Southbourne, Dorset
With golden sands and clear water, Southbourne is usually quieter than neighbouring beaches in Bournemouth. And it’s one of the few stretches of coast where parking is still free. The tide moves east or west, depending on its rise and fall, so it’s worth checking the tide times. The coast here provides a lovely long swim, and you can use the groynes to map your distance. Swim into the tidal current before swimming back to where you started, ending the day at the excellent Baffi pizzeria, a short walk from the beach.
