The Best Beaches in Southampton

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Southampton, along the south coast of the UK, is a playground for water enthusiasts, so it makes sense to ask does Southampton have a beach? The short answer is yes… quite a few!

These beaches are ideal if you enjoy watching the world float by, including cruise liners, Red Funnel ferries, or the numerous small sailing and motorboats that come and go. Perfect for some Water Wellness!

Dreaming of sandy beaches? Southampton isn’t an area known for its sand, but head to Portsmouth (30 minutes drive) or Bournemouth (50 minutes drive) and you’ll find plenty on offer. The closest sandy type beach to Southampton would be Lepe Country Park Beach which is a mix of both sand and shingle.

Here are the best beaches in Southampton within 20 miles of the city centre:

Calshot Beach

Calshot beach is unquestionably one of the best beaches in Southampton. Located on the edge of the New Forest National Park, its shingle beach is lined with brightly coloured beach huts. These beach huts are striking both from the beach and from the water itself.

It is also home to Calshot Activities Centre, one of the south’s biggest outdoors centres offering sailing, rock climbing, a velodrome, indoor skiing, adventure days and a boat park. The beach is popular with water sport enthusiasts, including open water swimmers.

On a clear day, take in the views of the Isle of Wight and the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth.

This beach is located 16 miles from Southampton city centre and accessible by public transport.

It is safe to swim at this Southampton beach.

Check out this footage of Calshot beach – there is quite a lot of Calshot Castle, but it shows off the beach and views from this location…

Lepe Country Park Beach

Lepe is a coastal country park located in the New Forest National Park. It is a popular spot to escape the city but still close enough to Southampton. It’s a long stretch of sand and shingle with gorgeous views across to the Isle of Wight. It is popular with windsurfers, kitesurfers and beach lovers looking to soak up the feel of the open ocean.

The Lookout Cafe offers a variety of hot and cold food and drinks, whilst there is a charge for car parking in this area. On warm, sunny days, head here early as parking is limited as spaces fill up quickly.

Lepe Country Park beach is located 17 miles from Southampton city centre.

It is safe to swim at this Southampton beach.

Weston Shore

Weston Shore is the closest beach to the city centre, being less than 3 miles away. It’s easily accessible by public transport and has a good amount of free parking. It is a shingle beach along with a wide footpath that runs the entire length. There is also a small cafe here and a good ice cream van making a regular appearance! Mr Whippy anyone?

Swimming is not recommended from this stretch of Southampton beach.

Fancy a bit of adrenaline? Why not hire a jet ski and see this part of Southampton from a different perspective?

Netley Beach

Netley Beach is south of Weston Shore and fronts the beautiful Royal Victoria Country Park. These two beaches (that are our favourites!) are a lovely walk along the shoreline with plenty to see, overlooking the approach to Southampton Port. Grab a camera along with a picnic to really appreciate this special area of Southampton.

This beach is located just over 4 miles from Southampton city centre and accessible by public transport.

Swimming is not recommended from this stretch of Southampton beach.

Hamble Common Beach

Hamble is a popular spot for water lovers, so it’s just as well it comes with its own beach. Situated in front of the common, this shingle beach is ideally located to spend some quality time with friends and family with plenty of free parking available.

Hamble Common beach is located just over 6 miles from Southampton city centre and accessible by public transport.

Swimming is not recommended from this stretch of Southampton beach.

Solent Breezes Beach

Solent Breezes beach is home to Solent Breezes Holiday Park but is accessible to the public. Sit back and watch all the activity on the Southampton Waters, and we bet you’ll be relaxed in no time! Take in the panoramic views, overlooking Calshot and the Isle of Wight.

Check out this video to get a view of Solent Breeze beach from the sky:

Solent Breezes beach shingle beach is located 12 miles from Southampton city centre.

Swimming is not recommended from this stretch of Southampton beach.

Hythe Shingle Beach

Hythe Shingle Beach is worth mentioning in a list of Southampton’s best beaches. It’s a very small beach but is still a lovely area to soak up some Water Wellness. To add to the experience, catch the Hythe Ferry from Town Quay to really feel those Southampton water vibes. Why not visit one of the characteristic cafes and shops along the waterside whilst you are there?

Hythe shingle beach is located 11 miles from Southampton city centre and accessible by public transport.

Swimming is not recommended from this stretch of Southampton beach.

Have you been to one of the best beaches in Southampton? Do you have a favourite Southampton beach? We would love to know what you think in the comments below.