A Van Lifer’s Coastal Guide to New Forest
The New Forest is not only a stunning landscape of forest and heathland but it also boasts a beautiful coastline of some of the most picturesque beaches in the UK? If you’re a van lifer seeking the perfect blend of forest tranquillity and coastal adventure, the New Forest’s beaches offer an idyllic escape whatever the time of year.
In this guide, we’ll show you the top beaches you can explore in and around the New Forest, offering tips for the best spots to park your van, local highlights, and must-see attractions along the way.
1. Lepe Beach: Coastal Views and Historic Landmarks
Overview:
Lepe Beach is a favourite among locals and visitors to the New Forest. It offers stunning views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Located within Lepe Country Park and stretches over a mile with pine fringed cliffs. this beach is not just about sun and sand; it’s steeped in history and natural beauty.
What to Expect:
Beach Experience:
Lepe Beach features a mix of pebbles and sand, perfect for a leisurely stroll along the shore. The waters are calm, making it ideal for a dip or some paddleboarding.
Historical Significance:
Lepe played a crucial role during World War II as a departure point for troops on D-Day. You can still see remnants of wartime structures, adding a historical twist to your beach visit.
Facilities:
The country park offers plenty of amenities, including a café, toilets, picnic areas, and a visitor centre. It’s also a dog-friendly beach, so feel free to bring your four-legged friend.
Dog Walking:
It’s a great place to walk your dog but please be aware that dogs are not allowed on the beach during the school summer holidays.
Van Life Tip:
There’s ample parking at Lepe Country Park, with designated spots for motorhomes and vans. There’s no overnight parking here but you can stay overnight at nearby campsites like Roundhill Campsite to enjoy both the forest and the coast. What more do you need?
2. Milford-on-Sea: One of our favourites in the New Forest
Overview:
Milford-on-Sea is a lovely little coastal village, with an awesome Fish n Chips. Making the seaside experience. It’s near Barton On Sea and you can walk out to Hurst Castle from the village. It’s a peaceful spot that offers breathtaking views over Keyhaven and the Needles on the Isle of Wight. It’s also an awesome fishing spot.
What to Expect:
Beach Experience:
The beach is a mix of shingle and sand. It has brightly coloured wooden beach huts giving that proper British Beach vibe.
Hurst Castle:
A must-visit while at Milford-on-Sea is Hurst Castle, a historic fortress built by Henry VIII. It’s accessible via a scenic walk along Hurst Spit or by a short ferry ride.
Local Eats:
The village has a selection of cosy pubs and seafood restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh, locally sourced dishes with a view of the sea. Treat yourself to a portion of Fish n Chips at
Mr Pinks.
Van Life Tip:
Parking in Milford-on-Sea is straightforward, with plenty of spaces available at the beach car park. For an overnight stay, consider Shorefield Country Park or Lytton Lawn a nearby campsite offering full facilities.
3. Calshot Beach: Watersports and Adventure
Overview:
If you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply love watersports, Calshot Beach is the place to be. This shingle beach is located on a spit that juts out into the Solent, offering panoramic views of the water and passing ships.
What to Expect:
Beach Experience:
Calshot’s beach is perfect for both relaxation and adventure. While it’s not sandy, the views more than make up for it. The area is renowned for activities like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing.
Calshot Activities Centre:
The nearby activities centre offers everything from climbing and skiing to archery and kayaking. It’s one of the UK’s largest outdoor adventure centres, making it ideal for families and thrill-seekers.
Historical Sites:
Explore Calshot Castle, another of Henry VIII’s coastal forts, which provides insight into the area’s maritime history.
Van Life Tip:
Calshot has a large car park that accommodates motorhomes, but it’s best for day visits as overnight parking is not permitted. They do have a campsite where prices start from £26 per night. That being said you do need a Calshot Camping Access Pass which will cost you £35 for an annual pass. Other nearby campsites, such as Roundhill Campsite and Denny Wood Campsite, offer a peaceful forest stay within a short drive.
4. Barton-on-Sea: Fossil Hunting and Coastal Walks
Overview:
Barton-on-Sea is a quieter beach destination known for its dramatic cliffs and excellent fossil hunting opportunities. It’s a great spot for those who appreciate nature’s quieter moments and scenic coastal walks.
What to Expect:
Beach Experience:
The beach is mainly shingle with patches of sand, backed by striking clay cliffs that are gradually being eroded by the sea. This natural process often reveals fossils, making it a haven for geology enthusiasts.
Cliff Top Walks:
The cliffs offer views of the coast and are part of the Solent Way, a long-distance footpath that runs along the Hampshire coastline. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely walk with the sea breeze in your hair.
Relaxation:
Barton-on-Sea is less crowded than some other beaches, providing a peaceful retreat. The beach is also dog-friendly all year round, so it’s an ideal spot for a day out with your doggo.
