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huts on west wittering beach

Dreamy beach escapes in the Witterings

Silvery sands, big skies and a salty breeze: the Witterings are West Sussex at its most relaxed. Here’s how to spend your time on the coast, followed by three holiday homes to stay in, from beachfront to a short drive away.

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Article written by Kate Hector

Explore West Wittering Beach

Walk along West Wittering beach and East Head, taking in the silvery-white sands and views across the shoreline. East Head is a gentle 20-30 minute stroll from the main car park.

Watch the kite surfers catching the waves and do a spot of people-watching before heading to West Wittering Beach Café, steps from the sand, for a cuppa. Bringing the dog? Our guide to dog-friendly walks in West Wittering has the best routes.

West Wittering beach with blue sky
Kite surfer west wittering beach cool
Beach shop on west wittering beach

Get active

  • Pony hack: For an unforgettable experience take a gentle pony hack along the soft dunes of West Wittering beach with TS Equestrian.
  • Paddleboarding: Brave the elements and hire a paddleboard from Shore Sports to head out on the water.
  • Yoga: If a slower pace is more your fancy, then why not join a gentle class at Blessed Yoga in their cosy cowshed studio.
Girl riding on west wittering beach
Family surfing
people practising yoga

The Witterings by dusk

Wrap up warm and feast on champagne and strawberries (or hot chocolate and cookies) for a magical sunset picnic on West Wittering beach. The car park closes at 8.30pm. Or further afield:

  • Lamb Inn: enjoy a taste of West Sussex at the Lamb Inn in West Wittering village, with a fish-sharing board featuring the local catch of the day.
  • The Wittering: gather with friends at The Wittering for fresh pizza, homemade nachos and scrumptious ice cream from their boutique coastal cabin.
  • Drifters Kitchen Bar: finish with zingy mojitos and margaritas at Drifters Kitchen Bar.
The lamb inn west wittering
Drifters east wittering
Witterings pub food 2

Roam further afield

There’s no shortage of things to do in nearby Chichester, about 8 miles (20-25 minutes by car) from West Wittering.

  • Chichester Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace Gardens: admire the gleaming spires of Chichester Cathedral and take a leisurely stroll through the tranquil Bishop’s Palace Gardens, resplendent with late summer colour.
  • Fishbourne Roman Palace (about 10 miles): step back in time at the largest Roman home in Britain, just outside Chichester.
  • Tinwood Estate (about 30 minutes’ drive): visit the beautiful vineyard for wine tasting.
  • Cowdray Park (about 45 minutes’ drive): try your hand at a clay pigeon shoot with a Beretta at Cowdray.
Chichester cathedral with trees in front
Mosiac morial
smoking gun
wine tasting in wine glasses

Driftline: a train-carriage beach house right on West Wittering beach

On the beach · Sleeps 12 · Dogs welcome

Step from the garden straight onto the sand at Driftline, a one-of-a-kind family home on the West Wittering seafront. Designed by architect Timothy Hatton, it has two restored 1880s railway carriages built into its walls. It was once owned by Pink Floyd’s manager, Steve O’Rourke, and regularly hosted members of the band in the 60s and early 70s.

There are six bedrooms, including a bunk room the children will love, and the old smoking car is now a private bar. Outside, you’ll find a sauna, hot tub, beachside fire pit and outdoor bath, with paddleboards, a kayak and wetsuits provided. Wake up to the sunrise from the master bedroom’s private balcony. 

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Beach house terrace at Driftline, West Sussex, with outdoor sofa, blue cushions, breakfast tray, coastal views and bright morning light.
Traditional weatherboard beach house at Driftline, West Sussex, with grey painted facade, windows, mature trees and manicured lawn in autumn sunshine.
Coastal terrace at Driftline, West Sussex, overlooking beach and sea with timber decking, post and rail fencing and blue horizon.

Oak Lodge: a haven of tranquillity in Birdham

About a 10-minute drive from West Wittering Beach · Sleeps 14

Oak Lodge is a beautiful country home in the pretty village of Birdham, built for gatherings with friends and family. Natter over drinks with the chef in the spacious, open-plan kitchen, then retreat to the elegant dining room for a glamorous dinner party. On cooler evenings, fire up the wood burner in the sitting room or hunker down in the cinema room with a film.

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orange bedding in bedroom at oak lodge
Kitchen Oak Lodge
Living Room Oak Lodge

Curlews: drift away at this beachfront home in Selsey

About a 25-minute drive from West Wittering beach · Sleeps 8

Embrace coastal living at this eco-friendly home with unbeatable sea views and direct beach access. Curlews is cleverly designed, with a wood burning stove for blustery days and a seaside garden for sundowners. Curl up afterwards with a book from the beautifully presented library, then drift off in one of four king-size bedrooms, each with a private terrace and views of the sea or garden.

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sofas in living room Curlews
library curlews
sea view through kitchen of curlews

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