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Beaches & Coast in Southampton

Southampton itself doesn't have a beach on the doorstep, so both options here mean a proper trip out. Hengistbury Head Beach in Bournemouth is a longer drive out but it's worth it: a wide nature reserve beach with free entry, parking, toilets and a cafe on site, plus a land train that runs out to Mudeford Spit if you don't fancy the walk. There are wildlife webcams to spot along the way too, which keeps younger kids occupied on the harbour views bit. Kingston Beach out at Shoreham-by-Sea is further still, a proper day trip rather than an afternoon dash, but it's free and good for rock pooling and a swim if the tide's right, though parking is limited so go early. For toddlers, Hengistbury Head is the easier choice with its facilities and the novelty of the train; for older kids who like scrambling over rocks, Kingston Beach earns the extra miles.

✓ 2 places✦ 2 free to visit