The changeable British weather and dramatically rugged UK coastline may not instantly invoke visions of family-friendly beach days. However, Southern England is a treasure trove of beautiful beaches that offer the perfect escape for families seeking sun, sea, surf, and sand. Whether you’re a local looking for a day of relaxation or a visitor eager to explore the stunning shores of the region, you’re in for a treat! Today, travel blogger and UK mom of two, Aimee Keeble will be our guide and show us around the best beaches for kids in Southern England. This post will point you in the right direction for some epic beach adventures! Each recommendation is a tried and tested favourite along the south coast from Dorset to Kent (we will need another list to cover Devon and Cornwall!).
Top tips for a great British beach experience
From building sandcastles and splashing in the gentle waves to exploring rock pools teeming with fascinating marine life, the beaches of Southern UK are not only safe and welcoming for children but also provide parents with a well-deserved break. To make your trip even more enjoyable, here are some practical tips for visiting these delightful destinations. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay, our guide will ensure you make the most of your time on these magnificent shores.
Check the weather and prepare accordingly
British weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to check the weather forecast before heading to the beach. Prepare for four seasons in a day. Pack accordingly with sunscreen and hats for sunny days, and raincoats and extra layers for cooler, wetter days. Be sure to pack waterproofs and wellies alongside the sun cream and swimmers.
If you’re planning to spend a few hours at the beach, take a windbreak, parasol, and picnic blankets for comfort. It’s rare to find beaches with loungers (beach chairs) or parasols.
Food and water
On the way to the beach, pick up a local bite to eat, especially fish and chips or a sweet treat of ice cream or donuts. Bring a cooler with sandwiches, snacks, and plenty of water. Having a beach picnic is not only convenient but also a fun family activity. Don’t forget to check if the beach has designated picnic areas or restrictions on bringing food. And when eating at the beach, be sure to keep a watch for diving seagulls who will steal your snacks!
Swim safely
Always supervise children when they’re in the water. Familiarize yourself with the beach’s specific safety guidelines, including any flags or signs indicating water conditions and potential hazards. Life jackets are always recommended when kids are swimming in the water. See our full post on beach safety tips for parents.
Sun and sand
Protect your family from the sun’s rays by applying sunscreen regularly, and wearing hats, sunglasses, and rashguards. Seek shade during the hottest parts of the day to avoid sunburn. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain to reach the beach can be uneven and rocky.
Best beaches for kids in Southern England
1. Mudeford Sandbank, Dorset
Best for: White powder-soft sand and picturesque beach huts. Perfect for family strolls and building sandcastles
Our favourite beach for kids in Southern England has to be Mudeford Sandbank. Here you will find lengthy stretches of powder-soft white sand, lined with quaint blue and white beach huts.
There are two ways to reach the sandbank, either by parking at Hengistbury Head Car Park and walking 1 mile through the beautiful nature reserve, or by parking at Mudeford Quay and hopping on the short ferry. There are toilets and cafe’s available at regular intervals. Nearby Mudeford Quay is a small working dock that hosts extensive crab colonies and is a popular crabbing spot for kids. Great to visit all year round, but Spring and Autumn are best for avoiding the crowds.
A short drive away, you will also find the sweeping golden sands of Bournemouth Beach, which hosts plenty of beachfront parking and endless sandcastle-building opportunities.
2. Birling Gap, East Sussex
Best for: Stacking giant pebbles and skimming stones
With iconic white cliffs as far as the eye can see, Birling Gap Beach is a lesser-known gem of England’s south coast. Large grey pebbles and chunks of limestone provide endless building, stacking, and skimming opportunities to keep the children entertained for hours.
The beach is managed by the National Trust, which provides the car park, toilets, and café facilities at the top of the cliff. This location is not easily accessible, with a steep metal staircase down the cliffside and uneven terrain along the beach. Stay safe here by keeping 5m from the cliff edge and monitoring the tides.
3. Charmouth Beach, Dorset
Best for: Fossil hunting
Explore the pre-historic rocky bay of Charmouth Beach in Dorset, and you may discover some Jurassic treasures of your own! The East beach here is a great place to start your search, and there are regular guided fossil hunting walks you can join.
Our little dinosaur fans become enthralled by the search for fossils, splitting large rocks open to expose ammonites inside. Here you will also find a discovery centre, car park, toilets and cafes.
A short drive away along the Jurassic coast, you will also find Lyme Regis Beach, which is another treasure trove of fossils. The best time of year for fossil hunting is Winter, but you can find items year round.
4. West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
Best for: Paddling and tidepooling
As the tide recedes, shallow lagoons and sandbanks emerge along the lengthy West Wittering Beach. These knee-high pools are perfect for young children to safely play in the sea without the large waves, which are usually common along the south coast.
The sand here is perfect for sandcastle building. there’s ample parking, toilets, small shops and cafes. It can get very busy during the summer months, so it is best to visit outside of high summer.
5. Camber Sands, East Sussex
Best for: Endless sand dunes
Located near the border with Kent, Camber Sands is a popular beach along the south coast of England, as it is one of the few sandy stretches in the area. Five miles of sandy shores lined with undulating sand dunes make it a perfect spot for children to run wild.
The shoreline is very flat, which makes this beach great for a paddle too. There are two car parks available and plenty of toilet and cafe options to choose from. This beach gets particularly windy and can be busy in the summer months.
Other beaches to consider:
Narrowing our list down to our favourite five beaches for kids in Southern England was difficult, so here are a few of our notable runner-up beaches:
- Chesil Beach, Dorset – A pebble beach 18 miles long near Weymouth
- Brighton and Worthing Beaches, East Sussex – A taste of the British seaside experience with penny arcades, swooping seagulls and fish and chips.
- Durdle Door, Dorset – A beach of tiny tactile stones and views of the iconic Durdle Door archway.
- Margate, Kent – Another seaside experience with one of Britain’s oldest amusement parks.
Explore more family-friendly places with us…
What’s your favourite Southern England beach?
About the author
Aimee is a humanitarian worker and photographer based in the UK. As a mum to two young boys, she spends much of her time outdoors in nature and enjoys traveling with her family. Aimee loves to support other families to explore with young children by sharing tips and inspiration.
You can find more from Aimee online in the following locations:
Instagram: @how_i_wander_uk
Website: How I Wander
