Tag Archives: pebbles

Hove beach, East Sussex

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Hove beach is very close to Brighton beach but has a far more relaxed child-friendly feel. The beach itself is mostly shingle. The sea can become deep at the edge if the pebbles have shifted. It can get busy but not overcrowded.

Along Kings Road and Kingsway esplanade there are a great selection of well-kept attractions (bouncy castles/trampolines), cafes, restaurants and lawns. There is a playpark/sandpit/paddling pool that is a young child’s delight just past Brighton’s old pier (maybe techincally still Brighton): an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. Free too! rightbeach‘s niece has spent many an afternoon pootling around there.

rightbeach recommends Hove for people who enjoy the vibrant mix of quirky shops, cafes surrounded in salty sea air. Not as intense as Brighton, with a charming laid back air.

Beach blurb

See Hove beach on a map …

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

  • After a busy morning playing pebbles and people watching in Brighton, take a 10 minute walk along the sea front to the paddling pool and keep the youngsters amused in the fabby dabby paddling pools and play park. Finish off with a fish and chip supper before heading off home with some weary babies in the back of the car.
  • Marroco’s Ristorante-Bar Grill and Fish, but more importantly…24 flavours of ice cream plus an awful lot of bejazzelling besides!
  • When your feet are tired of sand and stones then head up onto the lawns for a foot fresh feel! No sand in the picnic either!
  • Parking is available but you do need to move well out of Brighton to ensure you get value for money.

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Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Shingle.
Crowded
(1=deserted)		 Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating rightbeach doubts that you would ever be alone but at least the kiddies can become best beach buddies for the afternoon.
Surf Sandcastle rating There are some waves but nothing to write home about.
Sand Sandcastle rating Shingle and pebbles.
Toilets Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Toilets by paddling pool, ncluding disabled access and baby changing. Clean.
Parking Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating
Food Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Lots of cafes, ice-cream shops and pubs along the esplanade. VBites cafe (Heather Mills’ vegan cafe) is within the Hove Lagoon complex.
Shopping Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating An impressive array of funky interior design shops, fashion boutiques and specialist shops jostling alongside international restaurants, organic greengrocers and independent cafes. Regular French markets.

reviewed by Kerry T and the rightbeach Team

Spring Vale beach, Isle of Wight

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Spring Vale beach is a small sandy beach with pebbles banks set below a comforting sea wall. Beach hutters and cyclists gaze out to views of the Solent-very peaceful in the late afternoon sun. The pebbles are littered with slipper limpet shells and makes a melodic sound when crunching through them at high tide. rightbeach spent a pleasant afternoon gathering shells to spell out their very own name!

When the tide is out, (it goes out a loooooooong way, the remaining rock pools and channels are perfect for little feet to paddle and little hands to gather bucketfuls of winkles. If sitting quietly it becomes apparent that wild birds (other than shouty seagulls) use this beach: rightbeach spotted a pair of dancing white egrets using a pair of birthday binoculars!

Nearby Puckpool Park provides fun in the form of tennis, crazy golf, ice creams and also has parking for around 100 cars (free, unheard of on The Isle of Wight!) It also boasts a pub and serves hot food all day.

Beach blurb

See Springvale beach on a map …

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

  • Park in Puckpool Park for free. Take advatage of their facilities and then head off to the beach. Return for an ice-cream before trooping off home.
  • Dogs are allowed on the beach all year.
  • A pair of binoculars will allow close up views of birds and boats far away.

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Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Sandcastle rating At high tide there is not a lot of beach left. Low tide leaves fab rock pools and crabby seaweed haunts. Breakwaters at regular intervals.
Crowded
(1=deserted)		 Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Not a super sandy beach and so not too crowded even when the sun is high in the sky. Nodes Point Holiday Park is a five-minute stroll so there are families who use the beach regularly.
Surf Sandcastle rating Still water means it makes a great part of the sea for kayaking.
Sand Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Mostly sand and shingle with pebbles dotted around. Rocks when the tide is out.
Toilets Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Including disabled access.
Parking Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Park near to St Helen’s Old Church, plenty of space in the pay and display spaces.
Food Sandcastle rating One cafe on the sea front but a mile or so inland is The Vine Inn which serves local pub grub.
Shopping Sandcastle rating No gift shops, clothing or other retailers. Head up into the village for provisions, or better still round to Bembridge.

reviewed by The rightbeach Team

St Helen’s beach, Isle of Wight

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St Helen’s is a tranquil sand and shingle beach, maintained by The National Trust . It is situated along the sea edge of the Duver. At low tide there are fascinating rock pools to dip your net in or great clumps of seaweed in which to rummage for crabs. rightbeach saw three generations of one family having a ‘who can catch the biggest crab’ competition. Grandad and his bacon lure was the winner!

