The South Coast is a popular vacation region that blends a dramatic shoreline with rolling emerald green landscapes. It’s home to a UNESCO-protected coastal area, national parks and ancient fortresses. While visiting the South Coast, explore quaint beach towns, fishing villages and bustling port cities. Marvel at natural wonders and walk scenic trails teeming with wildlife.
Portsmouth, Britain’s most-celebrated seaport, is a great place to start. Delve into naval history and step onto warships at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Wander the medieval streets of Old Portsmouth, shop at Gunwharf Quays and explore Henry VIII’s Southsea Castle. Traditional seaside entertainment and seafront gardens await at Southsea.
Travel east to reach Southampton, a lively university and port city with great museums such as the SeaCity Museum and Southampton Art Gallery.
Some 10 miles (16 kilometers) of clean sandy beaches stretch between Bournemouth and Poole. Enjoy the Victorian charm of Bournemouth Gardens and Bournemouth Pier. Spot owls and otters while hiking the heathland and forests of New Forest National Park.
The jewel of the region is the Jurassic Coast, England’s first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. It runs for 95 miles (153 kilometers) from Studland Bay in Dorset to Exmouth in East Devon. Spend days at one of the many delightful seaside towns and villages set along coast. Among them are Weymouth, Lyme Regis, Seaton, Beer and Sidmouth.
A great way to discover the natural wonders of the Jurassic Coast is by walking sections of the South West Coast Path. Bask in the jaw-dropping scenery while hunting for million-year-old fossils at Charmouth Beach. Visit 17th-century Lulworth Castle and the ruined Corfe Castle. Marvel at geologic treasures such as Chisel Beach, Durdle Door limestone arch, Lulworth Cove and the Old Harry Rocks chalk formations.
Reach the South Coast by flying to Bournemouth, Exeter and Southampton airports. Trains and National Express bus services connect the region’s towns and villages with destinations across the United Kingdom.
