Surf’s up! Pack your bucket and spade and bundle the family into the car for a trip to the sunny seaside
Looking for the best beaches in the south of England for a fun family day out? We’ve come up with this list of 11 great beaches with clean, clear water so you can rest assured you’re in for a fun day out for the whole family. From sandy shores, rock pools and shingles to shallow waves, promenades and piers, these family-friendly beaches have everything you need for a fantastic day in the sun. Grab your sunscreen and towels—adventure awaits!
Ryde, Isle of Wight
Take a trip by ferry or hovercraft to Ryde, located on the northeastern coast of the Isle of Wight. The family-friendly beach with beautiful coastal views is one of the finest in the region. With expansive sandy shores that stretch for miles, you’ll find ample space for sandcastles, sunbathing, beach sports and more. Known for gently sloping sands and safe, shallow water, the seafront has a charming promenade with cafés, restaurants and seaside amusements.
West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
Blue Flag beach West Wittering Beach is home to pristine sands and clear waters, making it perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts. Framed by sand dunes, the beach opens up to an enormous expanse of sea and sand at low tide, with warm, shallow tidal pools. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs. The beach also features an area for crabbing and a restaurant serving lunch, drinks and ice cream.
Hayling Island, West Sussex
Hayling Island Beach, on the southern coast of Hampshire, is a stretch of sand and shingle with stunning views across the Solent. The beach’s wide, open spaces make it ideal for everything from beachcombing and picnicking to volleyball and paddleboarding, so there’s something for everyone. Hayling Island’s promenade is home to cafés, ice cream stands and beach shops, so you can enjoy a traditional seaside day out. The island’s Blue Flag status ensures clean, safe waters and beach conditions.
Winchelsea Beach, Kent
Winchelsea Beach, located on the southeast coast of England in East Sussex, is a hidden gem known for its peaceful and unspoiled natural beauty. Rich in wildlife, Winchelsea’s vast stretches of pebbles and shingles are backed by a scenic landscape of grassy dunes and salt marshes. The beach is ideal for long, leisurely walks and bird watching. At low tide, the beach’s sandy stretches appear, perfect for exploring rock pools and searching for marine life.
Botany Bay, Broadstairs, Kent
Botany Bay is a hidden gem with white chalk stacks, cliffs and clear waters—a serene escape known for its natural beauty, rock pools and fossil hunting opportunities. The sandy bay is approximately 200 metres long and was awarded the combined Blue Flag and Seaside Award 2024. The beach is accessible via steps or a steep slope, so it might be one to miss if you’re travelling with pushchairs!
Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Ideal for nature lovers and part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, this unspoiled beach is one of the most stunning areas of the coastline, making it into our list of best beaches in the south. With sand that stretches for miles, there’s plenty of room for everybody. Shelter in the pine forest behind the dunes and watch for local wildlife. There are no cafés or restaurants here, so you’ll need to pack your own picnic.
Southwold Pier Beach, Suffolk
Featuring colourful beach huts, a traditional pier and a charming seaside town, Southwold Beach is a sand and shingle beach offering a nostalgic and traditional seaside experience. Take a family stroll along the prom, stop for ice cream at one of the many beach kiosks and enjoy breathtaking sea views.
Salcombe North Sands Beach, Devon
Salcombe North Sands Beach in Devon is a beautiful beach renowned for its natural beauty. Nestled between rolling hills with breathtaking views of the estuary, this sandy beach is the perfect spot for holidaying families, thanks to its safe and shallow waters, ideal for swimming and paddling. The sandy beach expands at low tide, with rock pools and wide-open spaces for beach games. There’s a nearby café and facilities, so you’ll have everything you need for your day on the beach.
Woolacombe Beach, Devon
When it comes to the best beaches in the southwest, Woolacombe Beach in Devon frequently tops the list, not just locally but also in Europe. Its vast, family-friendly sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and beach games. The three-mile stretch of golden sand, lined with soft sand dunes, is renowned for its clear blue sea, cleanliness, water quality, and excellent facilities. Visitors can enjoy magnificent cliffs and rolling surf views – an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure.
Summerleaze Bude, Cornwall
You’ll find Summerleaze, Bude on the rugged north coast of Cornwall, surrounded by dramatic scenery. There’s a unique sea pool for a safe swimming spot that fills with seawater at high tide. With breathtaking coastal views and brilliant surfing conditions, Summerleaze Beach is just a short walk from the town centre and is a charming seaside town with many cafés, surf shops and family-friendly facilities, so you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips.
Porthminster Beach St Ives, Cornwall
Porthminster Beach in St Ives is westerly facing, with sheltered, mellow waves, fine white sand and crystal clear water. The beach is backed by a sloping grassy hillside with elegant Edwardian villas. There are plenty of nearby facilities, restaurants and cafés, a promenade and an 18-hole mini golf course behind the beach.
NB: Please check water quality on gov.uk before you travel, as this can change.
