West Wittering beach, which is located in a beautiful village, is a soft sandy haven that has been given a Blue Flag status and is ideal for a springtime stroll
With the sun making a welcome appearance this week, it’s time to soak up the joys of outdoor living – from family barbecues to pub gardens – and not forgetting those delightful trips to the seaside.
For those near Surrey, a quick jaunt lasting just 55 minutes by car can lead you to West Wittering beach, a gem on the UK’s coastline that is just perfect for a spring stroll or a full day of summer fun.
Perched within an idyllic village in West Sussex, the beach is a soft sandy retreat, boasting a Blue Flag award signifying its excellent conditions for a family day out. Singled out for accolades, West Wittering has been included in Condé Nast Traveller magazine’s list of the finest British beaches, with special mention: “West Wittering draws a crowd from all over the south coast, and is particularly popular with windsurfers.
“Low tide brings the promise of shallow lagoons to paddle in and creates a blank canvas for sand-castles. There’s a grassy patch ideal for picnics behind the beach huts that fringe the beach.”
A scenic drive under an hour from Haslemere will land you on this awe-inspiring piece of the South East coastline, known for its stunning natural views, historical charm, and commitment to preserving nature.
Ideal for family outings, the beach is equipped with practical facilities like toilets, baby changing areas, ample parking, and a welcoming beach café that’s open every day from 9am to 4.30pm to accommodate beachgoers. Both the beach and the café are happy to host dogs as well.
Although there’s a dog restriction on the principal swimming area between groynes 14a and 18 (right in front of the beach huts) during mid-May to mid-September, our four-legged friends can roam freely across the rest of the beach during other times of the year.
West Wittering is a haven for watersports enthusiasts, offering windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand up paddleboarding, , reports the Express. Horse riding is also allowed on the beach during certain periods of the year.
During the school summer holidays and weekends, the car park can get quite packed, so it’s recommended to book ahead. However, outside these peak times, the beach provides a peaceful spot to relax and watch the waves.
East Head, a sand dune system at West Wittering, is home to salt marshes and flowing tides. From March to September, visitors can take on the East Head and Ellanore circular walk, a scenic four-mile route that takes roughly two hours to finish.
The trail, which goes past Chichester Harbour and West Wittering village, offers stunning coastal paths, leafy lanes and plenty of coffee shops or pubs for a pit stop.
It’s an easy, dog-friendly trail. West Wittering beach is situated at Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 8AU. Information about 2025 car parking charges at West Wittering can be found here.