Hill Head Beach

The shingle beach at Hill Head runs for a decent stretch along the Hampshire coast, facing the Solent with views across to the Isle of Wight. It's the kind of place where you get proper space to spread out, especially outside peak summer weeks. The beach itself is working shingle - expect pebbles underfoot and the satisfying crunch of them shifting as you walk. The water's cold but swimmable from late May through September if you've got the constitution for it.

Walkers will find this more rewarding than families with young children. The beach connects into the wider coastal path, and the views across to Ryde on the Isle of Wight give you something to look at for hours. There's a car park right by the beach, which is efficient if unglamorous. No facilities to speak of, so bring what you need.

Stay at Solent Breezes Holiday Park just three miles away and you're perfectly placed to explore this stretch of coast without the crowds you'd get at Southend or Bournemouth. It's ideal for a quiet few days if you want sea air and space rather than amusement arcades. Waverley Park Holiday Centre sits four miles inland, giving you the option of a beach visit without being right on the water. The beach itself won't hold your attention all day unless you're genuinely into coastal walks or birdwatching, but as part of a broader holiday exploring the Solent coast, it's absolutely worth an hour or two.