Author Archives: manonabeach

About manonabeach

On a beach…welcome to manonabeach.com, where I’ll regularly add video of my beach visits, so you can enjoy a flavour of the beach, even when you’re not there.

Southbourne beach

Season: spring

This long, golden beach was basking in fine sunshine. Located just east of Bournemouth, it enjoys a unique view of The Needles on the Isle of Wight when the sun falls on them in the evening. You can hear Vivien’s description of this effect in her interview. The scene setting film was taken halfway down the path to the beach, allowing a fine view towards Hengistbury Head in the east, with beach huts below.

This beach is an inspiration for Vivien.

A fine panorama, as seen from above Southbourne beach.

Season: autumn

Southbourne has a quieter feel than the other Bournemouth beaches. Located west of Hengistbury Head, the beach comprises partly sand and partly shingle. It is popular with local families and surfers. Southbourne beach is large and safe, enjoying regular public transport from Boscombe and easy access to the surrounding cliff paths. There’s a handy car park too.

Jen reflects on happy memories at a special place for her.

By the water at Southbourne beach on a stormy day.

Highcliffe beach

Season: spring

This is the most easterly of the manonabeach® Dorset beaches. It adjoins Hampshire’s Naish beach, but it has a very different aspect, due to differing approaches to the threat of erosion. Hampshire County Council are engaged in a policy of managed retreat in the face of the encroaching sea, whereas Dorset are resisting the push and pull of the tide, with apparently robust stone groynes that protrude into the sea. Time will tell which approach is successful, regardless of environmental sensitivities. The gorse was out in force for this fine weather visit. The silver sea shimmered and visibility was excellent, from the Isle of Wight right round to the Isle of Purbeck in the west.

What the beach means to James, enjoying the sunshine at Highcliffe beach.

A fine sight on a sunny day.

Season: autumn

Located at the eastern edge of Dorset, Highcliffe beach extends to become Hampshire’s Naish beach. It’s a sandy beach which is safe for swimming. Enjoyable cliff walks take you to Highcliffe Castle and Highcliffe Village beyond. There are no facilities on the beach, but nearby Lymington Road has a variety of good shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Andy’s affinity for this beach.

A view back from one of the sea defences on Highcliffe beach.

Durdle Door

Season: spring

This outstanding location was looking spectacular for the spring season visit. A bright morning, with azure blue sky and sea, framed the limestone rock of Durdle Door itself and the sea lapped against a bleached white beach. The high vantage point afforded by the approach from the cliffs above allowed a view of the recent dramatic landslide between here and Lulworth Cove, which you can see in the scene setting film. Interviewee Gabriel’s opening remark sums up this beach and this location perfectly.

What Durdle Door means to Gabriel.

Man o’ War Bay and Durdle Door, as seen from the high ground between them.

Season: autumn

The sweeping beach at Durdle Door was once three coves. Despite a lack of facilities, over two hundred thousand walkers use the path between here and Lulworth Cove each year, making it one of the busiest stretches on the entire South West Coast Path. Durdle Door is one of the most photographed landmarks along the Jurassic Coast. This rock arch in the sea was formed as the softer rocks were eroded away behind the hard limestone, allowing the sea to punch through them. Eventually the arch will collapse to leave a sea stack.

Des’ view of the beach as a stress reliever.

By the water at Durdle Door in West Lulworth on a bright day.