Wiltshire


<p>Although living in Wilts you basically couldn’t get further away from the coast, a one-day jaunt to the seaside is still doable if you get an early start. All of the suggestions below are 2-3 hours in the car, depending of course which part of the county you live in. So grab the wind-breaker and soggy sandwiches and let’s go!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mudeford-quay-dorset"><strong><a href="https://www.visit-dorset.com/things-to-do/mudeford-quay-p1153033" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mudeford Quay</a>, Dorset</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="674" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Mudeford_Sandbank_2_410226343-3-1000x674.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-31155" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Mudeford_Sandbank_2_410226343-3-1000x674.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Mudeford_Sandbank_2_410226343-3-800x539.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Mudeford_Sandbank_2_410226343-3-768x518.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Mudeford_Sandbank_2_410226343-3-779x525.jpg 779w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Mudeford_Sandbank_2_410226343-3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This is a family favourite with its pristine white sands enclosed by rocks and backed by candy-coloured beach huts. There’s a Noddy train to keep youngsters amused and a fantastic cafe called <a href="https://www.beachhousecafe.co.uk/">The Beach House</a> across the sandspit (you can get a little ferry there – bring cash if you can). There are big plans afoot for the cafe, which suffered a fire in 2018. Operating as an outdoor venue since, there are now <a href="https://beachhouse.cafe/">plans to rebuild</a> on the same site. The cafe is open so don’t worry – caffeine, cakes and more are all on offer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studland-bay" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Studland</a>, Dorset</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/sunrisewalks160797studlandbay-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-31156" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/sunrisewalks160797studlandbay-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/sunrisewalks160797studlandbay-2-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/sunrisewalks160797studlandbay-2-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/sunrisewalks160797studlandbay-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/sunrisewalks160797studlandbay-2-900x506.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Fun fact to whip out if you get stuck in traffic: Coldplay’s famous one-take video for <em>Yellow</em>, where Chris Martin walks/sings along a beach was filmed at Studland. There are four miles of divine sandy beaches here backed by dunes and low cliffs. I like Middle Beach which is an easy stroll from boutique hotel/restaurant <a href="http://www.thepighotel.com/on-the-beach/">The Pig</a>, aka the perfect spot for a chichi G&amp;T at the end of a hard day’s sunbathing. Alternatively, there’s plenty of watersports on offer at Knoll Beach and a cafe, plus a 1km stretch for naturists, should you fancy letting it all hang out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="http://www.westwitteringbeach.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">West Wittering</a>, West Sussex</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="933" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/West-Wittering.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-31157" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/West-Wittering.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/West-Wittering-800x498.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/West-Wittering-1000x622.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/West-Wittering-768x478.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/West-Wittering-844x525.jpg 844w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>With its wide, gently shelving golden sands, Blue Flag rating and ample parking, West Wittering is perfect for a family day out – even Kevin the Teenager couldn’t find fault with this one. Bring a picnic or BBQ, and loll on the grassy area behind the beach to take in views across to Chichester harbour. Just be sure to <a href="https://www.westwitteringestate.co.uk/home">book your car parking</a> in advance, as spots quickly sell out during hot summer weeks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.visitbrighton.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brighton</a>, East Sussex</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Brighton-pier.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-31158" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Brighton-pier.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Brighton-pier-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Brighton-pier-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Brighton-pier-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Brighton-pier-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>You probably don’t need me to tell you about Brighton but don’t dismiss it as too far for a day trip – I can make it in two hours if I hammer it round the M25. It’s a pebbly beach of course but I don’t mind that when there’s so much else to do. All the cool kids live in Hove now, so head west for a slightly quieter beach and amazing pizza at<a href="http://www.fattoamanopizza.com/"> Fatto A Mano</a> on Church Street. Make time for a wander through the lanes and pick up a treasure or two.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/discover/barton-on-sea.aspx?AskRedirect=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Barton-on-Sea</a>, New Forest, Hampshire</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="699" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Barton-on-Sea.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-31159" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Barton-on-Sea.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Barton-on-Sea-800x373.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Barton-on-Sea-1000x466.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Barton-on-Sea-768x358.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Barton-on-Sea-900x419.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I get so distracted by the gorgeous greenery and cute ponies in the New Forest, I forget it does beaches too. It can be windy in Barton – it’s a prime para-gliding spot – so don’t forget to pack your kite (and wind break). Above the safe, sandy beach, you can stroll along the clifftops and stop off at <a href="https://beachcomber-cafe.co.uk/">The Beachcomber Cafe</a>, which serves breakfast from 9am – 11am and then lunch and dinner options from 12pm – 4pm (Mon – Thur and Sun) and 12pm – 8pm (Fri and Sat). There’s a roast on Sundays and live music most weekends too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bournemouth</a>, Dorset</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Bournemouth-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-31160" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Bournemouth-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Bournemouth-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Bournemouth-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Bournemouth-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/05/Bournemouth-2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>An obvious choice, but you can’t beat Bournemouth. Miles of golden sands, a massive <a href="https://harryramsdens.co.uk/locations/bournemouth">Harry Ramsden’s</a> – possibly the world’s largest fish and chip restaurant with seating for 420 diners – add views out across the water, tacky arcades to wow the kids and a little train that runs around the tropical gardens and up to <a href="https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/boscombe-beach-p2497343">Boscombe beach</a>. Boom!</p>



<p><strong>ALSO WORTHY OF YOUR ATTENTION…</strong></p>



<p>Lyme Regis <a href="https://www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk/beaches#">Front Beach</a> is a great spot for swimming and paddling plus there are lifeguards, beach showers, cafes and toilets. Or try <a href="http://www.pooleview.co.uk/beach/sandbanks.htm">Sandbanks Beach </a>in Poole – huge swathes of golden sand, plus the fab Sandbanks Beach Cafe, a beach BBQ facility and watersports.</p>


Beach day! Seaside trips that are doable from Wilts

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Beach day! Seaside trips that are doable from Wilts￼

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Beach day! Seaside trips that are doable from Wilts