TRAVEL

THE HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF WIGHT COAST

10 GREAT THINGS TO DO ALONG

Whether you want to brave a dip in the UK’s oldest open air water baths or feast on the freshest seafood with pinch-me views, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have got you covered. NATALIE FRENCH rounds up some of the best spots to stop along the coastline…

1 THE HUT, COLWELL BAY

Those in-the-know head to The Hut on the Isle of Wight. This laid-back, glass-walled beach restaurant serves up local lobster, surf and turf and Big Fish catch of the day for the table to share. Sip deliciously dry Provence Rosé, while listening to tunes from the resident DJ, and soak up the sublime sunsets over the sea. Open daily until the end of October, you can arrive by boat and the tender will bring you ashore – alternatively, take advantage of the heli-landing sites and nab a lift with one of the Hut Trucks. thehutcolwell.co.uk

2 SOUTHERN BELL, HAYLING ISLAND

Book a first class trip to this super-cool beach house - built around two vintage railway carriages from 1903 and 1974 - with direct access to Hayling Island’s Blue Flag Beach, via your own private gate. Southern Bell takes its name from the fastest steam train of its time, which whisked passengers from London to Brighton in an hour. This light and bright space sleeps eight and is dog-friendly. And did we mention those panoramic sea views? southernbell.co.uk/the-beach-house

3 SEASHORE FORAGING

While the New Forest steals all the glory when it comes to foraging forays, the Hampshire coastline has its own edible offerings. In the peak summer months, the lagoon at Hurst Spit is abundant with marsh samphire. This salty treat (otherwise known as glasswort, pickle weed and mermaid’s kiss) thrives in the muddy, marshy sea water; wash it thoroughly before you fry it up with some garlic and lemon. New to foraging? Forage London offer The Edible Seashore workshops this summer with professional forager Peter Studzinski. foragelondon.co.uk

4 KING CHARLES III ENGLAND COAST PATH

Don the walking boots and stroll the 52-mile Hampshire section of the 2,700 mile King Charles III England Coast Path – one of the longest continuous walking routes in the world. The Solent coastline route starts at Calshot spit – taking in unspoilt countryside, bustling marinas and wildlife conservations sites - before passing Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose Museum. englandcoastpath.co.uk

5 SPINNAKER TOWER

Soaring 170 metres into the sky, the iconic Spinnaker Tower offers epic 23-mile views over Portsmouth, the Solent, the South Downs and across