Barton-on-Sea
Welcome to a seaside town popular with both paragliders above its cliff and fossil hunters below among its geological beds. Perched at the mouth of the Solent in a location once rife with smuggling, Barton is now notable for its links golf course which recently celebrated its centenary.
Lined with colourful beach huts and dramatic cliffs, Barton on Sea beach is an idyllic spot for fishing, fossil-hunting or simply relaxing with an ice cream.
Along the clifftop there’s plenty of parking and rugged clifftop paths that are perfect for exploring – whether that be on a solo adventure, with family or your four-legged friend. Chase the coastal trail that borders the edge of the golf course, dipping into woodland and lesser visited coves, before eventually joining the shingle beach of Hordle Cliffs at Milford on Sea.
Whatever you choose to do and wherever you decide to wander at Barton-on-Sea, you’re sure to be rewarded with unrivalled views across to the Isle of Wight.
Although just a small village, Barton-on-Sea is surrounded by a mouth-watering variety of local eateries. From the homely charm of The Cliff House which offers panoramic views across the Solent, to the A la Carte opulence of Pebble Beach restaurant, and the smaller but equally as indulgent independent coffee shops and ice cream parlour, there’s plenty of places to pause for a pitstop – the most difficult part is deciding which!
Whether you’d prefer to be greenside, on the water, or even in the air, Barton on Sea is a paradise for sports enthusiasts. For golfers, there is the 27-hole golf course at Barton on Sea Golf Club, which is situated on the cliff with the most idyllic coastal views. Golf isn’t the only sport to take place on, or should we say from this clifftop… it is also a popular spot for paragliders!
For those who feel more at home on the water, a whole range of water sports can be enjoyed from the beach – you’ll often see visitors canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and of course, paddling.