Discover the wonders of the New Forest’s lovely coastline with our top
beaches to visit, offering everything from sandy shores & vibrant beach huts
to watersports.
You might not normally associate the New Forest with the seaside, but the wonderfully diverse coastline offers some great days out at the beach.
Whether you’re after a sandy, pebbly or silty beach – or don’t care so long as you can breathe in that sea air – there are a couple of lovely spots to visit when staying at one of our holiday homes in the New Forest.
With gems where you can walk along the shore, dip your toes in or set up for a full day of beach activities, these are the best New Forest beaches to explore when you’re in the area…
Calshot Beach is located along the eastern edge of the New Forest’s coastline and forms part of the spit that extends into the mouth of Southampton water. Here, you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views across The Solent and towards the Isle of Wight.
The beach is shingle, so don’t expect to make any sandcastles; however, there are rows of colourful beach huts for that classic seaside feeling. Calshot is also known for being a haven for watersports enthusiasts, with the Calshot Activities Centre offering things like sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing to help get you out on the water.
Along from the main beach, at the end of the spit, you’ll find Calshot Castle, a Tudor fort that’s now managed by English Heritage. Meander down the spit here to head to the cafe or find a picnic spot and watch the boats go by.
Lepe Beach is part of Lepe Country Park, which is an Area of Outstanding Beauty and a popular place for families to visit. The beach itself is made up of shingle and golden sand, providing all the makings of a quintessential beach day.
The Lepe lighthouse offers a nice photo opportunity, and the beach has easy access to the rest of the park, which provides trails through tranquil gardens and forests.
As there is no lifeguard coverage here and the currents can get quite strong, swimming is not recommended.
For insight on some good swimming spots, check out our guide to wild swimming in the New Forest.
Hurst Spit is a shingle bank that stretches out from Milford on Sea and into The Solent. Like Calshot, the spit ends with a castle fortress commissioned by Henry VIII.
When walking along the spit, you’ll get lovely views out to the Isle of Wight on one side and the sights of the Keyhaven Marshes on the other. On the side facing the marshes, there is a lagoon that is lovely for swimming (the water on the other side of the spit can get dangerous and is not recommended for swimming).
You can get a ferry from Keyhaven to Hurst Castle, then make the two-mile coastal walk back along the spit for a wonderful afternoon out by the sea and sand.
Milford on Sea boasts some enchanting sea views and a shingle beach at Hordle Cliff that turns sandy at mid to low tide. Those looking to splash about in the waves will love heading out to the sandbar, which provides a great way to experience the surf or enjoy a few beach games.
Set against the beaches here, you’ll also see the famous beach huts in all their glorious, vibrant colours, which look particularly spectacular during the stunning sunsets seen in the area.
As the beach is close to the village, it’s not too far to drive or walk before you get to plenty of amenities, including shops, cafes and places to stop for ice cream.
Heading along the coast from Milford, you’ve got Barton on Sea Beach, which is a shingle and rock stretch backed by cliffs. The setting here, looking out over Christchurch Bay, offers a blend of peaceful and dramatic views which you can enjoy from the cliff-top cafe.
Like at Milford on Sea, the beachfront is dotted with colourful beach huts, which provide a charming and nostalgic seaside feel.
The water is generally quite calm and shallow, making it great for families. Sea kayaking is also popular along the coast here, giving you the chance to see the local wildlife from a new perspective.
All the beaches we’ve mentioned here are dog-friendly throughout the year, with the exception of Lepe Beach, which has a summer ban on the main, family-friendly part of the beach.
Your four-legged friends will love running along the sandy and pebbly banks, taking in all the sights, smells and sounds!
Whilst slightly outside of the New Forest area, you won’t have to travel far to take a trip to the beaches below – and they’re well worth a visit.
These spots have fine yellow sand, so are ideal for family days out and sand castle building.
Want to make the most of your break and stay right by the sea? Our eclectic selection of New Forest getaways beside the seaside offers some lovely waterside locations to ensure you can find the perfect escape.
