SUSSEX

West Wittering, West Sussex

Sandy toes and salty kisses are essential fodder at West Wittering – dubbed Sussex’s Caribbean which is a fair accolade. It’s often named the county’s best beach mainly because it has actual sand – and miles of it, when the tide is out. There’s only one café and car park, run by the National Trust. Access is tricky at peak season, pre-booking parking is essential, with traffic often backing up to Chichester and down the A27. It’s always worth the effort, but plan ahead and leave early for a day-trip to beat the crowds and again, not one for a last-minute rush in a July heatwave. Nearby is picturesque (and pebbly) East Wittering – a quintessential seaside village packed full of cafés, gift shops and local produce.

Camber Sands, East Sussex

A sandy beach is in itself a rarity in Sussex but Camber Sands also boasts one of the longest and most unspoiled dune systems on the South Coast. It’s an iconic setting for everything from wedding photos to Fido running free. Practically world-famous, it’s worth the hype but take it from us, there is hype. Plan your visit carefully, especially at peak season and don’t chance it at the last minute on a super-hot day. It’s a wise move to book into a local hotel or campsite and spend some time here rather than chance a trip at peak season and end up in nose-to-tail traffic. Get it right and you’ll be glad you bothered.

Lancing, West Sussex

Lancing isn’t the most picturesque of Sussex’s beaches, so why is Muddy recommending it? Wait just a second. Because… it’s one of the most action-packed and ideal for families which makes it a winner with the Muddy crew. It has ideal conditions for kitesurfing, which looks like one of the most fun watersports out there, and is home to the Brighton Kitesurf and SUP Academy which offers lessons in both sports. There are separate sections for those being active and doing watersports and an area for those wishing to relax in peace. It’s a firm favourite with dog walkers too. Good parking and Perch, a beachside one-stop-shop for eating, drinking and takeaway, make it a great candidate for an active day out.

Fairlight Glen, East Sussex

Super-secluded this rocky beach is just over 30 mins from the nearest road so the only noise you’ll hear is the waves crashing against the shore. You make your approach via two routes: one is along a steep path, so don’t bring little ones or the pushchair; the other is via a cliff-top path from Hastings but you’ll also have a climb down, and back up! En route you’ll spot some small streams and even modest waterfalls (I know!) and gullies. The payoff is that it’s very private and protected from prying eyes means it is regularly used by naturists – getting your kit off is not mandatory! It overlooks Covehurst Bay and has plenty of rocks in the sea. Take caution when getting in the water as many are submerged, but beachside this makes for a pretty scene and photo opp. As an extra bonus, under the cliffs you can spot fossils.

Cooden Beach, East Sussex

The dream spot for out of towners, Cooden Beach is quieter and easy to get to especially if you’re travelling from London. The train station could not be closer, a hop, skip and an overly excited jump takes you from the rail tracks to the sandy flats. Ok, so it’s predominant shingle but at low tide you can dip your toes into the exposed sand, and of course. It’s a popular spot for kite surfers and windsurfers but you wouldn’t be out of place sunbathing either. There’s free parking on the beachfront and The Relais hotel is on the beach and has private gardens and stretch of sand and serving delicious food and drink it’s ideal at sunset. 

DORSET

Bournemouth beach

Seven miles of golden sands with five Blue Flag beaches:  Alum Chine (near the Tropical Gardens and pirate playground), Durley Chine (a trad pub and cafe on the prom), the quieter Fisherman’s Walk and Manor Steps (near Boscombe) and Southbourne (especially good for young families) – and its own micro climate. If loafing bores you to tiers, try the pier-to-shore zip wire, climbing wall, high ropes obstacle course at RockReef & PierZip on Bournemouth Pier. Get a bird’s eye view of everything from the Bournemouth Big Wheel.

Studland Bay

Four miles of gorgeous, gently shelved, sandy beaches on the Studland peninsula stretching from chalk sea stacks Old Harry Rocks near Swanage to Shell Bay and owned by the National Trust. Head for South Beach (popular with locals), Middle Beach backed by low cliffs, or the sand dunes and spacious sands of Knoll Beach and at one end, the (clearly marked) naturist area. If you fancy hitting the water you cankayak, paddle board, pedalo and boat trips at Knoll and Middle Beach. Get your kit off on the naturist part of Knoll Beach. Build sandcastles on them all. Follow nature trails behind the beach. Take a ferry over to see the rare red squirrels on Brownsea Island.

