There are not that many parts of the British coast that I haven't visited, especially one that is less than two hours from Oxford.

Which is why my recent visit to the south east coast, at Fareham, sandwiched between the buzzing cities of Portsmouth and Southampton and overlooking the sailing haven that is the Solent, was such a pleasant surprise.

Here's an unspoilt piece of coastline with little old-fashioned seaside resorts, pebbly but clean and uncrowded beaches, and lots to look at out at sea where yachts, ferries, ships, windsurfers and jet-skis jostle the waves between the mainland and the Isle of Wight.

We visited at the beginning of June, on a pleasantly warm weekend - before the July heatwave set in. In fact, we sat on the deserted beach at Lee-on-Solent as England played their first match against Paraguay in the World Cup, being kept up-to-date with the score via texts from my son! Inland there is, of course, the wild beauty of the New Forest, an area I know well as we used the family mobile home at nearby Christchurch when our children were small.

The attractions of the forest remain unchanged - pretty villages, heather-clad open spaces grazed by ponies, mysterious woods and sparkling clear streams. Peace and tranquility that comes for free, and just the place to blow the cobwebs away.

The main attraction of the Fareham area is that it's only about an hour and three-quarter's drive from Oxfordshire, via good roads. Having discovered it, I would choose it in preference to Bournemouth or Weston-Super-Mare areas, which we always thought of as the nearest seaside resorts to this land-locked county.

Our base for the weekend was the Solent Hotel & Spa at Whiteley, just outside Fareham, which this year was given a major £2.5m revamp by the owners, Shire Hotels - to great effect. The new spa suite is a fantastic addition to the hotel as well as the al fresco dining terrace and updated guest rooms . . . more of those things later.

As soon as you enter the Solent Hotel, peace and quiet descends. The entrance hall features cherry wood panelling and deep fluffy rugs, warm and welcoming.

Our room was similarly enticing, with beautiful co-ordinated decor and a raised lounge area where you can recline on the comfy sofa and watch TV, browse the papers or brew a pot of tea.

The Solent Hotel is particularly, and justifiably, proud of its new spa suite, with eight treatment rooms. This includes a double room with its own outdoor terrace and hot tub - fabulous for couples, friends or mums and daughters.

My husband and I were more than happy to try out the new facilities, and treatments. And there are more than 60 treatments to choose from. For me, it was a blissfully relaxing E'Spa advanced lifting and firming facial, one hour and 25 minutes of pure pampering. For him it was a Vitaman back and foot massage - the Solent Spa is one of just a handful in the UK currently offering this range of male-orientated treatments. All the treatments are carried out on Hydrotherm, a cushion of warm water which enables the therapist to work without the need to flip you onto your front. In fact, a massage on a water bed - I'd recommend it!

Before and after your treatment you are invited to take time out in the relaxation room, complete with drinks, fruit and Danish pastries! Or make the most of the other spa facilities which include a superb swimming pool, colour therapy sauna, gym and fibre-optic steam room.

We were given the opportunity to enjoy the evening sunshine by dining on the hotel's brand new al fresco terrace. With it's wooden canopy, wicker chairs, white linen and blue glassware, you could have been in the Med. And the summer menu followed this theme - we enjoyed a superb range of tapas-style hors d'oeuvres, followed by some delicious fish, and all rounded off with chocolate profiteroles.

After a good night's sleep we couldn't resist the cooked breakfast, before setting off to explore. This was nearly thwarted when, having just turned out the hotel, I noticed a sign saying 'retail park'. We were directly next door to Whiteley Village outlet shopping centre, open seven days-a-week with free parking and 45 stores offering massive discounts. I really did have to be persuaded that soaking up the sun beside the sea was preferable!

We watched the boats and watersports enthusiasts out on the Solent before driving along the coast to Portsmouth and taking the Wightlink ferry to the Isle of Wight. As you sail out of the harbour you can't fail to miss the huge white Spinnaker Tower. Those with a head for heights can go 170 metres up to the top.

The tourism-led Isle of Wight has beautiful scenery and beaches away from the hotspots of Shanklin and Sandown, though the traffic is generally heavy on the winding roads through the villages and this can be tiresome. Major attractions include Blackgang Chine, the multi-coloured sands at Alum Bay, The Needles and the pretty village of Godshill.

At the end of July, the famous Cowes sailing regatta turns the Solent into a mass of bobbing yacht sails. On the quay there's a carnival atmosphere with champagne bars, bands and food - Henley Royal Regatta beside the seaside really! On the last day, Friday, the Solent is lit up by a massive fireworks display which entertains spectators on both the island and the mainland.

Portsmouth and Southampton are, of course, two bustling cities providing a weath of attractions for the tourist. We didn't have time to explore further, but Portsmouth has a long and fascinating naval history well worth enjoying.

This part of the south coast is easily accessible, with plenty to interest everyone and, if you are lucky, the sun will shine too!

Dinner, bed and breakfast at the Solent Hotel & Spa costs from £86 per person per night. Call 01489 880000 or visit the website: www.shirehotels.com For more information on what to see and do in Hampshire and on the south east coast visit the websites: www.enjoyengland.com or www.visitsoutheastengland.com For more information on what to see and do on the Isle of Wight visit the website: and for ferry information: www.wightlink.ferries.org