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THE BEST BEACHES WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE OF PORTSMOUTH

Take full advantage of the summer days & visit the best beaches near Portsmouth! (4-minute read)

Here are four amazing beaches that you can easily reach by car from Portsmouth. You can drive just five minutes to reach the stunning Southsea beach or take a road trip up the motorway for an hour to experience the breathtaking sandy shores of Bournemouth.

Explore four of the most beautiful beaches:

1. Southsea Beach

2. West Wittering Beach

3. Bournemouth Beach

4. Calshot Beach

 

Southsea Beach in Portsmouth Image

Southsea Beach, Portsmouth

Located in the same city where Richmond Motor Group was born, is the beautiful Southsea Beach. The historic waterfront town of Portsmouth became a popular tourist destination during the Victorian era and has continued to grow in popularity ever since.

Measuring only 1.5 miles long, the beach is perfectly walkable for most, which makes it great for a steady stroll, and because of its flat terrain, it is a popular spot for runners and joggers too. The beach consists of mainly pebbles but there are a few patches of sand as you head closer to the shore.

Southsea offers a variety of attractions suitable for all ages. History enthusiasts will appreciate the D-day Museum and Cumberland House Natural History Museum. The D-day Museum displays the last surviving landing craft tank LCT 7074, which played a critical role in transporting men and supplies over the English Channel. For those interested in marine life, the Blue Reef Aquarium, located just behind the beach, provides an exciting experience. If you're an adventure seeker, a 10-minute walk along the promenade will take you to Southsea Fair, featuring a plethora of fairground rides and arcade games - perfect for families and adults wanting to relive their childhood for an afternoon.

If you haven't already been tempted to visit a restaurant or café, I'm sure you're feeling quite hungry by now. Southsea has an overabundance of independent bars, restaurants, and shops that make it the ideal location to sample something fresh and exciting.

Easy Breezy Parking

Parking in Southsea can be difficult, especially during the peak of summer but having a car with a rear parking camera and sensors like the MG HS makes manoeuvring into tight spaces easier and stress-free.


West Wittering Beach

West Wittering Beach, Chichester

Located at the mouth of Chichester Harbour, lies the beautiful golden sandy beach of West Wittering, which becomes an absolute hotspot in the warmer months. Depending on the traffic, you can get to the beach in about 40 minutes by car. It is recommended to pre-book your parking due to its popularity and limited space.

Not coming by car? You can get to the beach by train to Chichester and then the bus or you can cycle or walk from Chichester city centre following the Salterns Way cycle path.

The beach is remote so packing a picnic or buying some bits beforehand is advised, just make sure to take any rubbish home with you. There are toilets, showers and a café for any visitors who wish to use them but they are usually extremely busy so be prepared to queue! If you fancy leaving the beach for an afternoon stroll, you can walk to East Wittering beach where you will find a bustling high street with shops and options for food and drinks.

There are also options to try water sports activities provided by 2XS located on the west strand which offer equipment hire, courses and rescue service.

All Aboard!

Going to the beach with the family can be tricky when you have a lot to pack, like a parasol, cool box, inflatables and more. However, if you have a car with a large boot like the Hyundai TUCSON you can easily store everything you need for a fun day in the sun.


Bournemouth Beach Image

Bournemouth Beaches

Bournemouth boasts some of the most stunning beaches on the south coast. Alum Chine, a beloved spot among locals, offers pristine sandy shores and is located to the west of Bournemouth, away from the busy pier and town. Sandbanks is another popular destination for summer holidays among Brits, known for its crystal-clear waters and luxurious cars. You can catch a chain ferry from Sandbanks to reach the beautiful Studland Bay nature reserve, which runs three times an hour and takes about four minutes to cross. From this point, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Old Harry's Rocks and enjoy a short cruise to Swanage and other picturesque locations.

You can reach Bournemouth by taking the M27, which takes about an hour depending on traffic. Once you arrive at Bournemouth Beach, it's just a short car journey to the other beaches, so you can pick whichever one floats your boat!

There are plenty of shops, restaurants and amenities as well as parking and disabled access for all the beaches so whomever you are spending the day with will be sure to have a great time.

Safety First

Being the designated driver on a road trip means enjoying the journey whilst also keeping your full attention on the road. Many cars, including the Suzuki Swift come with additional driving features like Blind Spot Monitoring to ensure you stay safe.


Calshot Beach Image

Calshot Beach, New Forest

Calshot Beach is situated in the New Forest village of Calshot, just 30 minutes from Southampton city centre and about 40 minutes from Portsmouth. The beach is home to the historical landmark of the Calshot Castle, which was built by Henry Viii in 1539. Most people explore the castle before heading down to the beach for an afternoon of relaxation.

With amazing views of the Solent, Southampton and the Isle of Wight, it is a great place to check out some of the large ships travelling past. The beach is mainly shingle with a few spots of sand and is usually quiet even in the summer months. Located on the spit, the beach separates the Solent from the large area of salt marshes, which is a haven for local wildlife.

The beach has a car park as well as a café and toilets for those who wish to use the amenities.

Not one for relaxing all day? Calshot Beach is home to one of the UK’s largest outdoor activities centres and is located on-site offering tourists and holidaymakers the opportunity to try sailing and other water-based activities. There are also multiple picturesque walking trails which start from the car park so be sure to pack your walking shoes!

Goodbye Range Anxiety

If you drive an electric or plug-in hybrid, there are a couple of charging points located on-site so you can recharge whilst enjoying all that Calshot has to offer. However, if you drive a long-range electric vehicle like the Škoda Enyaq iV you won’t need to worry about charging until you return home.

09 August 2023

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