The beach is mainly used by twitchers, boat watchers and some families from Nodes Point Holiday Centre. During the Summer months, long lines of ponies can be seen trotting contentedly along through the shallows. It has no esplanade of sea front shops but there is a sea wall running the entire length, topped by a concrete promenade. A short row of beach huts and a cafe is all that can be found on some days. On sunny days, it is a stop off for cyclists and walkers.

The beach drops steeply down to the sea which becomes deep reasonably quickly. Boats coming into Bembridge Harbour pass close by and so swimming should be with this in mind. The red and green buoys mark the channel relatively close to the shore.

rightbeach recommends this beach for a morning of crabbing at low tide rather than a whole day camped on the beach. rightbeach‘s eldest daughter spent a marvellous hour trotting along the shore line on Turnip the pony-thanks to Sally’s Riding School of Nodes Point.

Beach blurb

See St Helen’s beach on a map …

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

  • To find parking near the sea, follow signs to The Duver, along Duver Road, past the Common and the entrance to the Duver and park near the remains of St Helen’s Old Church .
  • Dogs are allowed on the beach all year.
  • Bring a picnic as there is only one small cafe.

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Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Sandcastle rating At high tide there is not a lot of beach left. Low tide leaves fab rock pools and crabby seaweed haunts. Breakwaters at regular intervals.
Crowded
(1=deserted)		 Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Not a super sandy beach and so not too crowded even when the sun is high in the sky. Nodes Point Holiday Park is a five-minute stroll so there are families who use the beach regularly.
Surf Sandcastle rating Still water means it makes a great part of the sea for kayaking.
Sand Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Mostly sand and shingle with pebbles dotted around. Rocks when the tide is out.
Toilets Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Including disabled access.
Parking Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Park near to St Helen’s Old Church, plenty of space in the pay and display spaces.
Food Sandcastle rating One cafe on the sea front but a mile or so inland is The Vine Inn which serves local pub grub.
Shopping Sandcastle rating No gift shops, clothing or other retailers. Head up into the village for provisions, or better still round to Bembridge.

reviewed by The rightbeach Team themselves

Worthing beach review, West Sussex

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Worthing is a steep, pebbly beach situated along the West Sussex coast, west of Brighton.

Wet sand is available during low tide for the sand castles builders. When the tide is out, the shallow water is perfect for little paddlers who like to run in and out of the sea. Small, shallow pools mean there are plenty of chances for crab spotting and building moats. There can be seaweed by the shore and on the tide line making it a little off-putting for some.

Worthing sea front has a number of attractions to offer. The Lido has fun fair style rides and a range of ice-cream, gift and clothing shops. The Pavillion Theatre often runs indoor markets and has live stage shows throughout the year. There are plenty of well-known restaurant chains and cafes along Marine Parade as well as regular toilet facilities. The long promenade is ideal for bikes, scooters & buggies.

Worthing boasts a 105 ft, Grade II listed pier. It is a great place to spot fishermen reeling in their catch as well as trying your luck on the traditional ‘Pier Amusements’ in the middle (perhaps more suited for the teens). Plenty of comfy benches, perfect for ice-creams, people watching and breastfeeding (perhaps not all together!). The pier also hosts its own annual Birdman competition in August. The prize stands at more than £30,000 for reaching 100m from the end of the pier.

rightbeach recommends this as safe beach for families who like to explore the sea fronts, shops and amusements as well be by the sea.

Beach blurb

See Worthing beach on a map…

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

  • Check the tide times if you are hoping for sand, the beach can be pebbles only;
  • Be prepared to move along to find the perfect spot away from clumps of drying seaweed and sandflies;
  • It can be a steep, pebbly slide down to the sea at high tide so keep hold of those tiny tots!

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Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Sandcastle rating Pebbles all along and a steep incline down into the sea. Sometimes seaweed by shore and on tide line.
Crowded
(1=deserted)		 Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Hustle and bustle of a busy promenade beach.
Surf Sandcastle rating Tiny little ripples to keep the teeny tiny bathers happy.
Sand Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Stones, pebbles and wet sand when the tide is out.
Toilets Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Old and traditional but free, clean and plentiful, by the Lido and Pavillion.
Parking Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Car parking along the sea front (free on Sunday) as well as a multistory car park on Marine Parade.
Food Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Plenty to choose, from Pizza Hut to ice creams, as well as many restaurants along the sea front.
Shopping Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating The Lido has a small gift shop and clothing for sale. Marks and Spencers is opposite The Pavillion.

