07-07-2025
Dorset beach likened to 'laid-back Los Angeles hotspot' among UK's best for 2025
A Dorset beach which has been likened to a "laid-back Los Angeles hotspot" has been named as one of the UK's best beaches for 2025.
Southbourne beach again featured on the list from The Times, after having been rated as the best in the south of England in last year's article.
It lost out on that particular accolade to Milford-on-Sea for 2025, but is still considered among the best the UK has to offer.
Chief travel writer for The Times, Chris Haslam, visited 756 beaches and 51 resorts to come to his conclusions.
Discussing his list, Haslam said: "The truth remains, though, that our coast is still the most beautiful and most varied on earth, and there's much to discover beyond the most obvious spots.
"So pack a picnic and the factor 50 and make 2025 the summer of the beach that's a little harder to reach."
The full list of the UK's best beaches for 2025 can be found on The Times website here.
Southbourne was likened to Los Angeles by Haslam in his write-up, with the features outside of the sands and waters being highlighted.
He said: "First featured in Best UK Beaches 2024, SoBo, as the cool kids call it, is in a residential area in Bournemouth's east end.
"Here, the local restaurateur Rich Slater has transformed a neglected stretch of sand into something reminiscent of the laid-back Los Angeles hotspot, Hermosa Beach.
"Sadly the nimbys didn't like the café in the double-decker bus, the art classes, fundraising and yoga sessions, although Slater's licence has been extended until autumn next year.
"The plan now is to win over the doubters by improving the adjacent lavatories — and installing a sauna."
Southbourne is a Blue Flag award-winning beach with colourful beach huts, and has the Fisherman's Walk nature trail in the cliffs above it.
Visit Dorset adds: "It is a narrow strip of woodland with a nature trail and plenty of wildlife. The zig zag path leads all the way down to the beach."
Southbourne wasn't the only Dorset beach to feature on the list as Hive Beach in the western part of the county was also included.
Southbourne beach has been well-received by visitors, earning a 4.7/5 score on Tripadvisor from 254 reviews.
One person said: "Amazing stretch of sandy beach from Hengisbury Head to Bournemouth.
"Very clean. Great for a walk, picnic or swim. Probably less crowded than Bournemouth beach in peak season."
Another shared: "Lovely clean and looked after beach, lots along the strip with pubs, food outlets and local cuisine eateries."
Recommended reading:
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A third posted: "Excellent clean beach with golden sands , ample parking and shops. Will highly recommend this place."
Another commented: "Simply love this beach, was introduced to the SoBo community and from Southbourne high street to the beach I cannot fault it, such a lovely place to be and thankfully not that full of tourists like myself.
"Beautiful beaches, great local shops and always goes down well with the British summer!"
