Hill Head Beach (Saltern Beach)
Set across the Solent from the Isle of Wight is a lengthy stretch of shingle beach backed by a tarmac walkway and Saltern Park. Like much of this stretch of coast the beach is divided up by wooden groynes. These offer some protection from the erosive forces of longshore drift, helping to keep the shingle in place.
Hill Head beach is popular with watersports enthusiasts offering good sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. It is also a popular spot for fishing. To the western end of the beach is a small harbour, located at the mouth of the River Meon where it enters the Solent. Just beyond is the Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve, which is home to a vast array of birdlife.
The Hill Head shoreline overlooks the Solent. As one of the busiest sea lanes to and from the English coast this is a great spot for just watching the boats come and go.
Also known as:
Saltern Beach
Type of beach
Shingle
Lifeguard service
No
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs are not allowed on the main part of the beach from May 1st to September 30th. There is a small part of the beach to the west of the main car park where dogs can go all year. Dogs are also allowed on the promenade all year, but must be on a lead.
Hampshire dog friendly beaches »
Activities
- Good fishing
- Jet-skiing
- Sailing
- Swimming/bathing
- Wind surfing
Facilities
- Cafe/restaurant
- Toilets
- Disabled facilities
- Shop
- Beach hut hire
- Slipway
- Promenade
Nearest town
Postcode
PO14 3LU
OS grid ref.
SU 5449 0188
Parking
There are a couple of pay and display car parks (with disabled spaces) along the stretch between Hill Head and Saltern Park. Charges apply between the hours of 10:00 AM to 18:00.
Water quality
Awards
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Hill Head Beach Reviews
Wonderful
Jan Newson
Nov 25th 2019We visited on an overcast November day. The tide was out and we had a long walk along the beach and shore. Some wind surfers were in the distance and the Isle of Wight was visible and so close. We had a great meal in the pub The Osbourne View which we’d highly recommend
Great beach and lovely place to walk your dog (which you can do from sailing club heading east past the Osbourne View pub).
Great for windsurfing and paddle boarding.
Titchfield Haven is also a wonderful place to visit and have a tea room.
Nice views and relaxed
Ray
Nov 12th 2022I think “Mr 1 star” was at a different place - its not Cornwall, and yeah not sure I would swim there either, but in its context its a very relaxed space - go prepared with refreshments - not everyone thinks ‘a good beach’ needs a Starbucks…
Not good at all
Marcus Defreitas
Aug 25th 2022I would not recommend this beach at all .
Avoid all beaches from stokes bay all the way to meon.
Sewage and poor facilities.
There are much better and cleaner beaches elsewhere.
Avoid at all cost.
parking
meoncoastandy
Aug 01st 2022now pay and display (2022)
Not for dogs
Not dog friendly beach at all (May to ?). Only on ‘promenade ‘ are dogs allowed.
No dog waste bins, though dog-friendly all year round. Come on, Fareham Borough Council. Lovely place otherwise, and invariably quieter when other beaches are busy.