5 fantastic beaches near Portsmouth

If you’re planning a holiday to Portsmouth and looking for some great days out, a trip to the beach is always a winner. We’ve lined up 5 fantastic beaches near Portsmouth that offer a wonderful range of things to do to entertain youngsters and adults so everyone can have a superb day by the sea.

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1. Southsea Beach

If you’re looking for a lively beach with wave upon wave of exciting things to see and do, Southsea Beach is the place to go. The enticing water and long pebble beach aren’t the only attractions here. Clarence Pier is an amusement park full of rides and attractions to entertain visitors of all ages.

Visitors hunting for history should stop by the D-Day Museum which is the only UK museum solely dedicated to providing insight into the D-Day landings, while the Royal Marines Museum is an excellent place to go to discover the history of the Royal Marines right up to the present day. In addition, anyone who is keen to see the sea from a different viewpoint can enjoy exhilarating boat rides as well as a visit to the Blue Reef Aquarium.

2. West Wittering Beach

West Wittering Beach boasts a beautiful stretch of white sand and dunes that will make visitors want to dig their toes in and encourage kids to get creative with sandcastles. The tidal pools are frequented by swimmers and the beach is popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers.

The area has been recognised internationally for its beauty and wildlife and the beach is a proud Blue Flag holder. Anyone looking for a clean and pretty picnic spot will be impressed with West Wittering Beach and can relax on the sand itself or the mown grass nearby, although the Beach Café is an alternative if visitors don’t want to bring their own food and drinks.

3. Hayling Island Beach

Anyone fancying a beach visit to Hayling Island will be greeted with more than three miles of superb sandy beaches. Hayling Island beach is actually divided into several beaches but there are three primary beaches which have been awarded Blue Flags. These are Beachlands, West Beach, as well as Eastoke Corner. In addition to being Blue Flag winners, these beaches each boast a Seaside Award Flag so visitors can be assured of a clean and safe seaside trip. West Beach is particularly well suited to swimming and the island is also a good choice for visitors who are eager to spend the day sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.

4. Ryde Beach

The Isle of Wight is separated from Portsmouth by the Solent, but Ryde is visible to anyone who gazes across the strait and is only a 20 minute trip by Ferry. This bustling town is situated on the north-east coast of the Isle of Wight and benefits from stunning beaches that will beckon visitors keen for a fantastic day out. The likes of deck chairs and sun loungers are available for hire to visitors who want to soak up the rays, while people who prefer to get active can go wild with watersports such as kitesurfing.

The East Beach is a Seaside Award winner and there are lots of nearby attractions to the beaches such as a bowling alley, an amusement arcade, a play area, an ice rink and a boating lake to name a few. Visitors who fancy a swim should aim to coincide their beach visit with the tide being halfway out as there is a considerable walk to reach the water when the tide is fully out.

5. Shanklin Beach

Located south of Ryde on the Isle of Wight is the lovely Shanklin Beach. The waters are clear and safe for swimming and the stretch of sand will appeal equally to adults seeking a beautiful tanning spot as well as kids who are eager to scamper about and test their digging skills. There is an amusement arcade and a pitch and putt nearby and for a little excursion visitors can make use of a lift to reach the top of cliffs that provide fantastic views.

No need to travel to distant shores

Forget about beaches in faraway lands; these 5 fantastic beaches near Portsmouth offer stunning stretches of sand, safe swimming and the chance to experience exciting watersport activities, as well as plenty of nearby attractions to satisfy holidaymakers of all ages.