Did Someone Say Beach?
The warmer weather is just around the corner and you will be probably planning days out & “Looking For A Beach Near Me In Surrey.” I’ve put together this blog of The Best Beaches To Travel To From Surrey.
As you may know, I love the beach and we spend quite a few days over the summer months there with West Wittering being our favourite place.
As a family photographer based in Surrey & Hampshire, I’m always on the lookout for beautiful outdoor locations and beaches are always stunning for photos. Living in Surrey means we’re lucky to have some beautiful beaches just a short drive away and the nearest beach (Hayling Island) is under an hour away from Farnham.
From sandy beaches, pebble beaches, beaches for dogs, cafes, baby changing, & parking I have put together a helpful list of info of beaches and there will be one to suit you and your family…or explore them all this summer!
West Wittering
TIME FROM FARNHAM: 1 hour 8 mins
TYPE OF BEACH: Sandy
PARKING: Booking essential. Pre-bookable spaces available during peak times. The car park is located just a short walk from the beach.
LIFEGUARDS: Yes-you can get a wrist band for your child from the lifeguard’s centre to write your mobile number on in case of a lost child.
TOILETS/SHOWERS: There are new three blocks of toilets, each of which has an accessible toilet. As well as two cold outdoor beach showers and a changing place facility at the toilet block located in the centre of the car park. Several taps providing drinking water are located along the side of the road.
BABY CHANGING FACILITIES: Yes-NEW ONES.
CAFE/FOOD: Dog friendly, The Beach Café is open daily (excluding Christmas Day), from 09:00 – 16:00.
DOGS: From 1st May to mid-September they are excluded from the Blue flag bathing zone. But you can walk them around East Head which is a great walk for an explore over the sand dunes.
WHERE ARE THE ICE-CREAMS? Available from the café and huts along the car park
VISIT WEST WITTERING ESTATE WEBSITE
Branksome Chine Beach, Bournemouth
TIME FROM FARNHAM: 1 hour 30 mins
TYPE OF BEACH: Sandy
PARKING: Branksome Chine Surface Car Park
LIFEGUARDS: RNLI lifeguards are on duty from 1st May to 30th September.
TOILETS/SHOWERS: Beach front ones
BABY CHANGING FACILITIES:
Yes.
CAFE/FOOD: I can highly recommend Rockwater Cafe right on the beach front. There are also cafes beachfront too.
DOGS: From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are not allowed on Branksome Chine’s main beach
WHERE ARE THE ICE-CREAMS?
Available from the café, kiosks, and beach huts near the car park.
VISIT BRANKSOME CHINE BEACH INFO
Hayling Island
TIME FROM FARNHAM: 54 mins
TYPE OF BEACH: Sandy & pebbly
PARKING: Chichester Ave Car Park Hayling Island PO11 9HP. Check charges before going.
LIFEGUARDS: No
TOILETS/SHOWERS: Blocks of toilets along the beach front
BABY CHANGING FACILITIES: Yes
CAFE/FOOD: Nearby.
OTHER THINGS TO DO: There is a mini raliway which runs along the front of the beach. You can check where from and to here: https://www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/things-to-do/hayling-seaside-railway-p1508281
DOGS: Hayling’s unspoiled beaches offer plenty of open space for dogs as well as views and fresh air for their owners. There are however a few restrictions in place aimed at ensuring enjoyment of the beaches for all. You can check the maps where to walk with your furry friends here: https://hayling.co.uk/life/dog-walking-hayling-island/
WHERE ARE THE ICE-CREAMS? There is an ice cream hut in Chichester Ave Car Park
HENGISTBURY BEACH, CHRISTCHURCH
TIME FROM FARNHAM: 1 hour 30 mins
TYPE OF BEACH: Sandy
PARKING: £10.20 for 6 hours BH6 4EN
There is a large 24-hour long stay car park for visitors to Hengistbury Head and Mudeford Sandbank. You can’t pay by cash but the machines will accept payment by card. Alternatively, you can pay by phone or by using an online app (JustPark, RingGo or PayByPhone) For more details CLICK HERE
TAKE THE TRAIN: A land train runs between the café and Mudeford Sandbank, otherwise it’s a 20 minute walk downhill.
TOP TIP: Take scooters/buggies/camping trolley and load up and walk the 15 min walk down to the beach to the left. It’s shady and a lovely walk/scoot down ad worth it when you reach the bottom. The children can play & climb on the way in the trees.
LIFEGUARDS: No
OTHER INFO: The beach is about 500m long and has golden sands backed with dunes and almost 300 colourful beach huts. Unlike other beach huts these ones are residential and can be stayed in overnight from April to October. Many of the huts are like tiny houses with kitchens and bedrooms upstairs.
TOILETS/SHOWERS: Lots along the beach hut stretch at Mudeford.
BABY CHANGING FACILITIES: Yes.
CAFE/FOOD: The Hiker Café is by the main car park and also at Mudeford where the beach huts are.
DOGS: Allowed all year around.
WHERE ARE THE ICE-CREAMS? Available from the cafés.
BRIGHTON
TIME FROM FARNHAM: 1 hour 20 mins
TYPE OF BEACH: Pebbly
PARKING: Park in the Lanes car park and you can walk from there.
LIFEGUARDS: Yes.
TOILETS/SHOWERS: They are all along the front under the boardwalk. Clearly signed.
BABY CHANGING FACILITIES: Yes.
CAFE/FOOD: So many to choose from!
DOGS: Dogs are permitted on all beaches in Brighton & Hove from 1 October to 30 April. The rest of the year, dogs are only permitted on beaches listed as dog-friendly beaches.
WHERE ARE THE ICE-CREAMS? Available lots of places!
FRENSHAM GREAT POND
TIME FROM FARNHAM: 13 mins
A little closer to home with a sandy beach and a lake. Perfect if you don’t want to travel to the coast.
**Check the water quality before swimming as In the summer months the water has previously been affected by high levels of blue-green algae which can be hazardous for users.**
TYPE OF BEACH: Sandy.
PARKING: Members park for free with your card. Payment for parking is via Pay By Phone app. Area code 803458.
LIFEGUARDS: No
TOILETS/SHOWERS: Yes, very nearby.
BABY CHANGING FACILITIES: Yes.
CAFE/FOOD: Nearby, clearly visable.
DOGS: Allowed all the time.
WHERE ARE THE ICE-CREAMS? Available from the café.
Interested in Family photography? Head to the Family page HERE
If you liked this, you will love “Easy Travel Photography Tips for Parents”
I hope this blog is useful to you and your family over this Summer, we too will be enjoying a few beaches.
Enjoy the beach and getting your toes in the sand!
Lots of love
Zoe
xxx
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