A beach close to Southampton has been praised for its ample parking, great views and a café “worth checking out”.
Calshot beach is only around a 35-minute drive away from the city, and it has been highlighted for a number of features.
While Hampshire is not well-known for its beaches, there are a few spots that are worth travelling to in the warmer months.
Here's all you need to know about Calshot beach and why it's worth a visit.
All you need to know about Calshot beach
Calshot beach forms part of a mile-long shingle spit which reaches out into the mouth of Southampton Water.
It offers views of the Solent, Southampton and the Isle of Wight, and you should be able to see ships going past.
Hampshire County Council also highlights its "idyllic multi-coloured beach huts" as a point of interest.
Close to the beach is the Calshot Activities Centre, which offers windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing and climbing.
The centre is located in a hangar which was built to house the flying boats of the Calshot Naval Air Station.
There is plenty of room for parking near the beach, and if you're looking for refreshment, you have the choice of The Bluebird Cafe or the Cafe Bar at the activities centre.
If you fancy it, then visitors can go to nearby Calshot Castle, which was built back in the 16th century by King Henry VIII to defend the sea passage to Southampton.
It tends to only be open during school holidays from 10am to 2pm each day.
Full opening times and prices can be found on the Hampshire County Council website.
How do people rate Calshot beach?
Calshot beach has been mostly well-received by visitors, earning a 3.9/5 score on Tripadvisor from 117 reviews.
Plenty of visitors have highlighted the views as being an enjoyable aspect of the beach, with one person describing them as “charming”, while the “ample parking” right by the beach was praised by another.
Another person wrote: “Impromptu visit to the beach and wasn't expecting it to be such an interesting place.
“As well as the main attraction for waterspouts [sic] and the indoor activities hangar, there's plenty of places just to lay down your towel and picnic and relax for a few hours.”
They also praised the Bluebird Café, sharing: “The Bluebird Cafe at the opposite end of the spit to the castle is worth checking out.
“Great little place with delicious toasties.”
The Bluebird Café was an aspect of the beach that a few visitors enjoyed, as another shared: “The Bluebird Cafe stands out - a lovely welcoming place, with cold beers and exceptional bacon and egg paninis.”
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Meanwhile, one visitor discussing their day out wrote: “Gorgeous beach, activity centre with huge rock climbing wall.
“Little cafe with different food and drink options.
“So many boats to see, beautiful scenery and walk."
What's your favourite beach in Hampshire? Let us know in the comments.
