the beautiful forest of course, but the area also has some great beaches to explore along its 40 miles of coastline – from Totton near Southampton all the way to Barton on Sea. The beaches of Highcliffe and Christchurch Bay are also close at hand.
The beaches in New Forest range from sand to pebble to a mixture of sand and mud, but this means there really is a beach for everyone – whether it’s building sandcastles, exercising the dog or simply stretching out and enjoying the views and local wildlife.
The coastline is perfect for walkers too – especially the Lymington to Keyhaven Nature Reserve route which takes you from Lymington marinas and sea water baths all the way to Hurst Castle.
Lymington doesn’t actually have a beach of its own, but it does have a beautiful marina and, from April to September, there’s the fabulous, fully-staffed and family-friendly 110m sea pool. There’s plenty of space to swim or try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, but there’s also an inflatable obstacle course as well as water zorbing.
The good news, however, is there are two great New Forest beaches close to Lymington; across the Lymington River and you’ll find Tanners Lane – a great place to spot crabs, catch late afternoon sun or explore the trees and stream. Under your feet is a mixture of sand and mud, but plenty of room to have fun.
Owned by English Heritage, Hurst Castle Spit is well worth a visit to see the Tudor keep and enjoy the views across the sea – although it’s not a spot for swimming and boarding.
For many of us, ‘beach’ means sand – and that means sandcastles, feeling the grains between your toes and finding it everywhere (and we mean everywhere) when you get back home. Here are some of our New Forest beach recommendations…
Lymington has plenty of sandy beaches on its doorstep, including Lepe Beach – a mile-long stretch of sand and some shingle, with a larger sandy area visible at low tide. That’s when you can spot the D-Day defences which still remain 75 years on. Dogs are only allowed on the beach from October to April, but facilities are really good – from wildflower meadows to children’s play area, car park, shop and the Lookout Cafe. All-terrain wheelchairs for hire mean the beach really is for everyone.
Another sandy/shingle spot is Highcliffe Beach; behind the beach are cliffs and a shoreline promenade – parking is at the end of Waterford Road and you can get refreshments at the Cliffhanger Cafe.
Don’t confuse this with Highcliffe Castle Beach – a sand and shingle beach, approximately one kilometre wide, backed by woodland covered cliffs. The zig-zag path down the cliffs leads to this peaceful beach, perfect for sandcastles and relaxing. If you want to avoid dogs, this is for you, as they’re only allowed October-April. You can visit the nearby Highcliffe Castle (built in the early 19th century) for tours and refreshments at the castle’s cafe.
Just below Steamer Point Nature Reserve is the quiet Steamer Point Beach which is accessed from a one-mile path from Friar’s Cliff Beach or Highcliffe Castle. Alternatively, there’s a long-stay car park with on-site toilets.
The starting point of the path to Steamer Point, Friars Cliff Beach is sand/stone stretch with great views of the Isle of Wight and colourful beach huts which are for hire. There’s parking available at Steamer Point car park, toilets and showers on-site, the Beach Café, restaurant and a shop.
Last but not least for beaches near New Forest, is Avon Beach, in Mudeford, on the outskirts of Christchurch. It’s a beautiful, sandy beach with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. It’s got everything – a water sports area, ice cream kiosk, children’s play area, beach huts for hire, a cafe, shop and The Noisy Lobster restaurant. Oh, and it’s perfect for building sandcastles! There are also showers, toilets, parking and disabled access. If you’re into kitesurfing or windsurfing, you’ll love it.
Great views of the Isle of Wight and beautiful beach huts, Calshot Beach also boasts Calshot Castle at one end, and also the Calshot Activities Centre.
It’s a popular spot for sea fishing; there’s a car park and also the Bluebird Cafe for snacks and refreshments.
A large number of beaches in the New Forest are dog friendly but only between October and April; there are a handful, however, where our four-legged friends are happily welcome all year round.
When it comes to landscape, this is one of the best beaches in the New Forest, it really has it all – beach, heathland, saltmarsh and woodland. It’s home to an estimated 300+ species of bird.
There’s a visitor centre, long stay car park, toilets, food and drink and disabled access. There’s also a land train which heads from the car park to the entrance to the spit and harbour.
As well as great views, good bathing facilities and picturesque beach huts, this dog-friendly beach near Lymington has the Solent Way walk running along the 30-metre-high clay cliffs that back the beach. The beach is also famous for its fossil beds, perfect for a spot of fossil hunting.
There are three car parks nearby as well as road parking; on-site toilets, a café, a restaurant, a shop and beach huts for hire.
Mostly shingle, this beach is excellent for swimming, water sports, walking, fishing and bird watching. The beach is lined with colourful beach huts and backed by a coastal cliff path. You’ll also get great views of the Solent, Isle of Wight, Purbeck Hills, Hengistbury Head and Christchurch Harbour. You’ll also find the Needles Eye Café and a children’s playground.
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