Stanswood Bay

Bay in Hampshire

England

Stanswood Bay

Bourne Gap red buoy Credit: Roger Cornfoot

Stanswood Bay is a picturesque coastal area located in the county of Hampshire, England. Situated along the southern coast of the country, it is recognized for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The bay stretches over a distance of approximately 3 kilometers and is nestled between two headlands, creating a sheltered and peaceful environment.

The bay's shoreline is characterized by golden sandy beaches, which are a major attraction for tourists and locals alike. The soft sands provide a perfect spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and building sandcastles during the warmer months. The crystal-clear waters of Stanswood Bay also invite visitors to indulge in various water activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Surrounding the bay, visitors can find a diverse range of flora and fauna. The area is home to several species of seabirds, including gulls, terns, and cormorants, which nest and roost along the cliffs and rocky outcrops. The nearby Stanswood Nature Reserve also offers opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and discover a variety of unique plant and animal species.

Along the bay, there are a few small cafes and shops that cater to the needs of visitors, providing refreshments and beach essentials. Additionally, Stanswood Bay benefits from excellent transport links, making it easily accessible by road and public transportation.

Overall, Stanswood Bay offers a serene and idyllic coastal experience, with its beautiful beaches, rich wildlife, and peaceful ambiance, making it a popular destination for those seeking a relaxing getaway by the sea.

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Stanswood Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.79888/-1.3223957 or Grid Reference SU4700. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bourne Gap red buoy

Roger Cornfoot

View of D-Day preparation area at Lepe

To the right two bollards used to tie up ships. Beyond and above the righthand side of the noticeboard is a war memorial and the area used for constructing the massive concrete caissons that were floated across the Channel and then sunk. See also SZ4698 : Information board on D-Day at Lepe.

Peter Facey

Information board on D-Day at Lepe

Peter Facey

D-Day war memorial at Lepe

To 4th/7th royal Dragoon Guards who lkeft here to land in Sherman amphibiopus tanks 5 minutes before the main assault on Gold beach. 124 men lost their lives. The top part of this memorial seems to be a recent addition. For earlier see Link . The inscription on the top part of the memorial reads: Take these men for your example Like them remember that propserity can only be for the free, that freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it. On the seaward side of the memorial there is the same inscription in French.

Peter Facey

Location of D-Day war memorial at Lepe

For a closer view see Link . The concrete wall beyond, buttressed at frequent intervals, was a rolling-track wall two of which were used in parallel to transport massive concrete caissons to the launch point (off-picture right) from the place where they were built (near tree at left). Each caisson was carried on 2m carriages that rolled along timber rails on 75 mm steel balls. See SZ4698 : Information board on D-Day at Lepe

Peter Facey

Limit of public access to the foreshore at Lepe

Beyond is the North Solent National Nature Reserve. "Cadland beach is one of the last pristine areas of vegetated shingle left in the UK". For a closer view of the information board see SZ4699 : Information board about North Solent National Nature Reserve.

Peter Facey

Information board about North Solent National Nature Reserve

Marking the limit of public access to the foreshore at Lepe. For a wider view see SZ4699 : Limit of public access to the foreshore at Lepe.

Peter Facey

Second World War relics at Lepe Country Park

These two metal skeletons (known as "dolphins") once formed part of the pierhead used to load ships departing for Normandy in 1944. On the foreshore are the remains of beach hardening mats, which resemble huge concrete bars of chocolate. They were laid out to strengthen the beach enough to take the weight of tanks and other vehicles being driven onto landing craft.

Jim Champion

Groynes between Lepe and Calshot, North Solent

The shingle beach in the foreground is part of the Lepe Country Park, and it is less populated by visitors as it can only be accessed by a walk around Stansore Point from the car parks. It isn't possible to walk the length of this beach to Calshot as the beach in the distance is part of the North Solent Nature Reserve.

Jim Champion

North Solent National Nature Reserve, between Lepe and Calshot

At the north-east extreme of the Lepe Country Park the shingle beach is part of the National Nature Reserve (down to low water) and should not be disturbed.

Jim Champion