Written by Phil
Sitting in the South Downs National Park and the official start of the South Downs Way, you’d think that staying in the fabulous cathedral city of Winchester would mean day trips to the beach would be out the question. Well think again! We’ve compiled a complete list of the beautiful beaches near Winchester popular with locals and visitors year round.
They’re a combination of predominantly pebble beaches and some sandy beaches on the south coast within 60 minutes drive of Winchester city centre, the majority of which are child friendly beaches.
West Wittering Beach
- Distance from Winchester: 60 mins
- Parking: Paid parking – can book online
- Things to see: East Head Spit, Views of Isle of Wight, Crown & Anchor Pub in Bosham.
- Type of Beach: Pebble by car park and Sandy a 10 mins walk
West Wittering or “The Witters” is one of my favourite beaches and the perfect place for families, couples and water sports lovers. It’s easy to access from the car park with plenty of space on the pebble section close to the car park or several kilometres of sandy beach within a 10 minute walk. Designated a Blue Flag Beach, the water quality is excellent and it’s a great place to swim in the shallows. Areas with dangerous currents are signposted and the many area of this is where the beach bends to the right as you’re looking out to see.
The beach has plenty of facilities including several blocks of modern restrooms, showers, a brand new cafe, a watersports centre popular with people kite surfing and windsurfing and lifeguards on duty during the summer months. There are plenty of picnic areas to enjoy that family picnic whether close to the car park or down on the beach at low-tide. This is hands down one of the best sandy beaches on the south coast close to Winchester and the lovely walks both on the beach and in the local area are top notch. The best time at West Wittering is the end of the day when the majority of people have headed home and you have the beach to yourself to enjoy sundowners – a great way to end your day.
Lepe Beach
- Distance from Winchester: 45 mins
- Parking: Year round parking at Lepe Country Park
- Things to see: Bird Hide, ROC Underground Monitoring Post, D-Day at Lepe, The Lookout Cafe
- Type of Beach: Pebble
Popular with windsurfers and kite-surfers, Lepe is a long stretch of pebble public beach with beautiful views and plenty of history including the preparation for those who left from Lepe during D-Day.
Sandy Point Beach
- Distance from Winchester: 55 mins
- Parking: No parking (by foot only)
- Things to see: R.N.L.I. Lifeboat Station
- Type of Beach: Sandy
Sandy Point is a little beach that sits adjacent to a Nature Reserve with many a rare wild life to be spotted. The beach can be accessed from the promenade that runs along the top of the seafront and from the R.N.L.I Lifeboat Station, but only by foot. It offers great views across to the Witterings beaches and to Selsey Bill on a clear day. The tides on these beaches can be very strong, due to their proximity with the entrance to Chichester Harbour upon which they sit so caution should be taken if going in the water. Black Point is actually a private beach owned by the Hayling Island Sailing Club, access to which is restricted to members only.
Lee-on-Solent Beach
- Distance from Winchester: 40 mins
- Parking: There are 314 car spaces. 13 disabled spaces. 5 coach spaces.
- Things to see: The Hovercraft Museum
- Type of Beach: Shingle
The beach at Lee-on-the-Solent is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. With its stunning views of the Solent, many flock to this stretch of coastline to enjoy the scenery and soak up some rays. The beach is also easily accessible with plenty of parking nearby, making it a convenient destination for families with young children or those with limited mobility. During the summer months, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Aside from its natural beauty, Lee-on-the-Solent beach also offers a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. From water sports such as windsurfing and kayaking to volleyball courts and children’s play areas, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. And when you’ve had your fill of sun and sand, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an action-packed adventure, Lee-on-the-Solent beach has something for everyone. So why not visit this hidden gem on England’s south coast.
Milford-on-Sea Beach
- Distance from Winchester: 55 mins
- Parking: Two main car parks – Paddy’s Gap and Hordle Cliff (sat nav: SO41 0NS).
- Things to see: Playground
- Type of Beach: Sandy & Shingle
Milford on Sea Beach is not just a nice place to enjoy the sun and sea, it also has historical significance. The coastline here was formed around 7000 years ago during the Mesolithic period, and archaeological evidence suggests that humans have been living in the area since then. In fact, just a short walk from Hordle Cliff beach is Hurst Castle – an artillery fort built by Henry VIII in the late 16th century.
In addition to its historical significance, Milford on Sea beach also offers a variety of activities for visitors. The beach is home to a vibrant community of watersport enthusiasts, and it’s not uncommon to see people kite surfing or paddle boarding along the shoreline. For those who prefer land-based activities, there are plenty of walking trails along the coast and through the nearby New Forest National Park. From the beach, you can also take a short ferry ride to Hurst Spit, where you can explore the historic Hurst Castle and enjoy stunning views of the Isle of Wight. With its beautiful scenery and range of activities, it’s no wonder that Milford on Sea beach is a popular
Bournemouth Beach
- Distance from Winchester: 50 mins
- Parking: Multiple spots along the seafront
- Things to see: Bournemouth, Alum Chine & Sandbanks beaches, Bournemouth Pier, Poole Harbour.
