The best beaches in West Sussex

A beach day represents the height of holiday relaxation: the scene we picture while busy with life’s other cares. Stretches of sand, shingle and wide open sea form a blank canvas for the things that matter: laughter, connection, and escape.

In their midst are family games, beach reads, water sports, and bracing swims. We may plan and pack, arriving with picnics, paddleboards and brightly striped towels. Or our feet may find their own way, as an early-evening stroll pulls us towards sea air and a changing sky.

However we arrive, and whenever this is – hot summer days, sunset views, or even wild winter dog walks – being by the water has the innate power to lift us up. The secret is locating the beach that feels “just right”. Here, we offer some tips on finding the best beaches in West Sussex, tailored to your needs.

West Wittering’s sandy beach dips into shallow lagoons ideally formed for paddling and swimming. This wonderfully unspoiled seascape has been awarded both a Blue Flag and a Seaside Award in recognition of its clean, inviting waters: perfect for splashing around in. From mid-May to mid-September, RNLI lifeguards provide extra peace of mind around safe swimming.

For the best beach experience – especially in summer – we recommend booking your parking in advance. This way, you can simply arrive, set up, and enjoy your day.

• Littlehampton’s East Beach is another local favourite, with warm, shallow water and summer-season lifeguard coverage.

Just a hop across the River Arun, West Beach is a tranquil stretch of shingle and SSSI-status sand dunes. Unlike some busier local beaches, it’s also dog friendly all year round, making it a great spot for summer dog walks.

And, when you’ve all stretched your legs, you can also head up to the West Beach Café for a laid-back lunch or slice of cake. On sunny days, the seating spills outside, so if you’re travelling with a pet, you can opt to enjoy your food with a view of the river.

• East Wittering Beach welcomes dogs all year, with zoned areas from May to September.
• Climping is fringed with fields and coastal walks, meaning you can visit with your dog (all year round) before continuing on foot.

Beach days seem made for families, with limitless potential for shared fun. Rock pooling, paddling, sand castles and sea forts – these are the things classic childhoods are made of. Almost all of West Sussex’s beaches are great to visit with children, but we particularly like East Beach in Littlehampton.

At East Beach, you’ll find a traditional seaside experience, with soft sand at low tide (ideal for sandcastle competitions), a café, promenade and RNLI lifeguards. When it’s busy, you can also take advantage of Kidcare scheme wrist bands; particularly helpful for smaller children or independent older ones.

• Shoreham-by-Sea Beach combines an exciting sense of wildness with a play area, boardwalk, and nearby cafés (for that post-swim hot chocolate).

Some of the best beach days are invigorating, as well as easeful. If you’d like to get on the water, as well as in it, the West Sussex coastline features a selection of water sports providers and popular beaches from which to get started.

Bracklesham Bay is a local adventure hotspot, with Surfs SUP Watersports offering beginner-friendly coaching in paddleboarding, windsurfing, and wing foiling. Or, if you prefer to carve your own path, you could source a high-quality inflatable paddleboard for your stay, through our partner Red Paddle Co.

• Goring-by-Sea is a lesser-known beach popular among water sports lovers; particularly kite surfers.
• West Wittering is home to expert water sports tutors 2XS.

Tucked away between Felpham and Climping’s beaches, Elmer Sands is distinctive for its curved sea defences, which appear as islands off the shore. This is a destination for those keen to escape the hustle and bustle of other local beaches.

At Elmer Sands, facilities are few, but this only adds to its prevailing sense of peace. And, with Climping Beach within walking distance, a pleasant walk places you within reach of an ice cream.

• East Wittering tends to be the quieter sibling to West Wittering, especially if you visit mid-week.

A shoreside bolthole is the best option of all for experiencing West Sussex’s beaches. A cottage by the beach becomes your window – and gateway – onto the waves. The rhythm of the tides ripples through your day.

Our curated collection includes properties with direct beach access, making it all the easier to bring the outside in. Quirky Driftline adorns West Wittering’s beachfront, while Curlews and Caspian both step onto the beach at Selsey.