Van Life Tip:
Parking is available at Barton-on-Sea’s cliff-top car park. While overnight parking isn’t allowed, nearby campsites like Holmsley Campsite and Setthorns provide excellent facilities and a forest setting close to the coast.
5. Highcliffe Beach: Sandy Shores and Coastal Charm
Overview:
Highcliffe Beach is one of the most beautiful stunning sandy beaches near the New Forest. With its golden sands and clear waters, it’s a family favourite and a wonderful spot for a day by the sea.
What to Expect:
Beach Experience:
Highcliffe offers a traditional beach experience with soft sand, making it perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or taking a refreshing swim. The beach is backed by low cliffs, offering some shelter from the wind.
Highcliffe Castle:
Just a short walk from the beach is Highcliffe Castle, a Grade I listed building set within lovely grounds. Explore the castle and enjoy a picnic on the lawns with sea views.
Nature Reserves:
Nearby Steamer Point Nature Reserve is a hidden gem, providing a peaceful woodland walk with views over the Solent.
Van Life Tip:
Highcliffe has several car parks close to the beach, but spaces can fill up quickly on sunny days. For an overnight stay check out Lytton Lawn or one of the Camping New Forest sites.
6. Keyhaven: Tranquility and Scenic Walks
Overview:
Keyhaven is a small, peaceful hamlet located on the western fringes of the New Forest, offering a tranquil beach experience with stunning views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
What to Expect:
Beach Experience: The beach at Keyhaven is more of a quiet, natural shoreline rather than a traditional sandy beach. It’s a fantastic spot for birdwatching, as the nearby Keyhaven Marshes are a haven for various bird species. Perfect for a walk whatever time of the year.
Keyhaven to Hurst Castle Walk:
One of the best activities here is the walk along the Hurst Spit to Hurst Castle. The spit stretches out into the Solent, offering breathtaking views and a unique coastal experience. There is a boat you can take from Keyhaven out to Hurst Castle if the walkout is not for you.
Sailing and Boating:
Keyhaven is also a popular spot for sailing and boating. The small harbour is picturesque and offers opportunities for a variety of water-based activities.
Van Life Tip:
Keyhaven has limited parking, so arriving early is advisable, especially during the summer. For an overnight stay, Lytton Lawn Touring Park offers good facilities and is just a short drive from Keyhaven.
7. Eling: Riverside Charm with a Historic Twist
Overview:
While not a beach in the traditional sense, Eling offers a unique coastal experience along the shores of Southampton Water. This quaint village is home to the historic Eling Tide Mill, one of the few working tide mills in the world. Goatee Beach has some fantastic views of over to Southampton.
What to Expect:
Riverside Experience:
Eling provides a peaceful riverside setting where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Eling Creek, watching boats sail by. The area is rich in history, with the Eling Tide Mill being the main attraction.
Eling Tide Mill:
The Tide Mill has been grinding flour since the 18th century, powered by the tides of the Solent. Visitors can tour the mill and learn about its fascinating history.
Eling Hill Walk:
For a bit of exercise, take a walk up Eling Hill for panoramic views over Southampton Water. It’s a serene spot, perfect for a quiet moment of reflection.
Van Life Tip:
Parking at Eling is available near the Tide Mill, but spaces can be limited. Since Eling is close to the New Forest, you can easily find nearby campsites like Ashurst Campsite for an overnight stay in a forest setting.
8. Hengistbury Head: Nature Meets the Sea
Overview: While not technically within the New Forest, Hengistbury Head is just a short drive away and is worth the trip. This headland offers a unique mix of beach, nature reserve, and archaeological site.
What to Expect:
Beach Experience: Hengistbury Head boasts a stunning, unspoiled beach with golden sands and clear waters, ideal for a swim or a quiet afternoon of sunbathing. The beach is backed by dunes and heathland, creating a beautiful, natural setting.
Nature and Wildlife: The area is a haven for birdwatchers, with a variety of species making their home in the diverse habitats. The headland itself offers panoramic views over Christchurch Harbour and the Isle of Wight.
Walks and Trails: There are several walking trails that take you across the headland, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Iron Age remains that add a layer of history to your visit.
Van Life Tip:
Hengistbury Head has a large car park at the visitor centre, but like other spots, overnight stays are not allowed. Consider camping at Red Shoot Camping Park in the New Forest for a perfect blend of forest and coast.
The Best of Both Worlds
The New Forest’s beaches offer a unique opportunity to experience the best of both worlds—forest and coast. Whether you’re seeking the tranquillity of a hidden gem like Keyhaven or the historic charm of Eling, these locations cater to every type of van lifer. With stunning views, rich history, and a range of activities, the beaches and coastal spots in and around the New Forest are perfect for those looking to add a coastal twist to their forest retreat.
Pack your van, hit the road, and let the New Forest’s beaches and coastal treasures become the backdrop for your next adventure. Whether you’re exploring on foot, swimming in the Solent, or simply relaxing by the water, these destinations are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.