Best Coastal Destinations in Southern England for a Relaxing Getaway

The best coastal destinations in Southern England for a relaxing getaway.

From pretty Victorian seaside towns to rugged fossil hunting beaches, the shores of southern England are just a few hours from London. If you’re seeking relaxation, here are places to go, depending on what kind of relaxing you’re in the mood for.

## For Classic Seaside Charm

### Brighton
The best known section of the south coast – the pebble beach, the elaborate Royal Pavilion and the old-fashioned amusement rides of the Palace Pier. If you want to enjoy some seafront air, and some good food and nightlife while you’re at it, then less ‘quiet getaway’ and more ‘relaxed with energy’.

### Bournemouth
There were 7 miles of soft sand, a rarity in this type of coastline, where pebbles are the usual feature, and pine covered cliffs called the Chines. Bournemouth has a more relaxed atmosphere than Brighton, with an older pier and deck chairs.

## For Dramatic Scenery

The Jurassic Coast (between Lyme Regis and Durdle Door).
A 96-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site where the beaches serve as fossil digging sites. Lyme Regis boasts a working harbour, while Durdle Door’s natural limestone arch is photographed daily by many people up and down the country, but is best visited at early or late times to avoid the crowds of day-trippers.

### Isle of Wight
A short ferry journey from Portsmouth or Southampton with The Needles chalk stacks as the “showpiece”. A slower pace than the main land, Victorian seaside towns such as Ventnor and plenty of coastal walking trails to keep a few relaxed days occupied.

A series of signs and banners is visible on the map.There is a series of signs and banners on the map.

### Studland Bay, Dorset
Four miles of undisturbed sand beach adjacent to Poole Harbour, and protected by heathland instead of development. No boardwalk development, just sand, dune and vista to Old Harry Rocks.

### Camber Sands, East Sussex
Largest sand dune beach in the southeast, so big it can hold the summer crowds. Low tide is flat and shallow, and it’s a real beach for relaxation and not a party beach.

## For Harbor Towns and Slow Mornings

### Whitstable, Kent
Better known for oysters and weatherboard cottages, than the sand. Take in the walk of the harbor, the seafood off the boats, and the backdrop of the pebble beach.

### Lymington, Hampshire
A Georgian market town, on the edge of the New Forest with a working marina. Slow lunch at the harbor while enjoying pony-spotting in the forest in mere minutes.

## For Wild, Away-From-It-All Coast

Devon Coast (Salcombe, Bigbury-on-Sea) is a coastal stretch just adjacent to Dartmoor.Devon Coast is a coastal stretch adjacent to Dartmoor (Salcombe, Bigbury-on-Sea).
Further west than most coastal trips in the south go, but the rewards of real seclusion are more pristine water, less foot traffic, and ability to enjoy the Dartmoor day if travelling by car.

## Matching Destination to Mood

## Practical Tips

– **Ideal months for visiting are late May and June as they are away from the summer rush but have a good amount of sunshine.
Summer parking is very busy at Durdle Door and Studland Bay – try to come early (before 10am) or park at the park-and-ride option if available.
They book ferries ahead to the Isle of Wight in July/August – walk-on tickets may involve long waiting times.

## Final Word

You don’t have to make a decision between scenery and relaxation on the south coast — choose Dorset or the Isle of Wight for both. For no stimulation other than sand and sea, don’t bother with Brighton, opt for Studland Bay or Camber Sands.