On a summer’s day, there’s nothing better than being by the water and these picturesque coastal towns and villages make for the perfect day out. Offering great food, walks and plenty of opportunities for that all important ice cream

Barton on Sea

Perched on the edge of the New Forest and overlooking the Solent, Barton on Sea boasts stunning cliff-top views and a relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Historically, the village was part of the larger estate of Barton, mentioned in the Domesday Book. It developed more significantly during the 19th century, with the arrival of the railway and the growth of nearby New Milton. The cliffs at Barton are renowned for their geological significance, revealing fossils from the Eocene epoch, making it a popular spot for fossil hunting.

The village’s main attraction is its picturesque coastline. The beach is a mix of pebbles and sand, perfect for a leisurely walk or a peaceful day by the sea. The cliff-top paths provide panoramic views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, attracting walkers and photographers alike. For golf enthusiasts, the Barton on Sea Golf Club offers a beautifully maintained course with stunning coastal views.

Dining options are varied and inviting. The Beachcomber Cafe, located near the seafront, is popular for its delicious breakfasts and sea views, while The Cliff House offers a more upscale dining experience, with a menu that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a terrace that provides perfect sunset views. There’s also award-winning restaurant with rooms, Pebble Beach where you can enjoy a fantastic menu and cocktails with views over to The Needles.

Nearby attractions include the New Forest National Park, where visitors can enjoy walking, cycling, and the chance to see free-roaming ponies. The Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum in New Milton is another must-visit, showcasing an impressive collection of vintage motorcycles.

Warsash

This picturesque village on the eastern bank of the River Hamble, near its mouth at Southampton Water, is known for its rich maritime history, scenic waterfront, and friendly community atmosphere.

Like Hamble, which is just across the water, Warsash's history is steeped in maritime tradition and it served as an important hub for shipbuilding and maritime trade. During World War II, Warsash played a pivotal role as a base for the D-Day landings, with the local shorelines used for training operations. The village's maritime legacy is commemorated at the Warsash Maritime Academy, which continues to train seafarers today.

The village's waterfront, which forms part of The Solent Way, is a focal point, offering stunning views of the River Hamble and bustling with yachts and boats. Warsash Quay is perfect for a leisurely stroll, where you can also catch the famous pink ferry across to Hamble, and the nearby Hook with Warsash Local Nature Reserve provides tranquil walks through woodlands and along the coast, rich with birdlife.

For dining, Warsash offers several delightful options. The Rising Sun, a traditional pub with a riverside location, is known for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty pub fare, while opposite, newly opened Mermaids Café serves up coffees and cakes and boasts a well-stocked Jude’s Ice Cream counter for hot days. If it’s fish and chips you’re after, The Frying Fish is known for being the best in the area.

Hamble

Hamble is a picturesque destination with a rich maritime history. Nestled on the eastern shore of the Hamble River, this charming village has been a hub of sailing and boatbuilding for centuries.

The village played a significant role during both World Wars, serving as a strategic point for naval operations. Today, Hamble's heritage is preserved in its well-maintained buildings and the Hamble River, which remains a bustling centre for yachting and boating. Strolling down the cobbled street towards the water, feels like you have stepped back in time. The Hamble Foreshore and Common provide lovely spots for a relaxing walk or a picnic, with stunning views over the river and towards Southampton Water.

For dining, Hamble boasts an array of excellent pubs and restaurants. The King and Queen, a historic pub dating back to the 16th century, offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with traditional pub fare. The Bugle, another popular spot, provides a delightful dining experience with its focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood. For waterside views, try Banana Wharf or grab a quick ice cream from the kiosk at the Beach Hut Café, while Jenny’s Café serves up an excellent breakfast and The River Rat has an extensive wine list.

Langstone

Rich in history and scenic beauty, the village of Langstone is situated on the northern shore of Langstone Harbour and offers a tranquil retreat with a touch of historical intrigue.

Two hundred years ago Langstone was a harbour side hamlet consisting of about a dozen houses, three mills and The Royal Oak Inn and not much has changed today. It is still known for its scenic Langstone Mill, the remaining tidal mill that has stood the test of time, and this iconic structure, along with the nearby Langstone Bridge, which connects to Hayling Island, paints a vivid picture of the area's maritime heritage. In 1801 Thomas Pennant wrote in his Journey from London to the Isle of Wight: ‘Langstone is a sort of port for small vessels which come up the shallow estuary and there discharge their cargoes’ and certainly during the 19th century, a variety of goods was being unloaded, including seaborne coal from north-east England.

