The UK’s Best Beaches, The South Coast

English: Boats on the beach at Bognor Regis (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the second part of this series in which we look at some of the best beaches across the UK, the focus shifts along the coast from the South West of England to the central Southern coast, from the shores of the New Forest on the Solent to the cultural hubbub of Brighton.

Hampshire - Milford-on-Sea
The coast of Hampshire has some of the most industrialised and built up coastline in the south of England, dominated by the two large ports of Southampton and Portsmouth. There are, however, pockets of unspoilt coastline still to be found, in particular toward the eastern and western edges of the county. Beyond Portsmouth in the East is the sanctuary of Hayling Island, a haven for both wildlife and windsurfers. In the West meanwhile, the coast between Southampton and Bournemouth frames the southern edge of the New Forest and looks out to sea toward the Isle of Wight.

The highlight of this coast is arguably the beach at Milford-on-Sea, a long shingle beach with sand exposed at low tide. The beach stretches into Hurst spit and towards Hurst Castle (built by Henry VIII) which juts out into the mouth of the Solent, encircling the quiet harbour at Keyhaven with its marshes and nature reserves. The western end merges into a stretch of beach that is almost unbroken to Poole harbour. The beach and the spit are perfect for a long stroll with views along the way of the Isle of Wight and the shoreline back down the coast to Christchurch. What’s more, in the evening, it provides an ideal spot to watch the sun set over the horizon. There are amenities and eateries on the beach but the village of Milford-on-Sea itself is also worth a visit; set back from the beach with plenty of shops, cafes and a typical village green.

West Sussex - Climping Beach
The coast of West Sussex has been a popular tourist destination for over a hundred years with people flocking to the traditional resorts of Bognor Regis and Worthing for their holidays. As a result, much of the coast is accompanied by conurbations which merge into eachother behind it and it can be hard to find a quiet spot away from the masses. For those looking to experience a bit of escapism however the best spot on this coastline is Climping Beach, situated south of the picturesque town and castle of Arundel (on the mouth of the river Arun) and between Littlehampton and the tourist hot spot of Bognor Regis. The pebble beach is ideal for those who are after a piece of coast that is more secluded and slightly rugged whilst still also hoping for a good spot for swimming. It is a scenic beach but its lack of amenities and its location slightly off the beaten track perhaps make it one more for the adults; the popular West Wittering to the west tends to be more widely recommended as a destination for the whole family.

East Sussex - Brighton
The Sussex coast in general, but particularly the East Sussex coast, has been fashionable destination ever since the Georgian era, boosted by the development of the subsequent Victorian railways which brought the London hordes down to the coast. The area has been a favourite of Royalty too, with the name of Bognor Regis back in West Sussex reflecting the patronage of George V whilst the Royal Pavilion at Brighton is testament to the popularity of the town with his ancestor George IV 150 years earlier. Brighton is certainly the hub of this coastline and is still popular with locals and London day-trippers alike to the extent that it is sometimes referred to as London-by-the-sea.

Despite that moniker it is a far more relaxing destination than that suggests and has something to offer for all walks of life. The blue flag pebble beach is ideal for bathing or for a quiet spot to sit and read, whilst the attractions of Palace Pier can provide hours of entertainment for all the family. The town that sits behind the beach is full of attractive Georgian architecture with the jewel in the crown arguably being the extravagant Indian influenced Royal Pavilion. Most famously however Brighton is an important center for all aspects of free thinking, bohemian and alternative culture and is particularly known as the UK's lesbian/gay capital. It offers a thriving music and arts scene - with numerous festivals, gigs and exhibitions - a rich night life and a bustling shopping and restaurant experience around The Lanes. As a destination therefore it is a must on any cultural trip to the south coast.

In the next parts of this article we’ll continue the journey around the South East coast, past the Thames and up towards the big skies and open shores of the East of England.

© Stuart Mitchell 2012
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