Oh I do like to be beside the seaside
|
|
Written by Sharon Watson
|
 Mystery Mum and Mystery Toddler have been out and about this issue,
checking out family beaches in Hampshire and surrounding areas. Delve
back into your earliest happy memories and chances are you’ll find a
family beach trip in there.Beaches are made for fun, and of course, once you get there, they can
provide a free or very cheap day out.
Here in Hampshire, we have the
whole of the South Coast within striking distance and some great family
beaches right on our doorstep. Most offer spectacular views across the Solent and a ringside seat for watching yachts, ferries and ocean liners pass by.
We’ve been checking out some of Hampshire’s favourite beaches and some hidden gems, and put together some handy reminders on keeping our local beaches safe and clean.
Top marks: Lepe, Exbury
Part of Lepe Country Park, this sand and shingle beach on the Solent is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and ideal for a day out with a picnic and it’s somewhere we like to go to with visitors from out of the area as the views are fantastic. Lepe is full of history and reminders of the D-Day invasion of France (which used Lepe as a starting point) are still visible. Bathing is safe and there is a lifeguard in summer. Car parks are handy for the beach and there are toilets with baby changing nearby as well as a first aid station, restaurant and ice cream kiosk. If it rains or gets too windy at the beach you can take shelter in the country park and when it clears there is nature trail for all ages to enjoy.
Also recommended: Hampshire
 Stokes Bay and Lee on Solent
For some reason, every time we visit these beaches the weather turns foul, so we’ve never hung around long enough to test the facilities, although there are toilets, beach cafés and local shops handy at both locations. On the upside, there is parking right on the seafront at Stokes Bay and even in bad weather the view across to the Island was stunning. There is easy access to the beach and plenty of room for picnics and play on the adjacent grassland. In better weather we hope to have a barbecue at Stokes Bay. At Lee, older kids won’t want to miss the Pirates Cove play area, with enough swings and climbing frames to exhaust even the liveliest pirate.
Southsea
Despite its steeply sloping shingle beach, Southsea remains a family favourite day out. We don’t see it so much as a beach for sitting at, more for bracing walks with the buggy and an ice lolly. We often combine a stroll along the promenade and pier with a trip to the Sea Life centre nearby. We once made the mistake of visiting the baby changing facilities at the public toilet on the prom – never again. The nappy-changing shelf was hard and grubby and the whole place was filthy and smelt terrible. We had to have extra-large ice creams from the kiosk on the pier to get over the shock.
West Hayling
Hayling Island is rich in beaches, but this is a favourite when we are in the area. In summer, there is always plenty of activity to look at – sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing and beach volleyball. This is where we taught Mystery Toddler to chuck pebbles in the sea – something that would have kept him amused until dark if we hadn’t dragged him home. Be careful though as swimming is unsafe at the ends of the beach because of currents and there is no lifeguard if you get into trouble!
Best of the Isle of Wight
 Shanklin and Sandown
These are both lovely sandy beaches on the south side of the island, with safe bathing, refreshments, children’s areas and a lost kids station at Shanklin. The main drawbacks in both cases are the steep steps from the cliff top down to the beach. In our experience you really need two adults for every child and don’t attempt to take a buggy down to the beach. You’ll need to be prepared to stay on the beach for the day as the walk back up isn’t something you’d relish more than once!
Ventnor
Our favourite on the island. A sandy beach with a kids play area, cafes and basic loo facilities. Although there are some steps to the beach, it’s more manageable than the cliffside beaches and the local shops and parking are close by. If you plan to swim, it’s worth noting that there are strong tidal currents and submerged rocks.
Ryde and Springvale beaches
 Springvale, to the east of Ryde, is a peaceful family beach of shingle and sand in its own bay. The beach is kept pristine in summer and Springvale also holds a water quality award. There is safe swimming and parking nearby. If you are looking for a livelier spot, close to the FastCat and hovercraft terminals, Ryde’s main beach is handy for shops, cafes and all facilities. For little ones, there is a paddling pool and excellent play areas.
Further afield but still close
Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset
Set amidst millionaires’ mansions on this sunny spit of land, on a warm day at Sandbanks you can imagine you’re in California. The facilities, including baby changing and outdoor showers, are clean and modern, although when busy cleanliness can suffer. As the name hints the beach’s best feature is the golden sand. The car parks tend to get very busy on summer weekends, so arrive early and choose a great spot as your base on the beach. If it’s too crowded, there are plenty of other excellent beaches within a few minutes’ drive.
West Wittering, West Sussex
A beautiful natural and uncommercialised sandy beach where you can usually find a quiet spot. There is plenty of parking available and a large grassy area for games, barbecues or picnics. Although not for those who seek out beach arcades or shopping, there is a café and kiosk at the beach as well as a toilet with baby changing facilities. You can hire deckchairs, sunloungers and windbreaks in summer. A delightful get-away-from-it-all beach near Chichester.
Tips .........
• Needless to say, never leave young children unsupervised.
• Wrap each part of your picnic individually to avoid sand contamination.
• Keep small children out of holes dug in the sand. Although they can be great fun, their walls are unstable and can be dangerous.
• Check notice boards for information on water quality, currents and emergency numbers, or before you travel, refer to the Good Beach guide, produced annually by the Marine Conservation Society (www.goodbeachguide.co.uk).
• Take a beach shelter (available from outdoor stores). They are quick to put up and provide shelter from wind and sun for little ones.
• Bring plenty of change as parking near beaches is almost always pay and display.
• Bring high-factor sunblock and a sunhat for baby.
• Jelly sandals are great for little feet on shingle beaches.
• If you see someone in trouble, alert lifeguards, or call the Coastguard 999 or 112 if calling from your mobile phone. Do not attempt to rescue them yourself, unless you are qualified and have help.
|
|
|
|
|
