Your Guide To The Best Beaches & Coastal Hotspots In The New Forest

The Best Beaches near the New Forest

There are few better ways to spend a holiday than by the sea, and the New Forest is home to some of the southern coast’s most stunning beaches. Whether you’re after shingle, sand, or pebbles, this diverse 40 mile stretch of coastline offers something for everyone.

From spontaneous sun-chasing during a last-minute heatwave to leisurely days spent relaxing on the sand with a sea swim in between, the New Forest’s beaches cater to all types of beachgoers. With its rich wildlife, dog-friendly shores, and plenty of room for outdoor activities, our favourite corner of the woods promises the perfect blend of nature and relaxation.

Nestled between charming villages, wild ponies, and lush greenery, the New Forest is renowned not only for its beautiful countryside but also for its breathtaking coastline. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a dog-friendly getaway, or an action-packed water sports adventure, you’re sure to find a beach that suits your needs a short drive from our flagship New Forest park Green Hill Farm Holiday Village.

Why Visit the New Forest?

The New Forest National Park is a haven for nature lovers. Renowned for its scenic beauty, the park boasts a wide variety of landscapes, from ancient woodlands and heathlands to sprawling grasslands and spectacular coastlines. Alongside the unique beauty of the countryside, the area is home to idyllic beaches, many of which are perfect for a variety of activities. Add to this the chance to encounter the famous New Forest ponies, and it’s easy to see why this region attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The best beaches & coastal spots in the New Forest

The New Forest may not immediately spring to mind when you think about beach days on the southern coast, but this is exactly what makes it special. From Calshot to Milford-on-Sea and Hengistbury, these beaches can often be less crowded, yet no less stunning.

Whether you’re after dog walks, wildlife, history, sand dune chasing or just a classic fish and chip trip to round off a day exploring, there’s a beach for you — as well as the chance to head slightly inland to some lovely coastal towns and villages.

Best New Forest Beach for Families

Boscombe beach — a little Blue Flag beauty for a bucket-and-spade British beach day

Quieter than Bournemouth though only a mile along the prom, Boscombe is a traditional beach day — think pretty beach huts, shelving sands and a pier. A truly 1950s-inspired resort and a smashing family seaside day out.

As a Blue Flag beach, Boscombe is top tier for cleanliness, water quality, facilities and more. Just park up and stretch your legs along the recently-restored Victorian pier — first opened in 1889 — for panoramic sea views to the Isle of Wight.

Just a quick note for those with pooch pals coming along — dogs are not allowed on some sections of Boscombe beach from 1st May until 30th September, although the section near Fisherman’s Walk has no restrictions at all.

Things to Do

If you’re coming to Boscombe, it’s worth exploring the range of activities on offer at the beach, though most are for the summer months — with boulder-climbing, table tennis, mini golf and volleyball for starters, it’s ideal for a sun-chasing family day out when a last-minute heatwave hits! If it’s more your style, there’s time and space for some classic sandcastle building.

There’s ice cream of course, but if you’re looking for something more substantial, then you can try some of the local eateries. The Prom Diner offers a fun, retro diner feel and caters from breakfast, right through to tea time — expect American classics such as burgers mixed with seaside favourites like ham, egg and chips.

If you’re thinking of something different, James and White café-bar offers breakfast and all-day eats but with a broader, more diverse menu to cater to all the family’s needs

Beach Facilities

As a Blue Flag beach, Boscombe is equipped with family-friendly amenities, including surf schools, mini golf, and kiosks. Some areas also feature designated play zones for children.

One of the area’s hidden gems is Boscombe Chine Gardens. This charming walk begins just outside Boscombe Town Centre and winds downhill through beautiful gardens filled with vibrant flowers, trees, and friendly squirrels, eventually leading to Boscombe Pier and the stunning Blue Flag beach stretching from Boscombe to Bournemouth. Along the way, you’ll find a children’s play area. For those preferring a shorter stroll, the Chine is also accessible by a mini train service.

Best Time to Visit

The summer months are perfect for family fun, while spring or early autumn offer a quieter experience, allowing you to enjoy the transition from a woodland stay to a day at the beach.