Now, strolling along the waterfront, visitors can still enjoy panoramic views of the harbour, dotted with sailing boats and rich in birdlife. The scenic Langstone foreshore is ideal for leisurely walks, offering picturesque views of the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Langstone boasts several delightful places to eat and drink. The Ship Inn, which once spent life as one of the village’s mills, offers a fine selection of local ales and hearty meals, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike or try the waterside Royal Oak; the perfect spot for watching the tide ebb and flow and enjoy pub classics such as grills and burgers.

Emsworth

A charming town nestled on the shores of Chichester Harbour, Emsworth offers a picturesque blend of historical significance and coastal beauty. Known for its maritime heritage, vibrant community, and serene waterfront, its history dates to Saxon times, and it has long been associated with fishing, shipbuilding, and oyster farming. In the 19th century, it became renowned for its high-quality oysters, which were exported across Europe. The town’s maritime past is still evident in its well-preserved buildings and the bustling quayside.

Daily Echo: Life

The heart of Emsworth is its scenic waterfront, where visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the harbour walls, watch boats drift by, and enjoy stunning views. The town centre is filled with a variety of independent shops, art galleries, and boutiques, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Emsworth Museum offers a fascinating insight into the local history and heritage, featuring exhibits on the town’s maritime and agricultural past.

For dining, Emsworth boasts an array of delightful options. The Blue Bell Inn, a historic pub dating back to the 18th century, offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with locally sourced produce and Fat Olives, a fine dining restaurant housed in a 17th-century fisherman’s cottage, is acclaimed for its innovative cuisine and intimate setting. There’s also 3 AA rosette 36 on the Quay, which alongside its stunning menu, also boasts rooms for those looking to extend their stay. And our particular favourite, The Deck, which has the most extensive cake menu we’ve ever seen.

Ventnor has attracted tourists since the 19th century. Ventnor has attracted tourists since the 19th century. (Image: Getty)

Ventnor

Head over to the Isle of Wight to enjoy the unique microclimate, Victorian charm, and stunning coastal scenery that Ventnor provides. Nestled on the island’s southern coast, the town developed rapidly in the 19th century as a health resort, drawing visitors for its reputedly beneficial climate and natural beauty. Today, the Victorian influence is still evident in Ventnor’s architecture, with many buildings and gardens from that era well-preserved.

Ventnor’s coastal location offers plenty to see and do. The town’s sandy beach and esplanade are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a day by the sea, while the Botanic Garden is a must-visit, showcasing a diverse range of subtropical plants that thrive in the area’s unique climate. For those interested in local history, the Ventnor Heritage Museum provides fascinating insights into the town’s past. The town has a strong arts scene and will be once again hosting its Fringe festival this month from July 19 to 28.

Dining is a treat, with a variety of eateries offering delicious options. The Spyglass Inn, located on the waterfront, is a popular spot for its hearty meals and stunning sea views. The Royal Hotel, a historic venue, offers fine dining with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. For a more casual option, The Bistro is well-loved for its relaxed atmosphere and tasty dishes or for inventive cooking try True Food Kitchen on the High Street.

Ventnor is also a great base for exploring nearby attractions. The Isle of Wight Coastal Path offers breathtaking hikes along the cliffs, while nearby Steephill Cove, a hidden gem accessible only by foot, provides a peaceful retreat.

Yarmouth

Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, is steeped in history and brimming with coastal charm. Located on the island's northwest coast, Yarmouth is one of the oldest towns on the island, with a history dating back to at least the Norman Conquest. Its strategic location made it a vital port and market town throughout the centuries.

The town’s centrepiece is Yarmouth Castle, built by Henry VIII in 1547 to guard against French invasions. This well-preserved fortress offers stunning views over the Solent and provides an intriguing glimpse into the past. The Yarmouth Pier, constructed in 1876, is the longest timber pier in England and remains a popular spot for leisurely strolls and fishing.

Yarmouth’s picturesque streets are lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and historic buildings. The town’s bustling harbour is a hub for yachts and ferries, creating a lively maritime atmosphere and The Yarmouth Harbour and Marina offer plenty of opportunities for sailing and boating enthusiasts.

Dining in Yarmouth is a delightful experience, with several excellent eateries to choose from. The George Hotel, a 17th-century townhouse, offers fine dining with beautiful sea views and a reputation for delicious, locally sourced food. The Bugle Coaching Inn, a historic pub, provides a cozy setting for enjoying traditional pub fare and local ales. For a casual bite, Off the Rails, a quirky café located in a converted railway station, is a local favourite.