Memories by the SEASIDE

Fish & chips

There’s nothing quite like unwrapping a bag of fish & chips and enjoying the sea views. That heady aroma of salt and vinegar mixed with the fresh sea air is one of the best experiences the British seaside has to offer.

Aficionado’s searching for the perfect fish and chip will be spoilt for choice with the world famous Harry Ramsden’s in Bournemouth, and celebrated independents like The Fish Plaice in Swanage.

So whether you’re a fan of brown sauce or red, cod or haddock, we can all agree that the humble fish and chips are what holiday memories are made from.

Thrills & spills

From bumper cars to merry-go-rounds, the South Coast is a rollercoaster ride of fun. You can take a white-knuckle ride that will leave you screaming for more, or fill your pockets with change and test your skills in the amusement arcade.

The Weymouth seafront has something for the whole family, with traditional arcades and rides for kids of all ages, while just along the coast, Bournemouth plays host to a traditional merry-go-round, and a big wheel – perfect for getting a birds-eye view of the gardens and town beyond.

We all know seaside amusements are a guilty pleasure, but they’re a pleasure none-the-less, so sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

Rocks & pools

Grab yourself a net and peer into the wonderful world of starfish, limpet’s and crabs. As the tide retreats the rock pools reveal a staggering array of sea-life that will inspire and mesmerize explorers of all ages.

Those looking for the perfect rock pool will be spoilt for choice along the South Coast. The famous Jurassic Coastline provides a breath-taking backdrop with Kimmeridge Bay; the magnificent arch of Durdle Door, and the beautiful Lyme Regis just some of the incredible places to visit.

So remember, although the South Coast has some of the best sea-life attractions in the UK, there’s nothing quite as immersive as a rock pool, a bucket, and a little curiosity.

Buckets & spades

From building sandcastles, to covering Dad up to his neck, you can’t beat the beach. Armed with nothing more than a plastic bucket and spade and a little imagination, you and the kids can spend a whole day creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Those looking for the perfect place to lay their towel will find incredible beaches all along the south coast. Studland is just a short ferry ride from Sandbanks and home to vast sandy beaches and un-spoilt heathland. A little further along the coast you can discover Weymouth’s ‘special sand’ making it the natural home of the annual Sand Sculpture festival.

So if you want to build some special memories, the South Coast has it all!

Pack a picnic

The South Coast countryside makes the perfect setting for a picnic. So pack a hamper full of goodies and get going. All you need is to find a spot, throw down a blanket and soak up the scenery.

Some of our favourite picnic spots include Stonehill Down Nature Reserve in Purbeck. Set high on the chalk ridge running west/east across the Isle of Purbeck, with a panoramic view stretching from Wareham Forest in the West to Poole Harbour to the East. Away from the coastline lies Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve in West Dorset. Managed as a traditional working farm, the result is a beautiful patchwork of fields, flower filled grassland, hedges, streams and ponds –ideal for a post picnic walk.

So if you’re hungry to explore, there’s no better way than with a picnic.

Shopping heaven

Once you’re fully relaxed why not venture away from the beaches to the towns beyond? Gun Wharf Quays in Portsmouth, and WestQuay in Southampton offer so many shops and restaurants that they’re days out in their own right with a multitude of brands to satisfy even the most serious shopper.

Those looking for culture will be can immerse themselves in the historic towns of Winchester and Salisbury with their stunning cathedrals, boutique shops, and charming cobbled streets.