Pack your bags and head south, beach lovers! South England is a treasure trove of golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque bays. To help you plan your perfect seaside escape, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best beaches in South England.
Whether you’re a sun worshipper, a water sports enthusiast, or a nature lover, there’s a beach for everyone. Dive into our list and start planning your next coastal getaway!
Best Beaches South England
20 Best Beaches In The South Of England
Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
Bournemouth Beach is a seven-mile stretch of golden sand, offering stunning views of the English Channel.
Its calm waters and award-winning Blue Flag status make it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and sandcastle building.
Stroll along the promenade, take a ride on the Bournemouth Pier amusements, or indulge in some delicious fish and chips.
Durdle Door, Dorset
Durdle Door is one of the most iconic and dramatic beaches in South England.
The beach is famous for its limestone arch, which creates a stunning backdrop for sunbathing and swimming.
Visit during low tide to explore the rock pools, or grab your camera for a coastal hike along the Jurassic Coast.
West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
West Wittering Beach offers miles of pristine sand, making it the perfect location for a family day out.
This Blue Flag beach is renowned for its excellent water quality, making it an ideal spot for swimming and paddling.
With shallow lagoons and a designated windsurfing area, there’s something for everyone at West Wittering.
Sandbanks Beach, Poole
Sandbanks Beach is a luxurious stretch of golden sand, nestled in the prestigious Sandbanks Peninsula.
The beach boasts Blue Flag status, lifeguard patrols, and excellent facilities, making it perfect for a family day out.
The calm waters are ideal for paddleboarding, and the beach even has its own volleyball court.
St Ives Porthmeor Beach, Cornwall
St Ives Porthmeor Beach is a popular surfing spot, thanks to its consistent waves and beautiful surroundings.
The beach is also home to the Tate St Ives art gallery, making it a cultural hotspot.
If surfing isn’t your thing, the soft sand and turquoise waters are perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
Studland Bay, Dorset
Studland Bay is a four-mile stretch of sandy beach, backed by dunes and heathland.
The area is a haven for wildlife, and you may even spot a Sika deer or rare bird species.
With shallow waters and a designated naturist area, Studland Bay offers something for everyone.
Brighton Beach, East Sussex
Famed for its lively atmosphere, Brighton Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The beach is backed by a bustling promenade, complete with quirky shops, cafes, and the iconic Brighton Palace Pier.
For a unique experience, visit the colourful beach huts or take a dip in the UK’s oldest sea swimming pool, Brighton Sea Lanes.
Sennen Cove, Cornwall
Sennen Cove is a picturesque beach, boasting crystal-clear waters and golden sand.
The beach is a favourite among surfers, offering consistent waves and a laid-back vibe.
Take a leisurely stroll along the coastal path or try your hand at coasteering for a thrilling adventure.
Gunwalloe Church Cove, Cornwall
Gunwalloe Church Cove is a secluded, sandy beach backed by the charming St Winwaloe Church.
The beach is perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape, with its clear waters and stunning views.
Enjoy a peaceful swim, explore the rock pools, or simply relax and take in the scenery.
Southbourne Beach, Dorset
Southbourne Beach is a quieter alternative to the bustling Bournemouth Beach.
This Blue Flag beach offers soft sand, lifeguard-patrolled swimming areas, and a picturesque clifftop walk.
It’s the perfect location for families or couples seeking a more relaxed beach experience.
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
Porthcurno Beach is nestled between cliffs and offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.
This stunning beach is famous for its turquoise waters, fine sand, and dramatic coastal scenery.
Don’t miss the Minack Theatre, a unique open-air venue carved into the cliffs.
Birling Gap, East Sussex
Birling Gap is a pebble beach backed by the dramatic Seven Sisters chalk cliffs.
This secluded spot is perfect for rock pooling, fossil hunting, and enjoying the coastal scenery.
The beach is also a gateway to the South Downs National Park, offering a variety of walking trails.
Salcombe North Sands, Devon
Salcombe North Sands is a sheltered cove with golden sand, surrounded by lush vegetation.
The calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, while the rock pools provide hours of entertainment for young explorers.
The beach also offers stunning views of the Salcombe Estuary.
Chesil Beach, Dorset
Chesil Beach is an 18-mile stretch of pebble beach that forms a natural barrier between the Fleet Lagoon and the English Channel.
This unique beach is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Try your hand at fishing or simply enjoy the scenic views.
Weymouth Beach, Dorset
Weymouth Beach is a traditional British seaside destination, complete with Punch and Judy shows, donkey rides, and amusement arcades.
The sandy beach and shallow waters make it perfect for families, while the Georgian seafront offers plenty of entertainment options.
Blackpool Sands, Devon
Blackpool Sands is a sheltered, crescent-shaped beach with crystal-clear waters and golden sand.
This Blue Flag beach offers excellent facilities, including a beach café, water sports hire, and lifeguard patrols. It’s the perfect destination for a relaxing day by the sea.
Porthminster Beach, Cornwall
Porthminster Beach is a crescent-shaped sandy beach, offering spectacular views of St Ives Bay and Godrevy Lighthouse.
With calm waters and excellent facilities, it’s the perfect destination for families.
Don’t miss the Porthminster Café, which serves delicious seafood dishes with a stunning view.
Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth
Gyllyngvase Beach is Falmouth’s largest beach, boasting Blue Flag status, lifeguard patrols, and excellent facilities.
The beach is popular for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while the surrounding gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the sun.
Bantham Beach, Devon
Bantham Beach is a stunning sandy beach with a backdrop of rolling hills and sand dunes.
The beach is popular for surfing, with consistent waves and a laid-back atmosphere.
The shallow waters and rock pools also make it a great spot for families.
Lulworth Cove, Dorset
Lulworth Cove is a picturesque, horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
The beach is popular for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the rock pools.
Don’t miss the nearby Durdle Door for more stunning coastal scenery.
Final Thoughts
South England is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the UK. From iconic landmarks like Durdle Door and the Seven Sisters to the picturesque bays of Porthcurno and Lulworth Cove, there’s a beach for every taste and preference.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a fun-filled family day out, these 20 best beaches in South England offer something for everyone.
So, grab your sunscreen, beach towels, and flip-flops, and start planning your unforgettable seaside escape. The captivating beauty of South England’s beaches awaits you!
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.