Family Accommodation

Families visiting Green Hill can choose from a range of accommodation options, including holiday homes, luxury lodges, and safari tents, all with dog-friendly choices for a memorable stay in the New Forest.

Best Dog-Friendly Beach New Forest

Milford-on-Sea — beach huts for days, the ‘most dog friendly beach’ & much more besides

It might be another shingle beach until low tide, but as the waves retreat you’ll enjoy some beautiful sandy shoreline; there’s plenty of fun and relaxation on offer at Milford. 

The pebbly shores at Milford have even won the accolade of the ‘most dog-friendly beach in Hampshire’, which takes into consideration facilities, water quality and more — so a must-visit for those with furry pals in tow!

Take in scenic coastal walks with your dog along beaches like Milford-on-Sea and Calshot, where your dog can run free while you admire the breathtaking views. If the tide is high and you fancy exploring, you can stroll along where the beach huts line the shore, take in the views across to the Isle of Wight or enjoy one of many towering cliff-top walks to Barton, whose dog-friendly beach is certainly well worth a visit too.

How to Get There

To get from Green Hill Farm Holiday Village in Nomansland to Milford on Sea, head south on Hangersley Hill, then turn right onto B3078. Continue until you reach the A338 roundabout, take the second exit towards Bournemouth, and stay on A338 for about 5 miles. Take the exit for Milford on Sea and follow the signs to the village. The drive takes around 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Things to do 

Head in the other direction to Hurst Castle — another English Heritage site that’s worth a visit for history buffs. Fans of wildlife, stunning coastal panoramas and that at-one-with-nature feel won’t want to miss the nearby Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes Nature Reserve.

If you’ve made the trip here, we suggest enjoying the view and then taking in the sights and independent shops and eateries around the village green. Saltwater café-bar has a rustic coastal decor and a broad menu that caters from breakfast through to the afternoon.

Seafood lovers after something fancy may want to call in at Verveine, a top-rated restaurant with exciting and varied dishes to try. There’s also a range of classic British cuisines on offer at a variety of local bars and restaurants, as well as Italian, Thai and much more — so there’s something for everyone.

Beach Facilities

Milford on Sea boasts a two-mile promenade, a shingle beach, and a charming village centre with boutique shops, cafes, and pubs. The stunning coastline features beach huts, seaside cafes, and viewpoints. There is plenty of parking on Hurst Road.

Best Time to Visit

Avoid the busiest months in the summer and consider visiting in the spring or autumn for more peaceful, less crowded dog-friendly beaches.

Pet-Friendly Accommodation

We have dog friendly options for most of our accommodation available including holiday homes, lodges and safari tents

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Most Accessible Beach in the New Forest

Lepe Beach — breathtaking views, history, and accessibility for all

Lepe Beach may be a pebbly spot at high tide, but as the waters recede, golden sands emerge, offering a perfect setting for families, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts. Nestled within Lepe Country Park, this beach combines natural beauty, historical intrigue, and excellent accessibility.

With dedicated accessible parking spaces, wheelchair-friendly paths, and an all-terrain beach wheelchair available to hire, Lepe Beach ensures everyone can enjoy its stunning coastal landscapes. The accessible viewing platform provides panoramic views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight, making it easy for all visitors to take in the breathtaking scenery.

The beach also boasts a fascinating history, having played a key role during the D-Day landings. Historical remnants and interpretive boards along the shoreline allow visitors to step back in time and learn more about its wartime significance.

How to Get There

To get to Lepe Beach from Green Hill Farm Holiday Village in Nomansland, head south on Hangersley Hill and join the B3078. Continue through the New Forest, following signs towards Beaulieu. From there, follow the signs for Exbury and then Lepe Beach, which is located within Lepe Country Park. The drive takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic and any wildlife crossings in the New Forest.

Accessibility Options

Lepe Beach is thoughtfully designed to ensure accessibility for all visitors. With ramps connecting the beach to the car park at Lepe Country Park, wheelchair and pushchair users can easily enjoy the stunning views, fresh coastal air, and natural beauty this beach has to offer.

