Despite the damp and gloomy start to the year, I refuse to let a spot of rain deter me from venturing outdoors.
As an avid walker residing in Surrey, I frequently find myself at a National Trust site, woodland or park for a leisurely pushchair stroll.
Although beach walks aren’t my usual choice given our inland location, Bournemouth is surprisingly accessible – just 75 minutes from the Surrey border. So, on a dry yet blustery day, my husband, toddler and I embarked on a seaside adventure.
We took the M3, then joined the M27 to reach our coastal destination. En route, we were treated to a scenic drive through stunning woodland inhabited by free-roaming ponies – the New Forest National Park.
This breathtaking heathland is worth a visit in its own right.
We slowly navigated the roads, pausing for the delightful creatures crossing our path – a truly enchanting sight and a hit with the little ones.
Our wildlife spotting also included cows, deer, donkeys and birds as we wound our way through the forest towards the coast.
Captivated by the roaming animals, we made a pit stop in Lyndhurst, parking at Bolton’s Bench (Beaulieu Rod, SO43 7DA) for a closer look at the ponies and a leg stretch.
This charming village boasts a range of independent shops and tearooms, making it well worth exploring if time permits, reports Surrey Live.
The beach, a mere half an hour drive from Lyndhurst, is the perfect spot for those looking to explore The New Forest over a long weekend.
Upon catching sight of the water, we promptly parked at the first car park we found (Bath Road, BH1 2EW), conveniently located right on the seafront.
Despite the steep parking fee of £10.40 for up to three hours, the location was ideal, especially with a pram in tow and plenty of places around.
We began our seaside adventure by heading left at the seafront, strolling along the promenade amidst other families and dog walkers.
It’s worth noting that dogs are welcome on all Bournemouth beaches from October 1 to April 30.
Afterward, we ventured to the other side of the pier – West Undercliff Promenade – where we passed the Oceanarium and numerous spots to grab a bite or a drink.
My husband couldn’t resist a quick round of basketball at the arcade, and we indulged in some delicious ice cream to round off our seaside experience.
Despite the brisk and windy weather, it was refreshing to get some fresh air in a new setting, making for a cosy family day out bundled up in our big coats.
Bournemouth beach has been named as one of the top 10 beach walk locations in the UK, coming in second only to St Ives in Cornwall.
The study, conducted by Online Betting Guide (OLBG), took into account factors such as beach review scores, average temperatures, and average rainfall to determine the best beaches for a day trip.
