19-07-2025
Barton-on-Sea named among Britain's best seaside towns
Barton-on-Sea, which is located in the New Forest, featured alongside 29 others in a list from Rough Guides.
The publication shared: "The very best seaside towns in the UK offer everything from traditional fun to tongue-in-cheek kitsch.
"Days out on the beach with bucket and spade in hand continue to be a great British tradition, and best of all, there's always another coastal town in the UK waiting to be discovered!"
The full list of Britain's top 30 seaside towns can be found on the Rough Guides website here.
Why is Barton-on-Sea among Britain's best seaside towns?
Barton-on-Sea picked up praise from Rough Guides thanks to its scenery. views and fossil finds.
They wrote: "Located on the edge of the New Forest, Barton-on-Sea offers stunning coastal walks and a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric marine life.
"In terms of fossils, it has particularly rich pickings with some finds dating as far back as 40 million years and budding palaeontologists can search for preserved shark teeth, fish bones and gastropod shells.
"When you've had your geological fill, enjoy breathtaking views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.
"On a clear day, the iconic chalk Needles and St Catherine's Lighthouse can just be seen in the distance."
Things to do in Barton-on-Sea
As mentioned previously, the coastal trails of Barton-on-Sea are an aspect that is recognised by many people as an enjoyable activity to embark upon in the town.
Visit Hampshire adds: "Barton-on-Sea boasts superb coastal walks, including the start of the Solent Way which spans the length of Keyhaven Nature Reserve.
"With its magnificent cliffs, sweeping coastal scenery and pretty water meadows, it is a little piece of the New Forest which is perfect for outdoor explorers.
"With a range of accommodation providers, the area is a great place to go for a short stop or longer break."
The town's beach is mainly a stony one, where you can enjoy a day out paddling in the water, or look for some fossil finds of your own.
If you wanted to stay for the night, The Cliff House is a well-regarded establishment that has earned a 4.5/5 score from 389 reviews on Tripadvisor.
It has six en-suite rooms, alongside being an independent restaurant and bar.
One person wrote: "What a great weekend stay we had at the Cliff house. The staff were polite, helpful and friendly.
"Our room (Wight) was great value, minimalist and modern with some amazing views of the Isle of Wight."
Another shared: "We had a fabulous time! The food was superb, the staff couldn't do enough for you. Anna was lovely and so was all the other staff members and the manager was so welcoming when we arrived!
"Our room was perfect. The view was amazing of the Isle of White and was just beautiful get away for a birthday celebration."
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Where to park in Barton-on-Sea
If you're going on a day trip to Barton-on-Sea and are looking to park close to the seafront, then there are three car parks located on Marine Drive.
Between April 1 and September 30, these places are open between 6am and 10pm every day, including bank holidays.
Prices range from £1.50 for a one-hour stay to up to £10.40 for 20 hours.
