Stokes Bay

Stokes Bay is a wide, crescent-shaped bay on the western side of Gosport, sheltered from the worst of the Channel weather and offering calm, shallow water that makes it one of the more swimmable stretches on the Hampshire coast. The bay looks out across the central Solent towards Ryde and the Isle of Wight, and on clear days the backdrop of the Downs is plainly visible across the water. The foreshore is a mix of sand and pebble with a grassy area behind the beach, a long promenade, and a row of beach huts that give it a classic seaside feel. Stokes Bay is historically associated with the Royal Navy and there are remnants of wartime defences along the shoreline, adding a layer of interest for those who explore beyond the main beach area.

Dogs are welcome at Stokes Bay for much of the year, but a seasonal restriction is in place from 1 May to 30 September on the controlled section running from Pebble Beach to the GAFIRS rescue station. Dogs are permitted year-round at the eastern end of the bay towards Gilkicker Point, which offers an excellent stretch for a dog walk with views across the harbour mouth. The grassy area behind the beach is accessible to dogs throughout the year, and the promenade makes for an easy, flat walk. Parking is available in a large pay and display car park adjacent to the beach, and there are toilets and a cafe nearby in season.