Although Portsmouth is a bustling port city, it’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in South England. From family-friendly sandy shores to secluded pebble coves, there’s a beach near Portsmouth for every taste and occasion.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 11 best beaches near Portsmouth, each offering its own unique charm and appeal. So, get ready to grab your sense of adventure as we embark on a coastal exploration!
Best Beaches Near Portsmouth
11 Best Beaches Near Portsmouth
Southsea Beach
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. With its convenient location and ample amenities, Southsea Beach is a must-visit destination near Portsmouth.
Eastney Beach
For a more tranquil beach experience, head to Eastney Beach, located at the eastern end of Southsea. This long, quiet stretch of shingle beach is backed by grassy dunes and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Eastney Beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or a day of sunbathing and swimming. With its relaxed atmosphere and stunning views, Eastney Beach is an ideal spot for a calming day by the sea.
Hayling Island Beach
A 20-minute drive from Portsmouth, Hayling Island is home to several beautiful beaches. The most popular is West Beach, a long, sandy beach perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts. With its Blue Flag status, West Beach offers clean, safe waters for swimming and a range of amenities, including beach huts, cafés, and a children’s play area.
The nearby Funland Amusement Park provides additional entertainment, making Hayling Island a fantastic beach destination near Portsmouth.
Lee-on-the-Solent Beach
Just a 30-minute drive from Portsmouth, Lee-on-the-Solent Beach is a charming, family-friendly shingle beach with beautiful views of the Isle of Wight. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games, with a range of facilities including beach huts, a café, and a children’s play area.
The nearby town of Lee-on-the-Solent offers a range of shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it an excellent spot for a full day of seaside fun.
Stokes Bay Beach
Located in Gosport, just a 30-minute drive from Portsmouth, Stokes Bay Beach is a beautiful shingle beach with stunning views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight. This family-friendly beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games, with a range of facilities including beach huts, a café, and a children’s play area.
The nearby Alver Valley Country Park offers beautiful green spaces and walking trails, making Stokes Bay Beach a fantastic destination for a day trip from Portsmouth.
Hill Head Beach
A 25-minute drive from Portsmouth, Hill Head Beach is a peaceful, shingle beach backed by grassy cliffs and offering beautiful views of the Solent. This tranquil beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, or a day of sunbathing and swimming.
The nearby Titchfield Haven Country Park provides a fantastic opportunity for wildlife spotting and scenic walks, making Hill Head Beach an idyllic spot for a relaxing day near Portsmouth.
Calshot Beach
Located just a 40-minute drive from Portsmouth, Calshot Beach is a unique shingle and sand beach that offers fantastic views of the Solent, the Isle of Wight, and the nearby Calshot Castle.
With its calm waters and fascinating surroundings, this beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports like windsurfing and kite-surfing. The nearby Calshot Activities Centre provides a range of exciting activities, including indoor rock climbing and velodrome cycling, ensuring a fun-filled day for the whole family.
West Wittering Beach
A 45-minute drive from Portsmouth, 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.
Ryde Beach, Isle of Wight
For a slightly more adventurous beach trip, hop on the hovercraft from Southsea to Ryde on the Isle of Wight. In just 10 minutes, you’ll find yourself on the beautiful Ryde Beach, boasting golden sand and shallow waters, perfect for families with young children.
The nearby Ryde Esplanade offers a range of amenities, including cafés, shops, and attractions like the Ryde Superbowl and Waterside Pool. A day trip to Ryde Beach is a fantastic way to experience the charm of the Isle of Wight.
Bracklesham Bay
Located a 50-minute drive from Portsmouth, Bracklesham Bay is a beautiful shingle and sand beach that’s a paradise for fossil hunters and water sports enthusiasts. With its crystal-clear waters and wealth of marine life, this beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and beachcombing.
The nearby Medmerry Nature Reserve offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting and scenic walks, making Bracklesham Bay a great destination for a day trip from Portsmouth.
Bembridge Beach, Isle of Wight
Another Isle of Wight gem, Bembridge Beach is just a short ferry ride from Portsmouth, followed by a 30-minute drive across the island. This peaceful, sandy and shingle beach is perfect for a leisurely day by the sea, with rock pools to explore and beautiful views of the surrounding coastline.
The nearby Bembridge village offers a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and the fascinating Bembridge Windmill, making it an excellent destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Final Thoughts
From the bustling shores of Southsea Beach to the tranquil coves of the Isle of Wight, the beaches near Portsmouth offer a diverse range of coastal experiences to suit every taste. Whether you’re in search of adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the stunning beaches of South England have it all.
