The Best Coastal Walks Near Beaulieu

Lepe Country Park | 5 miles

A beautiful walk from Lepe Country Park in Exbury boasting stunning coastal views across the Solent and the Isle of Wight. Highlights of this walk include wildflower meadows, woodland, birdwatching, beach access, coastal scenery, and historical WWII landmarks.

Distance from hotel: 15-minute drive

Facilities: Main carpark (fees apply), public toilets, picnic areas, the Lookout Café and children’s play area.

Dogs: Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control due to livestock and ground-nesting birds. Dogs are not permitted in the family beach area from May to September.

The walk:
Type: Circular
Mostly flat with a combination of shingle trail, woodland paths, grassy fields, and quiet country lanes

From the main car park, follow the well-signposted route towards the lighthouse, past the old Coast Guard watch house and along the sea defence groynes.

At low tide continue along the beach, but at high tide, detour along Inchmery Lane and then rejoin the route and head into a woodland via a footbridge.

Cross open fields at the left, following the Lepe Loop signs to East Hill Farm. Then downhill into more woodland, turning right at the 3-way junction and uphill into fields.

Walk south through the fields and loop behind the Coast Guard cottages, arriving at the overflow car park of Lepe Country Park.

Keyhaven to Hurst Castle Spit | 4.5 miles

Take in the dramatic coastal spit leading to the historic Hurst Castle with far-reaching views across the Solent and out to the Isle of Wight with fantastic birdwatching opportunities and an English Heritage castle to explore.

Distance from Beaulieu: 25-minute drive

Facilities: Parking (fees apply), toilets (inside Hurst Castle for ticket holders), refreshments at the "Hurst Mess" kiosk at castle entrance.

Dogs: Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead due to protected wildlife areas. (At the Castle, dogs on leads are permitted throughout the grounds, and dogs are also welcome on the ferry between Keyhaven and Hurst Castle.)

The walk:
Type: Out-and-back
A predominantly flat walk, the majority on shingle so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Start at Keyhaven Harbour car park head south-west following signs for the Solent Way. Walk along the sea wall next to the Keyhaven Marshes Nature Reserve, and then onto the shingle spit that leads to Hurst Castle.

Retrace your steps along the spit and the coastal path back to Keyhaven.

Alternative return option: between April and October hop on the ferry back to Keyhaven. (Departs approx.. every 20–30 minutes from 10:00am to 5:30pm, weather permitting.)

Lymington to Keyhaven Marshes Walk | 5.5 miles

A beautifully scenic route from the market town of Lymington, along sea walls through a nature reserve. Highlights include birdwatching and views of the Isle of Wight.

Distance from Beaulieu: 15-minute drive

Facilities: Several car parks in the town of Lymington, public toilets, plenty of cafes and pubs, picnic benches

Dogs: The route is dog-friendly but dogs must be kept on leads due to proximity to wildlife, and grazing ponies and cattle.

The walk:
Type: Out-and-back / Or point-to-point with bus return

Generally considered an easy walk on relatively flat path with some rougher terrain so sturdy footwear is always recommended.

Start from Lymington Yacht Haven or Sea Water Baths, follow signs for the Solent Way passing the harbour towards Keyhaven Nature Reserve. The path leads to the Keyhaven car park where you can find The Gunn Inn should you require refreshments.

Retrace your steps, hop on a bus back to Lymington or extend your walk to Hurst Castle along the spit.

Calshot Spit & Castle Walk | 1 - 6 miles

Overlooking the Solent, Southampton Water and the Isle of Wight, this walk takes in the area’s scenic coastline, historical Calshot Castle and invites birdwatchers from far and wide.

Distance from Beaulieu: 15-minute drive

Facilities: Parking and toilets near Calshot.

Parking, toilets and café at Calshot Activities Centre, as well as indoor climbing walls, velodrome cycling, and dry slope skiing.

Dogs: Welcome

The walk:

Type: Out-and-back or Circular

A relatively easy-going walk, on mostly flat, with a mix of paved and shingle terrain.

Start near Calshot Spit and walk north east along the shingle beach, passing Calshot Marshes Nature Reserve to your left. Make your way to Calshot Castle, with fantastic panoramic coastal views. Retrace your steps along the spit with the Marshes on your right, and follow the King Charles III England Coast Path north west, passing Fawley Power Station, then Ashlett Creek.

Retrace your steps back to Calshot or head south west, inland, to wind your way back through quiet lanes via Sprat’s Down.

Barton on Sea beach walk | 1 - 6 miles

A gentle walk along the clifftop path with far-reaching sea views. Highlights include birdwatching, fossil hunting and relaxing refreshment stops. Make it a short out and back walk or head all the way to Milford on Sea.

Distance from Beaulieu: 30-minute drive

Facilities: Parking (fees apply), toilets, refreshments

Dogs: Welcome year-round but must be kept under control.

The walk:
Type: Out-and-back

A mostly flat, easy walk along the clifftop on well-maintained path.

Start at the eastern side of the village of Barton on Sea and follow the coast footpath through the golf course towards Beckton Bunny and Hordle Cliff.

Retrace your steps at any point to make it a short walk or continue walking to Milford on Sea where there are cafes, pubs and public toilets. Then retrace the route back to Barton on Sea.