- Type of Beach: Sandy
Bournemouth Beach is a popular tourist destination, with thousands of visitors flocking to its shores every year. It boasts over 7 miles of beautiful golden sand, making it the perfect spot for sunbathing, building sandcastles and enjoying a leisurely stroll along the coastline. The beach also offers stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbeck Hills in the distance, adding to its natural beauty.
Bournemouth Beach is not just a summer destination, as it offers plenty of activities and events throughout the year. From outdoor concerts and festivals in the warmer months to festive markets and ice rinks during the winter season, there is always something going on at Bournemouth Beach. It is also home to various water sports, including surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking, making it a popular spot for adrenaline seekers. It’s also only a 15 minute drive to the famous Sandbanks beach in Poole, a popular place with celebrities to have second homes due to the beautiful views of Poole Harbour and stunning sandy beach.
East Wittering Beach
- Distance from Winchester: 60 mins
- Parking: Small pay and display car park 100m from the beach
- Things to see: Lovely shops & cafes on Shore Road
- Type of Beach: Shingle
East Wittering beach is a popular seaside destination in West Sussex, England. It is known for its sandy and shingle beaches, making it the perfect spot for families to enjoy some fun in the sun. Located next to Bracklesham Bay, East Wittering beach offers a variety of activities for all ages. From coastal walks to high-energy water sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
For those seeking some excitement, East Wittering beach has a range of watersports available. Local tuition and equipment hire are easily accessible, allowing visitors to try their hand at activities such as surfing and stand up paddleboarding. On windy days, the water is filled with surfers of all levels, while on calmer days, SUP is the go-to water sport. And for those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the stunning sunsets at East Wittering beach are not to be missed.
Aside from its beautiful beaches and watersports, East Wittering also offers a lively village centre with a strong community vibe. Visitors can explore the selection of independent shops and cafes scattered throughout the village, including two butchers, greengrocers, bakers, and a fishmonger. With a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from, self-catering stays at East Wittering are made easy with plenty of options for dining out. Overall, East Wittering beach offers a well-rounded experience for visitors looking to enjoy the best of what West Sussex has to offer.
Highcliffe Beach
- Distance from Winchester: 50 mins
- Parking: Highcliffe Top Car Park
- Things to see: Wide stretches of beach & cafe
- Type of Beach: Mostly shingle with sandy areas
Highcliffe beach is a popular spot for nature lovers, as it is home to several rare species of plants and animals. The Steamer Point Nature Reserve, located at the western end of the beach, offers visitors the chance to observe these unique species in their natural habitat. Additionally, the cliff top car park provides stunning views of the coastline and surrounding areas, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or leisurely stroll.
For those looking for more adventure, Highcliffe beach is also a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. The series of breakwaters create ideal conditions for swimming and surfing, while the grassy dunes provide the best place for picnics and sunbathing. Whether you’re looking to relax and soak up the sun or get your adrenaline pumping with some water sports, Highcliffe beach has something for everyone. So next time you’re planning a visit to the Bournemouth area, make sure to add Highcliffe beach to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed by its natural beauty and recreational activities.
Hill Head Beach
- Distance from Winchester: 40 mins
- Parking: Free car parking (with disabled spaces)
- Things to see: Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve & Osbourne View Pub
- Type of Beach: Shingle
Located in Hampshire, Hill Head beach is a popular tourist destination for both locals and visitors. The beach offers stunning views across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight, making it a perfect spot to relax and take in the scenic surroundings. The shingle beach is backed by a tarmac walkway, providing easy access for strollers and wheelchairs. Divided by wooden groynes, this stretch of coastline offers protection from longshore drift and keeps the shingle in place. This also creates smaller, more secluded areas along the beach for those looking for a quieter spot to sunbathe or enjoy a picnic.
Ryde Beach
- Distance from Winchester: 1hr 55mins (including ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne)
- Parking: Pay and display car park in Appley Park just behind the beach
- Things to see: Miles of Sandy Beach, Pickle and Dill for lunch.
- Type of Beach: Sand
Ryde Beach, located on the Northeastern coast of the Isle of Wight, is a sprawling golden sand sanctuary for beach lovers. Its vastness is so remarkable that at low tide, reaching the water from a sunbathing spot can take several minutes. The unique spectacle of boats stranded on sandbanks during low tide adds a distinctive charm to this location. This beach offers a plethora of activities for all ages – from building sandcastles and paddling for children, to sunbathing and sporty adventures, such as canoeing and boating for adults. The vibrant setting is complemented by beach huts, a marina, and a lively esplanade with an array of cafes, shops, and restaurants. Accessibility is a breeze, thanks to the hovercraft and catamaran services connecting the island to the mainland, making Ryde Beach an idyllic and convenient seaside retreat. You can find a parking spot in Appley Park. There are also a number of camp sites, glamping sites and caravan parks on the outside of Ryde if you wish to stay locally whilst being close to arguably the best beach on the Isle of Wight.
If you have any pollution concerns about any of the beaches above, consult the Surfers Against Sewage Live Map of sewage discharges and pollution risks for the best information.