Discover the New Forest beaches (yes beaches!)

The New Forest National Park is a spectacular slice of English countryside. With luscious woodland and a breathtaking coastline, it has the best of both worlds. So let’s take a stroll along the shore, from Hengistbury Head in the West to Calshot in the East, to discover the best New Forest beaches.

Solent Beach/Hengistbury Head

The two names used to refer to two separate beaches, but now the whole sandy stretch is referred to as Solent Beach while the land above is called Hengistbury Head (pictured above). The area is a beautiful landscape of archaeological and scientific interest, home to lots of wildlife and rare plants. It is a great place for families looking for a spot of kite flying, hiking or a picnic. There are no facilities but it is one of the quietest beaches in the area.

Mudeford

This beach is all about the beach huts! They even have residential status meaning those who own a hut can stay overnight between February and November. The huts go for around £100,000 each, so you may want to just content yourself with a beach towel while enjoying the fantastic (and free!) view of Christchurch Harbour. The beach can’t be accessed by car, but once you arrive there is a shop, restaurant, and ice cream kiosk to enjoy.

Highcliffe Castle

Perched on the cliffs overlooking the waves, Highcliffe Castle has a great cafe with plenty of outdoor seating, which is a good thing as a pit stop may be in order after tackling the gravel slope up from the beach. The beach itself is a great location for swimming and there are lifeguards to keep a safe watch over you. There is also a paved cliff walk and the grounds of Highcliffe Castle are free to enjoy.

Milford

This stony beach has spectacular views of the Isle of Wight and the Needles. There is a cafe, ice cream stall, and kid’s playground just a stone’s throw away. Milford also has shops to explore further inland. There is a lovely walk along the shingle bank towards Hurst Castle called Hurst Spit. At times, walkers can even enjoy feeling like they are heading out to a magical castle in the middle of the sea. It is also a great place to bring the dog to let off some steam!

Lepe

This beach is part of Lepe Country Park, ensuring that there is plenty do to both on and off shore. There is a good sea breeze which is perfect for wind and kite surfing. The beach itself is stony so we recommend viewing the beautiful scenery with a stroll along the coast path or a ride on the 9 mile cycle trail. Further inland, the park also has a BBQ area, historic D-Day remains, a cafe, a play area and beautiful meadows to explore.

Calshot

Located on the very southern tip of Southampton Water, this beach is a great place to mould yourself shingle seat in order to gaze out to the Isle of Wright and watch the big ships leave the port for sea. Calshot is also a fantastic place for water sports! At the end of the spit in a massive hanger is the Calshot Activities Centre offering a variety of courses in windsurfing, kite surfing, and sailing. If you prefer land based activities, the centre also offers climbing courses.

Once you have had enough of exploring the awe inspiring greenery of the forests, break from the canopy of the trees and head for the fresh air of the coast. The New Forest has long been a popular destination for campers with sites located all throughout the region. There is also the option to camp slightly further afield nearer the bigger cities of Bournemouth and Southampton, or even across the water on the Isle of Wight. There is easy access to the mainland via the ferry and you will get the added bonus of being able to look back at the beaches you plan to visit from your campsite!