O i do like to be beside the seaside, o i do like to be beside the sea….
With the stay at home message and travel restrictions lifted a little, this warm weather we are having is making the appeal of a visit to the beach very appealing. If you do decide to visit a nearby beach please remember to follow the Covid rules.
No seaside to be found in Andover. So here we have put together where the closest beaches can be found for us to enjoy with our families.
Being beside the seaside can be a great inexpensive day out – just remember to take enough pennies for an ice cream or fish and chip supper.
West Wittering Beach, near Chichester
A lovely stretch of white sandy beach, with cafe and ice cream outlets. One of the premiere blue flag beaches in the country. The whole area is internationally recognised for its wildlife, birds and unique beauty. Parking: Drivers may choose their parking place from the 20 acres of mown grass. No part of the car park is more than 100 metres from the beach. No promenade here so not ideal for buggies.
Parent top tip …..You need to leave early to get to this beach, otherwise you will get stuck in traffic and that’s no fun for anyone.
Lepe country park,Exbury ,Southampton
A stony beach, has a playground to enjoy with lots of wildlife to discover. The New Forest UK have suggested Lepe Country Park as one of the top places to have a picnic.
Avon Beach, Christchurch, Dorset
Avon Beach has fantastic views of the Isle of Wight and the famous Needles Lighthouse. It runs at approximately a 1/4 mile of beach from in front of the car park to the end of the beach huts. The beach is mainly sand with some shingle. The beach is suitable for all the family, offering a gentle slope into the sea and there is a cafe on site.
Mudeford Dorset
An award winning seaside, easy access to The New Forest National Park, great coastal nature walks, a choice of restaurants and cafes (several are right on the beach side), a nature reserve and Highcliffe Castle.
Mudeford is a good place for crabbing too.
Boscombe Beach, Bournemouth
A very popular family beach with pleasant walks through the recently refurbished Boscombe Gardens, featuring a mini golf course and sports complex; Children’s play area and café. Parking can be a nightmare, so get here early to get a space.
Weymouth
Am i allowed to have a favourite …. as this is it !!
Whilst around a 2 hour drive, this beach is so easy to get to via the train, one change at Basingstoke , and as you get off the train in Weymouth the beach is just around the corner. Look out for the special train deals or invest in a friends and family railcard, it will then be cheaper to travel by train than it is by car.
Weymouth is a great place to visit as it has a Harbour (which is great for crabbing – tip, they like bacon!), with lots of cafes dotted along, plus long stretches of sandy beach with promenade. Taking the coastal walk to the rocky areas at Nothe Beach, you will find great spots for rock-pooling. There is also a Sea Life Park & Marine Centre, Pirate Adventure Golf and Sandworld.
Is there a beach that you visit nearby with the children that i’ve missed ?
Then please email me at familylife@loveandover.com the details so i can add them here, full credit will be given to you for your suggestion.
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