Beach Facilities

Lepe Café caters to all, with level access, outdoor seating, and delicious food and drinks served against a backdrop of sweeping sea views. For those with furry friends, dogs are welcome outside of clearly labelled restricted areas, and there’s a range of scenic walking routes, including flat paths through wildflower meadows and along the shoreline.

Best Time to Visit

To ensure a pleasant experience, visit during the quieter times of the year, such as mid-week days during the off-peak season.

Best Sandy Beach in the New Forest

Hengistbury Head — a stunning sandy beach (with archaeological and geological significance!)

Enjoy this dramatic headland’s stunning beach and its incredible panoramas across to ‘The Needles’ on the Isle of Wight — the peculiar three stacks of chalk that poke out of the sea.

Once a vantage point for nomadic hunters and then a key trading post during the Iron Age, this jutting headland is of incredible historic and archaeological importance — and still shows some of these signs of ancient settlement.

Much of Hengistbury Head beach is sandy, although some is shingle, backed by sand dunes. There’s no restrictions at all for dogs, so your canine companions can run free. It’s never usually too busy, which is always a bonus!

Accompanying the incredible history and coastal views on your trip to Hengistbury Head are rare birds, animals, plants and insects — it’s also a very diverse habitat boasting a nature reserve. A great spot for a light circular walk.

How to Get There

To reach Hengistbury Head from Green Hill Farm Holiday Village in Nomansland, head south on Hangersley Hill and join the B3078. Follow the road through the New Forest and join the A338 towards Bournemouth. Continue on the A338 for around 10 miles, then follow signs for Southbourne and Hengistbury Head. Once in the area, signs will direct you to the Hengistbury Head car park, located near the visitor centre and the start of the walking trails. The journey takes approximately 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Things to do 

If you fancy an adventure without the walk, the land train runs throughout summer will take you over to Mudeford Sandbank — be sure to check the Facebook page for the latest information!

Also enjoy a trip to Hengistbury Head Visitors Centre where you can learn all about the nature reserve, the area’s history as well as enjoy a range of interactive displays. You can also try your hand at a variety of activities from kayaking to willow-weaving! After a bite to eat? There’s usually some sumptuous food on offer at The Beach House — either sit down or enjoy a takeaway made with fresh, local ingredients — definitely worth a reward after a day’s exploring!

Beach Facilities

Hengistbury Head offers long stretches of golden sand with good water quality and safe paddling. The beaches have amenities like toilets, cafés, seating areas, and lifeguards in peak summer. A favourite for walkers and dog owners, dogs are welcome year-round. The area is a designated Local Nature Reserve, Site of Scientific Interest, and Special Area of Conservation.

Best Time to Visit

Summer is the ideal time to visit sandy beaches, although the area is equally stunning during the spring and autumn months.

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Best New Forest Beach for Wildlife

Steamer Point (& Highcliffe beach) — for a wildlife-filled woodland walk rewarded with stunning sea views

Sitting prettily between Friars Cliff and Highcliffe Castle, Steamer Point Nature Reserve is home to a wide range of woodland and aquatic habitats that make the perfect accompaniment as you wind through walking trails to the seafront.

There’s a number of different routes under the treetops punctuated by wildlife ponds — you really feel as close to nature as possible.

There are a number of excellent dedicated picnic spots that provide incredible views of the sea through woodland — a great place to stop for some jam sandwiches, a flask of coffee and smartphone snaps!

It might not take too long to soak up everything Steamer Point and its nature reserve have to offer, so perhaps hop onto Highcliffe beach afterwards, head to the nearby grade I-listed castle or peruse some of the lovely independent shops and cafés in nearby Friars Cliff.

How to Get There

To get to Steamer Point and Highcliffe Beach from Green Hill Farm Holiday Village in Nomansland, head south on Hangersley Hill and join the B3078. Continue through the New Forest and join the A338 towards Christchurch. From Christchurch, follow signs for Highcliffe and then Steamer Point Nature Reserve. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Things to See

Steamer Point is a stunning clifftop nature reserve located between Highcliffe Castle and Friar’s Cliff. Spanning 11 hectares, it features predominantly deciduous woodland, along with grasslands, ponds, wetlands, and sea cliffs, all home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Consider booking a boat tour to explore nearby nature reserves and spot wildlife from a different perspective.

