With the sun out and temperatures soaring, many Andover families will be looking for a day out at the beach.
Luckily, our south coast in home to some of the UK’s best beaches and all within an easy driving distance from Andover.
From stony country parks to stretches of sandy beach the south coast really has it all when it comes to a day at the seaside.
Here’s our pick of some of the best beaches you can get to this week in just over an hour and a quarter (traffic providing, of course).
Boscombe
In lively Boscombe you can find a soft sandy beach stretching over 1 km either side of the restored Victorian pier.
With the RNLI on patrol here it is one of the safest most family friendly spots to go.
Credit- Steve Daniels Geograph
Bournemouth
Ranked as the best beach in the UK and the fifth-best in Europe Bournemouth is definitely a go-to seaside destination.
The bay has its own microclimate giving it some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK.
In this seaside destination, you can find Bournemouth Pier which has fantastic views, children’s rides, and boat trips.
Credit- Barry Shimmon Geograph
Lee-on-the-Solent
If you want stunning panoramic views across the Solent this is the beach for you.
With safe swimming and a children’s play area it is a great choice for families of all ages.
Along the pebbly beach there is no shortage of places to eat drink and get an ice cream.
Credit- Barry Shimmon Geograph
Southsea
Made up of flinty shingle with a stretch of sand exposed at low tide Southsea is a vibrant seaside town.
This is the perfect place for activity lovers with a popular Canoe Lake and great spots to go crabbing.
Situated less than a mile away from Portsmouth city centre you can also visit shops and restaurants as well as the Blue Reef Aquarium.
Credit -Steve Daniels Geograph
Lepe
This country park with crystal clear views of the Isle of Wight has something for everyone.
A family friendly and dog friendly beach with an adventure playground and spots to bird watch there is plenty to keep you occupied.
The site has tons of history having once been a hotspot for smuggling and playing a vital in the D-Day landings and the Cold War.
Credit- Gillian Thomas Geograph
And last but certainly not least.
Calshot
this beach is home to 1 of the U.K.’s biggest outdoor and water sports centre where you can take part in a range of activities including windsurfing, kite surfing sailing and climbing.
If these activities don’t take your fancy you can have a look at the 16th century fort or walk down the mile-long shingle spit which reaches out into the mouth of the Southampton water.
Credit-Gillian Thomas Geograph
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