Beaches near Swindon: Five seaside spots less than two hours drive

While Swindon has not been blessed with the seaside to make the most of the scorching weather, that doesn’t mean locals can’t enjoy some wonderful beach escapes nearby.

With the heatwave predicted to last at least another week, we look at the best beach spots to visit under a two-hour drive from Swindon.

Weston-super-mare, North Somerset

Driving time: One hour and 30 minutes.

Weston-super-mare

This seaside resort on the Bristol Channel coast features one of the longest beaches in the UK. 

The sandy beach is the prime location for those wishing to bask in the sunshine, as well as water sport fans who’ll find an array of activities on offer.

With beautiful Victorian architecture, the town boasts plenty of arcades for family fun. 

Google Review:
“Beautiful city, unrivaled architecture, extensive promenade and parks to walk, good atmosphere, many museums and interesting places to visit that at the moment are closed due to the pandemic. I loved this city, I'll be back for sure.”  - Alexi Del Pilar

Highcliffe Beach, Dorset

Driving time: One hour and 55 minutes

Highcliffe

Gorgeous shingle and sand beaches, Highcliffe is mostly quiet and ideal for sunbathing. This beach is surrounded by promenades and cliffside paths for those who prefer a little bit of exploring. 

The cliffs are sites of special scientific interest, home to rare species of reptiles, birds, and insects. 

Google Review:
"Beautiful sandy beach with easy to walk to cafés in the area. Highly recommend 'the paddle' which is a short walk from the beach and has great coffee plus an amazing selection of meals to choose from. We went on a Wednesday and got 2-4-1 American pancakes which were delicious!" - Ryan Farrow 

Hayling Island Beach, Hampshire

Driving time: One hour and 59 minutes

Hayling

The three main beaches in Hayling have won UK and European awards for their cleanliness. No sand here, as you’ll find shingle instead, but that shouldn’t deter you from giving a chance for a relaxing afternoon.

Ideal to take the family for a day out, Hayling offers water sports activities for all. Did you know it’s the birthplace of windsurfing?

Google Review:
"Great place, free car park on the day and lots of spaces on the beach, very quiet … exactly what you need when you want to enjoy a sunny day with your loved ones by the beach" - Razvan Alin Chiuzbaian

Lepe Beach, Hampshire

Driving time: One hour and 50 minutes

This stony beach, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers beautiful views across to the Isle of Wight.

The coastal walks along the cliffs are a favourite with those who enjoy exercising in the fresh air. It's a perfect day out for history buffs, too, as they can enjoy getting to know more about the D-Day remains.

A great place for kayaking or canoeing as well as windsurfing.

Google Review: 
"Beautiful spot, we arrived early evening it was still fairly busy but not crowded. Lovely walk along the beach with great views of the Isle of White. Clean and tidy lots of parking available and lots of walks available." – Anna McClarnon 

Calshot Beach

Driving time: One hour and 50 minutes

Windsurfing in Calshot

Just a short drive from Lepe, Calshot is home to one of the UK’s biggest water sports centres for kitesurfing, sailing and even climbing. 

The pebbled beach offers panoramic views of the Solent and a makes for a quiet escape to sunbathe.

Another one to take your history-buff pal, Calshot is home to a 16th-century castle. The artillery fort was built by Henry VIII to defend the sea passage to Southampton.

Google Review:
"A lovely little pebble beach that has much to offer to those who enjoy seaside recreation. A perfect spot for watching ships, liners and ferries entering and leaving Southampton and views overlooking the Solent and the Isle of Wight. Very popular for sea fishing and bathing too. There are plenty of facilities and parking." – Peter Barton