Beach Facilities

While the beaches have fewer facilities, the reserve provides plenty of amenities, including pay-and-display car parks at either end, toilets at the beach and Highcliffe Castle, and an unmanned information centre with interactive displays for children. Picnic benches along the clifftop offer sea views, and the Beach Hut Café serves quick bites for a relaxed stop.

Best Time to Visit

For the best wildlife sightings, visit during the spring or autumn migration periods when animals are more active.

Best New Forest Beach for Water Sports

Milford-on-Sea — perfect for water sports, beach huts, and more

Milford-on-Sea is also a top choice for watersports enthusiasts. Although the beach is pebbly at high tide, as the water retreats, a sandy shoreline emerges, ideal for various activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.

The beach’s calm waters and scenic surroundings make it a popular destination for both beginners and experienced water sports lovers. Milford’s stunning setting also offers excellent conditions for exploring the coastline by boat or enjoying a peaceful swim.

Then there is Calshot, a shingle beach which is famed for its watersports offering and views across the Solent of the Isle of Wight., 

However, if you’re seeking a calmer day with a view, don’t let that put you off. The sailing boats and the sight of the ferries coming and going are a soothing way of passing any afternoon, particularly with a picnic! Bring along any of your four-legged friends, too — Calshot is completely pet friendly and is helpfully dotted with poop bins.

After activities on the beach, with any spare time you might want to pay a visit to the nearby Calshot Activity Centre for some more land-focused activities, including climbing and indoor skiing.

There’s still more to see and do, including a visit to the beautiful artillery fort, Calshot Castle, built by Henry VIII to defend the sea passage to Southampton. Now run by English Heritage, you can visit the castle and climb to the top of the keep to take in views of the Solent.

How To Get There

Follow the same directions for Milford On Sea we shared above or to get to Calshot Beach from Green Hill Farm Holiday Village in Nomansland, head south on Hangersley Hill and take the B3078 towards Beaulieu. Continue through the New Forest, following signs for Exbury. Once you reach Exbury, follow the signs to Calshot and proceed towards Calshot Beach. The drive takes approximately 30-35 minutes, depending on traffic.

Best Time of Year for Water Sports

The summer months provide the best conditions for water sports, although spring and autumn can offer calmer waters and fewer crowds if you can brace the colder sea temperatures.

Most Picturesque Beach in the New Forest

Barton-on-Sea — Witness the New Forest’s coastal beauty on full display 

Barton-on-Sea is widely regarded as one of the New Forest’s most picturesque beaches. With its striking cliffs, golden sands, and expansive views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, it’s a stunning spot for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.

The beach offers an unspoiled atmosphere, ideal for relaxing or enjoying a range of outdoor activities. Whether you’re walking along the cliffs, soaking up the sun, or exploring the shore, the views are simply breathtaking.

How to Get There

To get to Barton-on-Sea from Green Hill Farm Holiday Village in Nomansland, head south on Hangersley Hill and join the B3078. Follow this road through the New Forest, then join the A35 towards Christchurch. Once you reach Christchurch, follow signs for Barton-on-Sea. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Beach Facilities

While the beach may be quieter than some of the more commercialised spots, it still provides essential facilities, including easy access to the nearby village, parking, and excellent walking routes along the coastline. This beach is a must-visit for those seeking natural beauty and tranquillity in the heart of the New Forest.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon, allowing you to take in the views without the hustle and bustle of midday crowds.

Book Your Next New Forest Beach Holiday with Lovat Parks

While the New Forest’s coastline may be small, it’s filled with hidden gems waiting to be explored.

Enjoy all the area has to offer by booking a stay at Green Hill Farm Holiday Village, located right in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Whether you’re planning a family weekend, a romantic retreat among the treetops, or something in between, we have the perfect getaway for you.

Join us to explore the beautiful beaches and coastline of the New Forest. Make this your home away from home, or book your next getaway—we can’t wait to welcome you!

Discover Green Hill Farm.