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The View Of The Needles From Milford On Sea Beach
Inspiring Holidays On The Beach Discover some of our favourite Beaches in Dorset & Hampshire

Beach Holidays

Ideal for that sunshine holiday

Beach holiday or sunshine holiday, however, you look at it, locally we have some of the finest award-winning beaches the UK has to offer, meaning your next beach holiday doesn’t need to cost the earth.

It’s time to feel that soft sand underfoot and enjoy the sea gently lapping over your feet!

Make the most of the stunning local Hampshire and Dorset beaches and explore all the best scenery the South Coast has to offer from Shorefield Holiday parks. From the stretching Bournemouth beaches to Lulworth Cove, make your holiday one to remember.

The diversity of the coastline surrounding our Dorset and Hampshire holiday parks means there are plenty of beach destinations with their own unique charm and character to explore, from miles of sweeping golden sand to secluded private coves and everything in between.

But which should you visit? Whether you prefer not to have sand in your sandwiches or can't call it a beach day until you've made the world's largest sand sculpture, we know there's no 'one size fits all' when it comes to favourite beach types. It's why we'll show you whether you can expect sand between your toes or perfect pebbles when you arrive at each of the beaches we visited.

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  • Golden sands of Bournemouth beach
  • Great views from the pebbled beach at Milford on Sea
  • Visit the sandy peninsula at Sandbanks
  • Try watersports at Swanage Beach
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Award winning beaches

Bournemouth Beach Dorset

Bournemouth Beach

Bournemouth, Boscombe & Southbourne Beaches, Dorset

Did you know? Bournemouth beach has recently been awarded the title of 'best beach in the UK' by TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards. It also ranked as 14th best in the world, and it's not hard to see why. The seven-mile stretch of golden sands and tranquil waters make it a haven for relaxing or even some water sports.

Each of the Bournemouth beaches has its own charm and collectively hold 4 Blue Flag awards (for Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman's Walk and Southbourne beaches) as well as the Quality Coast Award around Bournemouth Pier. The surrounding shops, restaurants, pier and Oceanarium make for a fantastic day out, so it's worth getting there early.

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  • 14th best beach in the world
  • Seven-mile stretch of golden sands
  • Surrounding shops and restaurants
  • Bournemouth Beach Pier with zip-line
  • Boscombe Beach Pier
  • Ferris Wheel
  • Land Train
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3 The Sandy Beaches Of Bournemouth

Bournemouth Beach

Milford-on-Sea Hampshire

Milford-on-Sea

Milford on Sea is a stony beach that offers great views of the Isle of Wight and the Needles.

Away from busy towns and popular sandy beaches, Milford on Sea is a lovely beach for a quieter day out. There is easy access to the local village shops that are just 500 yards away, and next to the beach you’ll find a cafe, ice cream kiosk and a children’s playground.

The beach is popular for those who enjoy pleasant scenery and a nice stroll. Walk along Hurst Spit and enjoy a visit to Hurst Castle one of the must see attractions in Hampshire.

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  • Wonderful scenery
  • Quieter beach area
  • Local village shops
  • Walking distance from Shorefield Country Park
  • Local attractions
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1 Sunset At Milford On Sea Beach

Milford on Sea beach

Sandbanks Dorset

Sandbanks

Sandbanks is a small sandy peninsula in Poole.

It is one of Dorset's most popular beaches, and for good reason. It has fine golden sand and is perfect for family days out to the beach. It has won the European Blue Flag for a record 21 years! The promenade boasts good facilities and Entertainment & Activities, including mini and crazy golf.

There are a range of exciting water sports available including power boat rides and parascending, as well as windsurfing, sailing, kite surfing, kayaking and waterskiing.

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  • European Blue Flag Award
  • Water sports available
  • Perfect for family days out
1 Sailing Boats On The Sandy Shores At Sandbanks

Sandbanks Beach.

Swanage Beach Dorset

Swanage Beach

The sandy beach at Swanage is a popular attraction of the town.

Located along the length of the town it offers a clean beach with plenty to see and do in the immediate area, including amusements and attractions. A popular location for watersports you can hire pedalos and kayaks, and other watersports include diving, sailing, waterskiing and wind surfing.

The beach has won many European Blue Flag awards for its clean water and has been awarded the Encams Quality Coast Award.

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  • European Blue Flag awards
  • Hire pedalos and kayaks
  • Encams Quality Coast Award
2 Children Crabbing At Swanage Pier

Swanage Pier

Studland Beach Dorset

Studland Beach

Studland is effectively a continuation of Sandbanks across the harbour entrance by chain ferry.

It is more simplistic and although still ideal for water sports it does include the most popular naturist beach in Britain! The heathland behind the beach is a haven for native wildlife and features all six British reptiles.

Designated trails through the sand dunes and woodlands, allow for exploration and spotting of deer, insects and bird life as well as a wealth of wild flowers. It also boasts great views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight. A peaceful beach for those who enjoy good views and nature.

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  • Designated trails through the sand dunes
  • Great views of Old Harry Rocks
Studland Beach

Studland Beach

Lulworth Cove Dorset

Lulworth Cove

One of the most iconic and photographed beaches in the UK

Lulworth Cove is a shell-shaped cove surrounded by limestone cliffs. The beach shelves steeply but is quite safe for swimming, and there are rock pools to explore at one end of the beach.

There is access to the ‘Fossil Forest’ at the far end of the beach where one can see the remains of fossilised tree stumps. Lulworth Cove is a well-known beauty spot and is very close to the world-famous Durdle Door.

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  • Beautiful white pebble beach
  • Low tide reveals wonderful rock pools
  • Places to eat and drink
2 Lulworth Cove Blue Sea Views Summer

Lulworth Cove

The Shorefield Edit

Bournemouth and Poole

Home to sandy beaches and scenic quays, Bournemouth and Poole have so much to offer.
The Sandy Beaches Of Bournemouth

Hurst Castle

Discover this artillery fortress built by Henry VIII at the seaward end of a spit. Commanding the entrance to the Solent it offers one of the best views in England.
Children Cannon Hurst Castle Attraction
More local attractions

Upcoming Local Events

Halloween at Paultons

Halloween Spooktacular at Paultons Park

This October Half term bring the family to the friendliest and most frightful Halloween theme park event in the UK. We are back for another year with even more spooky fun to be had!
Halloween at Moors Valley

Halloween at Moors Valley

Explore the forest after-dark with a brand-new spooky illuminated trail for the whole family. Join your family and friends to wander from dusk into darkness at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest.
New Forest Activities Spooky River

Spooky Halloween River Tour with New Forest Activities

With so much history and stories of ghosts, are you brave enough to paddle the Beaulieu River’s dark waters? Head out on the water in canoes, stopping along the way to hear ghoulish stories from your nighttime guide.
More local events

ParkLife Blog

Halloween in Hampshire & Dorset

Looking for spooktacular things to do this Halloween? Here's our top picks of activities, from days out in Hampshire & Dorset to trick or treating at our parks.

The New Forest Tour Returns

Go car-free and care-free! The ever-popular New Forest Tour bus is calling at Shorefield Country Park throughout summer to take passengers on a magical journey through New Forest landscapes.

Eco-Friendly Holidays

In today’s fast-paced world, taking time to unwind and reconnect with nature is more important than ever.

Why Holiday With Shorefield?