Being located within 30 minutes to the nearest beach, many of our guests enjoy at least one day, if not more at one of the many beaches nearby. We’re actually quite spoilt for choice depending on how far you want to go. You’ll not only find beaches ideal for watersports and other seaside activities, but some wonderful stretches of sand, perfect for a family day out.
Watersports
If you’re someone who likes being active while on holiday, then there’s plenty of opportunities to enjoy some watersports.
Paddleboarding is a fun activity especially for the younger family members and there are several places locally where you can have a go. Langstone Harbour, Stokes Bay and the River Hamble all have centres where you can try it out, and within an easy drive of Wallops Wood. Find out more about paddle boarding.
For those feeling a bit more adventurous, try CBK Kitesurfing, a kitesurfing centre on Hayling Island. Head down to the beach and take some lessons, where they also offer wingsurfing and paddleboarding.
Wakeboarding is another seaside activity for the more adventurous, and you can try it out at South Coast Wakepark which is just outside Portsmouth. There’s tuition on offer and a bit of fun for the kids!
Boat Trips
If that all sounds too adventurous, then why not head out on a boat trip? There are boat trips you can take around Portsmouth Harbour taking in the Naval Base and the Historic Dockyard. The trips depart either from Gunwharf Quays or from the Historic Dockyard and last around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Find out more.
For a more relaxed boat trip, Chichester Harbour Conservancy operates solar boats which you can take from either Emsworth or Itchenor. The boat is virtually silent and is a great way to visit the Harbour and learn more about the wildlife and history of the Harbour.
You can also book a trip on Terror which is a beautifully restored Victorian wooden sailing boat that originally supported the oyster industry in Emsworth. Find out more about the Solar Boat and Terror here.
Historic Boat Yards
For history lovers, one of the main attractions in the area is Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. More than just a day out, there’s plenty to see along with plenty to entertain the kids. Take tours on HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, view the Mary Rose in the new museum or visit the WWII submarine at the Submarine Museum in Gosport. Your ticket allows you to return to the museum several times over 12 months. Find out more on their website.
Buckler’s Hard is a historic village on the River Beaulieu in the New Forest and became famous as a ship building village in the 19th century. Many of the cottages were for those working on building the ships. You can explore the village, its museum and some of the historic houses for a day out the family will enjoy. Find out more.
Family Fun
Crabbing is a fun activity for the kids! Why not see how many crabs you can catch and then release them back into the water afterwards. Popular spots for crabbing include the River Hamble Country Park, Emsworth (you can buy a bucket and line at the hardware shop in the village centre) and Buckler’s Hard if you’re there for a day out. Find out more about crabbing, where to go and how to look after the crabs.
If you just want a day of relaxation on the beach, then take a picnic, build a sandcastle and watch the windsurfers at West Wittering beach. With miles of sand it makes for a fab family day out. You will need to book parking in advance which you find out about here.
If you’re after a good walk while you’re there, you can take the coastal walk to East Head or to Itchenor if you’re feeling adventurous. However far you go, take in the amazing views across the Solent! Find out more.
Finally, if you just fancy a family day out looking at some spectacular boats and wishing yourself away on the open sea, then the Southampton Boat Show is on from 15th to 24th September.
Image credits:
Deckchairs by Ekkanat Sartsoongnern on Unsplash
Paddleboarding by Valentina Sotnikova on Unsplash
Superyacht by Viktor Ritsvall on Unsplash
