The South Coast of the UK is renowned for its beautiful beaches, picturesque landscapes, and charming coastal towns. With a diverse range of sandy shores, pebbled coves, and everything in between, there’s a beach on the South Coast for every taste and occasion.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 18 best beaches on the South Coast, each offering its own unique charm and appeal.
Best Beaches South Coast
18 Best Beaches South Coast UK
Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
Bournemouth Beach is a popular sandy beach with a lively atmosphere, perfect for families and beachgoers of all ages.
With its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and bustling promenade, this beach offers a range of amenities, including deckchair hire, beach huts, and numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants.
The nearby Bournemouth Pier provides additional entertainment, making Bournemouth Beach a must-visit destination on the South Coast.
West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
West Wittering Beach is a stunning sandy beach with Blue Flag status, offering a pristine and picturesque seaside experience.
With its wide, open spaces and shallow waters, this beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games.
The nearby West Wittering village offers a range of amenities, including cafés, shops, and beach huts, making it an excellent destination for a full day of seaside enjoyment in West Sussex.
Southsea Beach, Hampshire
Located just a short stroll from Portsmouth’s city centre, Southsea Beach is a popular shingle beach that offers something for everyone.
With stunning views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight, this beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games.
Southsea Beach is lined with a bustling promenade, complete with cafés, shops, and attractions like the Southsea Castle and Blue Reef Aquarium.
Durdle Door Beach, Dorset
Durdle Door Beach is a beautiful, pebble beach located along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The beach is famous for its iconic limestone arch, offering a dramatic backdrop for a day of sunbathing, swimming, and exploring rock pools.
With its stunning landscape and unique geological features, Durdle Door Beach is a must-visit spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Studland Bay, Dorset
Studland Bay is a beautiful, sandy beach backed by picturesque sand dunes and heathland.
This beach is perfect for families, offering shallow waters for swimming, beach games, and a range of amenities, including beach huts and a café.
The nearby Studland Nature Reserve provides fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting and scenic walks, making Studland Bay an idyllic spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Lyme Regis Beach, Dorset
Lyme Regis Beach is a charming, sandy beach located in the historic town of Lyme Regis, known for its famous Cobb harbour wall.
The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and fossil hunting, with a range of amenities, including beach huts, a promenade, and numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants.
The nearby Lyme Regis Museum offers fascinating insights into the area’s rich history, making this beach an excellent destination for a full day of seaside fun.
Brighton Beach, East Sussex
Possibly the most famous beach on the South Coast, Brighton Beach is a vibrant, bustling pebble beach with a lively atmosphere and stunning views of the iconic Brighton Palace Pier.
This beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games, with a range of amenities, including deckchair hire, beach huts, and an abundance of cafés, bars, and restaurants. With its convenient location and ample attractions, Brighton Beach is a must-visit destination in East Sussex.
Sandbanks Beach, Dorset
Sandbanks Beach is a luxurious, sandy beach with Blue Flag status, located on the exclusive Sandbanks Peninsula.
This beach is perfect for families, offering shallow waters for swimming, beach games, and a range of amenities, including beach huts, a promenade, and numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants.
The nearby Sandbanks Ferry provides easy access to the picturesque Purbeck Peninsula, making Sandbanks Beach an ideal destination for a full day of seaside exploration.
Camber Sands, East Sussex
Located near Rye, Camber Sands is a stunning, sandy beach that stretches for miles along the East Sussex coast.
With its beautiful dunes and shallow waters, this beach is perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts alike.
Camber Sands is a popular spot for kite-surfing, windsurfing, and beach games, with a range of facilities, including beach huts, a café, and ample parking.
Chesil Beach, Dorset
Chesil Beach is a unique, pebble beach that stretches for 18 miles along the Jurassic Coast.
This beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll, sunbathing, or a day of fishing and beachcombing.
The nearby Fleet Lagoon and Abbotsbury Swannery offer fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting and scenic walks, making Chesil Beach a truly unique destination on the South Coast.
Hayling Island, Hampshire
Hayling Island is a popular seaside destination, boasting several beautiful beaches along its coastline.
The sandy West Beach is perfect for families, offering shallow waters for swimming, beach games, and a range of amenities, including beach huts and a promenade.
The island is also a hotspot for windsurfing, kite-surfing, and sailing, making it an excellent destination for water sports enthusiasts.
Eastbourne Beach, East Sussex
Just a short drive from Brighton, Eastbourne Beach is a beautiful, family-friendly shingle beach with a more relaxed atmosphere.
The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games, with a range of facilities, including beach huts, a promenade, and a charming Victorian pier.
The nearby Beachy Head and Seven Sisters cliffs provide a stunning backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a picnic on the lush, green lawns.
Hengistbury Head, Dorset
Hengistbury Head is a beautiful, sandy beach located at the eastern end of Bournemouth Bay.
This beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll, sunbathing, or a day of swimming and beach games.
The nearby Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve offers fantastic opportunities for birdwatching and scenic walks, making this beach an ideal spot for nature lovers and families alike.
Littlehampton Beach, West Sussex
Littlehampton Beach is a charming, sandy beach located in the historic town of Littlehampton.
This beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games, with a range of amenities, including beach huts, a promenade, and numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants.
The nearby Littlehampton Harbour offers boat trips and fishing opportunities, making this beach an excellent destination for a full day of seaside enjoyment.
Lulworth Cove, Dorset
Lulworth Cove is a picturesque, pebble beach nestled within a stunning, horseshoe-shaped cove along the Jurassic Coast.
This beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll, sunbathing, or a day of swimming and exploring rock pools.
The nearby Lulworth Village offers a range of amenities, including cafés, shops, and a visitor centre, making Lulworth Cove an ideal destination for a tranquil day by the sea.
Shanklin Beach, Isle of Wight
Shanklin Beach is a beautiful, sandy beach located on the Isle of Wight’s east coast.
With its golden sands, clear waters, and stunning views of the English Channel, this beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games.
The nearby Shanklin town offers a range of amenities, including beach huts, a promenade, and numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants, making Shanklin Beach a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the Isle of Wight.
Selsey Beach, West Sussex
Selsey Beach is a charming, shingle beach located on the stunning Selsey Peninsula.
This beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll, sunbathing, or a day of swimming and beach games.
The nearby Selsey town offers a range of amenities, including cafés, shops, and a charming harbour, making Selsey Beach an ideal destination for a relaxed day by the sea.
Weymouth Beach, Dorset
Weymouth Beach is a popular, sandy beach with a lively atmosphere, perfect for families and beachgoers of all ages.
With its golden sands, shallow waters, and bustling promenade, this beach offers a range of amenities, including deckchair hire, beach huts, and numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants.
The nearby Weymouth Harbour provides additional entertainment, making Weymouth Beach a must-visit destination on the South Coast.
Final Thoughts
The South Coast of the UK offers a diverse and stunning selection of beaches, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Whether you’re in search of adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, there’s a beach on the South Coast for every taste and occasion.
So, pack your beach essentials and prepare to explore the 18 best beaches on the South Coast of the UK for an unforgettable seaside escape!
Founder, Editor
Ed is the founder and editor at Lifes Beaches. He’s lived near a beach his whole life and loves exploring other great places to enjoy the sun and the sea. He’s a keen surfer and enjoys finding hidden beach spots to catch the best waves.
