Stokes Bay Beach

Address: Stokes Bay Rd, Gosport

Location

Stokes Bay is a shingle beach situated on the south coast of England, with views of the Isle of Wight.

With multiple car parks, cafes, and family attractions, it's no surprise that it's a popular destination during the summer holidays. The high winds also make the bay a hotspot for water sports such as sailing and windsurfing.

Dogs are welcome on the beach outside of the main holiday season, 1st Oct - 30th April.

What's there?

With lots of attractions spanning the length of the bay, we'll break them down between the three main car parks - Starting from the west with No. 2 Battery West Car Park, Pebble Beach Car Park in the centre, and Gilkicker Car Park on the east.

Parking charges are the same along the beach; you can pay with cash, card, or online/phone.

	Summary
Motor Vehicle	£1.70 per hour
Trailer	£1.70 per hour
Over 5 hours	£9.60 per day
Motor Cycles	Free

Charges apply every day between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., and all have a height limit of 2.20 m.

No. 2 Battery West Car Park

When visiting the western side of Stokes Bay, visitors will find the Bayside Cabin Cafe and Diving Museum, as well as access to the coastal path, open green space and public toilets.

Bayside Cabin Cafe:

This charming cafe serves breakfast, snacks, hot food, and ice cream in a dog-friendly eatery with tables on a large beachside terrace.

Diving Museum:

Operated by volunteers, the Diving Museum provides an engaging insight into the history of diving. Exhibits include early diving helmets from the 1800s, as well as displays on commercial, military, and scientific diving explorations. It's a fascinating visit for those interested in underwater history and technology.

Admission:

• Adults: £8.50

• Youth (5-17 years): £5.50 (Disabled £4.50)

• Family (two adults and up to three children): £23

• Under 5s: Free

This location also has public toilets located next to the car park.

The car park has:

• 4 chargers for electric cars

• 11 blue badge parking spaces

MiPermit Location Code: 708521

Pebble Beach Car Park

Located at the center of the bay, Pebble Beach Car Park holds the most attractions for families with young kids.

At Pebble Beach Car Park, visitors will find:

• Pebbles Fish & Wine Bar

• Pebble Beach Cafe

• Canadian D-Day Memorial

• GoSport Splash Park and Kids Play area

• Open green with picnic tables

• Stokes Bay Sailing Club

Pebbles Fish & Wine Bar:

Pebbles Fish & Wine Bar is a coastal-themed restaurant that offers both indoor and outdoor seating, providing a relaxed and scenic dining experience. The menu includes a variety of options such as mains, side dishes, vegetarian choices, children’s meals, and desserts, all featuring freshly caught fish and seafood sourced from the local market.

The restaurant also hosts jazz evenings, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. With free parking available after 7:00 pm, this is a great spot for an evening meal.

The car park has:

• 10 camper spaces with no height restrictions

• 7 blue badge parking spaces

• Electric car charging

• Motorcycle parking

Parking payment MiPermit codes:

• Location Code 708525

• Location Code 708526 (2 bays - car & trailer)

• Location Code 708546 (Motorhome bays )

Motorhome bays have a higher charge of £3.50 per hour and £18.00 for over four hours. No overnight parking.

Gilkicker Car Park

Gilkicker Car Park offers fewer amenities, with only public toilets, picnic tables on an open green, and access to the coastal path. The location is also home to the Gosport Lifeboat Station and Gosport Angling Club.

The car park has:

• 7 blue badge parking spaces

• Motorcycle parking

MiPermit Location Code: 708510 (for 2 bays - car & trailer - Location Code 708511)

Accessibility

With plentiful beachside parking, Stoke Bay is ideal for visitors with limited mobility. There's the easy access to the promenade, which is level with frequent benches, making this location suitable for visitors using mobility scooters or wheelchairs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Stokes Bay is the perfect destination for a family day out. With play facilities, museum, and selection for cafes, there is something for everyone at this seaside retreat.

With convenient parking and an accessible promenade stretching 1.2 km along the bay, the beach can be enjoyed by visitors of all abilities.