I recently asked the Friends of my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook what their recommendations for beaches within an hours drive of North Hampshire were and why they would recommend them. (Thank you very much to everyone who responded!)
This is what they came back with, in no particular order!
NHM Readers Favourite Beaches
1. West Wittering
Liane said: West Wittering! Super flat with fab sand dunes
Louise: West Wittering. My kids have loved this beach from such a young age. Does not cost a fortune as you don’t have all the funfairs and shops there. Beautiful day out that encourages children to use there imagination
2. Lepe Country Park
Wendy: Votes for both Lepe (ideal for all year round, we go every Christmas and Easter) and Southbourne.
Kate: Lepe near Hythe this side of the New Forest. Country Park area above it, cafe and sand! You do pay to park.
3. Alum Chine, Bournemouth
Kelly: Alum Chine paddling pool, park, toilets, cafe and landtrain into Bournemouth
Louise @ NHM: Alum Chine is one of our favourite beaches.
4. Mudeford
Alison: Mudeford. Playground, Sandy beach and grass area , can also take a little boat over the water to a lovely sheltered beach perfect for little ones to paddle
Gloria: Mudeford near so less time in the car more time on the nice quiet sandy beach
5. Frensham Pond
Su: Frensham Pond, sandy lakeside beach, shallow perfect for paddling, no waves, cafe, toilets and parking and closer than the coast
6. Cotswold Water Park beach
Claire: Cotswold water park beach.
7. Royal Victoria Country Park
8. Southbourne nr Bournemouth
Carley: Southbourne nr Bournemouth…fab sand, looks, a few ice cream shops and cable car for the journey back up the cliff… Love it there!
9. Sandbanks in Poole
Jason: Sandbanks; all good, but all a little more than an hour
Emma; Sandbanks in Poole although a bit more than an hour. Lovely long sandy beach, play area, cafe, clean toilets and also up one end for families with dogs – dogs allowed all year round
10. Weymouth
Danielle: Weymouth beach is great for kids bit more than a hours drive though.
Jason: Weymouth, Swanage (added benefit of being able to ‘Park and Ride’ on a Steam Train) but all a little more than an hour
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