Mudeford Sandbanks

A sand spit creating a natural barrier between Christchurch harbour and made up of beach after golden beach, separated by breakwaters. Running east from Hengistbury Head towards Mudeford Quay, the beach is edged by around 300 colourful – and expensive – beach huts (one sold for around £300k last year). On the harbour side, all the usual water sports. On the beach side, building sandcastles and swimming in the sea. Explore the Hengistbury Head nature reserve. 

HAMPSHIRE

Hayling Island

Reputedly invented here, kitesurfing and wingsurfing is a year-round favourite on Hayling’s Blue Flag beachfront. But for pretty dunes, the sandiest beach and only the occasional dog walker for company, park on the Ferry Road on the far west of the Island and walk south. Good spots to eat and drink are Inn on the Beach, with its coastal décor, seafood, fish dishes and pub classics plus loads for vegans and veggies. You don’t need to be a staying to grab a drink or meal at the cool and quirky Missing Squirrel bar and restaurant at Mill Rythe Holiday Village (call ahead to book). Or head for the Salt Shack café at Northnea Marina for BBQ-grilled brekkies braai-style or light lunches of fresh crab, salads and loaded ciabattas on the gorgeous terrace overlooking the resident yachts, with views over to Chichester Harbour.  

Lepe Beach, New Forest

A coastal country park in the New Forest, Lepe has a long stretch of shingle beach popular spot with windsurfers, kitesurfers and families and views over to the Isle of Wight. Grab coffees, cake, ice lollies and fish ‘n’ chips at The Lookout café. And if you’ve got the kids in tow, make the most of the adventure playground. The Lepe Point nature reserve is a wildlife haven, with dragonflies and damselflies and lots of coastal birds to spot. Pack your binoculars.

Southsea, Portsmouth

Southsea’s shingle beaches stretch from old Portsmouth to Eastney, fringed with old-school Victorian seaside charm. Have a grand day out with traditional amusements, fish and chips and ice cream at the iconic South Parade Pier. Or park yourself in a deckchair on the beach and watch the passing yachts and ferries. There’s Henry VIII’s Southsea Castle to explore too, with its awesome rampart sea views and exciting tunnels. No shortage of places to eat and drink around the seafront, including The Briny (Muddy Awards 2023 Best Restaurant) a fab seafood restaurant right by the beach. Or Southsea Beach Café, with its waters-edge decking area – perfect for a sneaky sun-drenched Aperol Spritz.

KENT

Tankerton, Whitstable

This much-loved Whitstable beach (this year it received both a Blue Flag and Seaside Award) has an old-fashioned shingle shore with wooden groynes and pretty multi-coloured huts. At low tide the sea gives way to a walk right out to sea, a perfect chance to explore rock pools, paddle and discover some local sea-life. And then afterwards the grassy area lends itself to picnics and a chance to sit and relax.

Minnis Bay, Birchington

Another beach to receive a coveted Blue Flag Award 2023 – this one boasts a long stretch of sand coupled with ample free parking and children’s outdoor play area near by. All of which makes Minnis Bay the perfect beach for a family afternoon in the sun. At high tide, usually a small amount of beach remains, except at spring time when the beach can disappear until the tide moves out again. During the summer high season for visitors, there’s also lifeguards.

Stone Bay, Broadstairs

Another sandy beach – and winner of a Blue Flag Award 2023 – Stone Bay is a beautiful, quieter location, best known for rock-pooling and popular with families. The promenade leads on to the town of Broadstairs, a coastal gem with loads of seaside charm. Increasingly known for its creative community, vibrant festivals throughout the year and its up-and-coming foodie credentials, Broadstairs is very much worth a visit.

Sandgate Beach, Sandgate

Recently winning a Seaside Award for the 10th year in a row, this bijoux beach lies just a few metres from Sandgate High Street, with its lovely shops and cafés, plus, it can be easily accessed by bus, car, bicycle or on foot. A favourite for waterspouts, fishermen, picnickers and anyone looking for a relaxing spot to sit on the shore, skimming stones and watching boats and ferries pass by in the distance. Walk along the promenade to Folkestone in just 30 minutes.