Stokes Bay
Hampshire
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.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Seasonal Restrictions
- Dogs prohibited from signed controlled areas between 1 May and 30 September, from Pebble Beach to the GAFIRS rescue station. Dogs are welcome year-round at the eastern end of the bay towards Gilkicker Point. Check local signage on arrival. Fareham Borough Council PSPO applies.
- Beach Type
- Sand, Pebble
- Tide Notes
- Wide, sheltered bay with a gradual sandy shelf revealed at low tide. At high tide the beach narrows considerably. The bay is relatively calm compared to the open Solent, making it well-suited to swimming.
- Facilities
- Toilets, cafe, beach huts, promenade, children's play area
- Parking
- Large pay and display car park at Stokes Bay Road, PO12 2QU
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stokes Bay dog friendly?
Stokes Bay is a good option for a day out with your dog, earning a 7/10 rating on our directory. Dogs are welcome on the beach and the grassy area behind it, and the flat promenade makes for an easy, enjoyable walk with lovely views across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight.
Are dogs allowed at Stokes Bay year round?
It depends on which part of the bay you're heading to. A seasonal restriction applies from 1 May to 30 September on the controlled section between Pebble Beach and the GAFIRS rescue station, but the eastern end of the bay towards Gilkicker Point is open to dogs all year round. The grassy area behind the beach and the promenade are also accessible year-round.
What should I know before visiting Stokes Bay with my dog?
The key thing to be aware of is the seasonal dog restriction on the central section of the beach, which runs from 1 May to 30 September — so during summer months, head to the eastern end near Gilkicker Point for a dog-friendly stretch with great views across the harbour mouth. There's a large pay and display car park on Stokes Bay Road (PO12 2QU), and toilets and a cafe are available nearby in season, making it a practical as well as enjoyable visit.
What’s Nearby?
Beach1.1 mi awayBrowndown Beach
Hampshire
A shingle foreshore near Gosport on the Solent with year-round access and an undeveloped character despite its suburban setting.
Beach1.3 mi awayGilkicker Point
Hampshire
A windswept shingle headland at the eastern end of Stokes Bay, with year-round dog access, harbour views, and a striking Victorian coastal fort as a backdrop.
Beach2.6 mi awayLee-on-the-Solent Beach
Hampshire
A family-friendly sandy Solent beach with a promenade and seasonal restrictions for dogs.
Beach3.3 mi awayRyde Beach
Isle of Wight
A vast flat sandy beach on the northern Isle of Wight coast, with the oldest pier in the UK and year-round dog access in the Appley section, plus seasonal restrictions on the main stretch from May to September.
Beach4 mi awaySouthsea Beach
Hampshire
A long, lively shingle seafront stretching the full southern edge of Portsmouth, with extensive facilities and views of the Solent, subject to seasonal dog restrictions between Southsea Castle and Eastney Coffee Cup from May to September.
Beach4 mi awayHill Head Beach
Hampshire
A quiet Solent foreshore near Fareham with year-round access and views across to Calshot and the Isle of Wight.
