The south coast is home to some of the UK’s best beaches and with the heatwave continuing this week it’s the perfect opportunity to get out and explore.

From stony country parks to stretches of sandy beach the south coast really has it all when it comes to a day at the seaside.

Here’s our pick of some of the best beaches you can get to this week in just under an hour.

Boscombe

In lively Boscombe you can find a soft sandy beach stretching over 1 km either side of the restored Victorian pier.

With the RNLI on patrol here it is one of the safest most family friendly spots to go.

Basingstoke Gazette: Credit- Steve Daniels GeographCredit- Steve Daniels Geograph

Bournemouth

Ranked as the best beach in the UK and the fifth best in Europe Bournemouth is definitely a go to seaside destination.

The bay has its own microclimate giving it some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK.

In this seaside destination you can find Bournemouth Pier which has fantastic views, children’s rides and boat trips.

Basingstoke Gazette: Credit- Barry Shimmon GeographCredit- Barry Shimmon Geograph

Lee-on-the-Solent

If you want stunning panoramic views across the Solent this is the beach for you.

With safe swimming and a children’s play area it is a great choice for families of all ages.

Along the pebbly beach there is no shortage of places to eat drink and get an ice cream.

Basingstoke Gazette: Credit- Barry Shimmon GeographCredit- Barry Shimmon Geograph

Southsea

Made up of flinty shingle with a stretch of sand exposed at low tide Southsea is a vibrant seaside town.

This is the perfect place for activity lovers with a popular Canoe Lake and great spots to go crabbing.

Situated less than a mile away from Portsmouth city centre you can also visit shops and restaurants as well as the Blue Reef Aquarium.

Basingstoke Gazette: Credit -Steve Daniels GeographCredit -Steve Daniels Geograph

Lepe

This country park with crystal clear views of the Isle of Wight has something for everyone.

A family friendly and dog friendly beach with an adventure playground and spots to bird watch there is plenty to keep you occupied.

The site has tons of history having once been a hotspot for smuggling and playing a vital in the D-Day landings and the Cold War.

Basingstoke Gazette: Credit- Gillian Thomas GeographCredit- Gillian Thomas Geograph

And last but certainly not least.

Calshot

this beach is home to 1 of the U.K.’s biggest outdoor and water sports centre where you can take part in a range of activities including windsurfing, kite surfing sailing and climbing.

If these activities don’t take your fancy you can have a look at the 16th century fort or walk down the mile-long shingle spit which reaches out into the mouth of the Southampton water.

Basingstoke Gazette: Credit-Gillian Thomas GeographCredit-Gillian Thomas Geograph