Review by Kerry T and Lynne and Nigel R

Eastbourne beach, East Sussex

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Eastbourne has been a noted seaside destination since the 1700s. It has the privileged title of Britain’s sunniest place, recording the highest hours of sunshine in a month for July 2011. It has a busy town is served by a well-connected railway station. The seafront has a pier, promenade, 1930s bandstand and the stunning Carpet Gardens.

The beach is a mix of shingle, pebbles and sandy stretches. It is a gentle slope down to the sea where there is sand at low tide and great rock pools and lots and lots of mussels.  In fact low tide is really rather good for young children to play and be occupied by the pools.  There can be a lot of seaweed.  The water is quiet and safe with no surf.  There are areas sectioned for swimming towards the town.

rightbeach recommends Eastbourne for day trippers from the Big Smoke and families with both young and older children. Plently of traditional seaside activites on and off the beach.

Beach blurb

See Eastbourne beach on a map …

Tips to ensure your trip goes well:

  • Head past Eastbourne town, towards Beachey Head and The Grand Hotel. It is slightly quieter but beach is great and the promenade is wide and spacious to walk along. There are green areas just above to hang out on and play as well.
  • Toilets are signposted but there are some just in front of the Grand Hotel, in front of the turreted area.
  • Remember your nets and buckets for rock pooling as there are not many shops that sell this type of thing.

Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Sandcastle rating Pebbles but sandy stretches at mid and low tide. Rock pools!
Crowded
(1=deserted)		 Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Busy and friendly promenade beach, head towards Beachey Head for a quieter stretch of beach.
Surf No surf. Dedicated swimming areas.
Sand Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Pebbles and wet sand when the tide is out.
Toilets Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Not always easy to spot the signposts. Some directly outside The Grand Hotel.
Parking Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Car parking along the sea front. Can get tricky on a hot Summer day.
Food Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Bars and cafes by the pier and Harry Ramsden’s along the sea front. McDonald’s & Starbucks in the Arndale Centre.
Shopping Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating  The Arndale Centre is 5-10 mins walk from the sea front. It has many high street faves, not many gift shops or beach paraphernalia for sale near the sea front.

reviewed by Kerry T

Pevensey Bay beach, East Sussex

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Pevensey Bay is a narrow and steeply pebbled beach stretching for some way between Eastbourne and Bexhill. This historical fishing village is known as the landing-place for William the Conqueror. The beach is lined with a smattering of holiday cottages, benches and, occasionally, private marinas along its substantial length. There are also opportunities for windsurfing and kayaking.

To be honest there’s not a massive amount of family-friendly attractions here other than the lure of being by the sea itself. Even bathing can present a challenge as the beach shelves steeply into the water, making paddling awkward. rightbeach did see parents and children taking the plunge but close supervision would be advisable.

Having said that it’s within relatively easy reach from Greater London and is a pleasant enough environment to have an ice cream or tuck into some fish and chips while gazing over the water.

rightbeach recommends Pevensey Bay for romantic yet bracing walks along the sea edge or taking the dog for a long run (maybe even combine the two?!) Finish off your chosen walk with fish and chips, shared from the paper wrapping-ahhh!

Beach blurb

See Pevensey Bay beach on a map …

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

  • Park in the main car park (pay and display) – there should be enough space.
  • The fish and chip shop on Eastbourne Road behind the beach (Rose Grill and Fry) serves pretty good fish and chips to take back to munch on the beach, if a bit on the expensive side.
  • It’s fairly exposed and so can get a bit on windy on the beach. Together with the pebble beach making wind breaks impractical, we’d advise setting yourselves up next to one of the breakwaters, in the lee of the prevailing wind.

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Area
Rating
Observation
Beach Sandcastle rating Pebbles all along and a steep incline down into the sea
Crowded
(1=deserted)		 Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Plenty of space to spread out or stroll along in relative solitude.
Surf Sandcastle rating Deep in the heart of the English Channel so not much in the wave department
Sand Sandcastle rating Stones, pebbles and, if you’re lucky, a bit of shingle.
Toilets Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Free, clean and located in the main car park.
Parking Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating One smallish pay-and-display close to the beach but there seems to be enough space to deal with demand.
Food Sandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle ratingSandcastle rating Bit of choice on the main road, plus plenty of pubs with beer gardens close to the beach.
Shopping Sandcastle ratingSandcastle rating A couple of beach-type shops but their stock was pretty shabby and definitely over priced.

reviewed by The rightbeach Team