The Times names Southbourne, Dorset as regional winner of 50 best beaches

Southbourne, Dorset has been named the regional winner for South England in The Times and Sunday Times’ “Revealed: the UK’s 50 best beaches”.

The Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches guide stands out as the only full directory of the British and Northern Irish beaches, all personally inspected this year, covering a total of 543 beaches. The 2024 inspection was conducted in two phases: brief visits along the South and East coasts of England over 12 days in early spring, followed by a 36-day tour starting on 18th May, going anticlockwise from Norfolk to Dorset.

Southbourne beach, situated in Bournemouth, is credited for its community beach venue. Named Sobo Beach, this utilises the 9.5-mile beach space for activities like yoga classes, kids workshops and live music with many events supporting local businesses and charitable causes. The bustling location was compared to beaches found in California.

Also included in The Times and Sunday Times piece is Hive Beach in Dorset, at Burton Bradstock. Highlights of this beach that landed it the spot in the top 50 is the excellent water quality, delicious food options from eateries and grassy areas alongside the sandy shore.

The next Dorset beach featured is Man O’War. The blue waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling is the main attribute for this top beach according to The Times. It’s unique location, needing access down the rocky hill from the Portland stone, makes for a calm beach experience.

Studland’s Middle Beach is the last Dorset beach to be included in the top 50 list. Run by the National Trust, their facilities like toilets, café and beach hut bookshop are well-maintained. The beach is wheelchair accessible and the beach huts are available to hire all summer long.