The beautiful county of West Sussex is a wonderful mix of ancient market towns, rolling green countryside, and miles of jaw-dropping coastal scenery. If you’re looking to feel the fresh sea breeze and escape to the coastline, we’ve rounded up some of the best beaches along with the prettiest waterside villages and towns in the county for you to explore.
Ferring Beach
Climping Beach
Pagham
West Wittering
Itchenor
Bosham
River Arun
Arundel
Ferring Beach
Ferring Beach, lined with colourful beach huts, is located between Worthing and Littlehampton, a shingle beach stretching for miles. You can also find plenty of rockpools here, which is perfect for entertaining the little ones. The lovely Bluebird Café is a fantastic spot on the seafront next to the carpark for both breakfast and lunch, you can then saunter along the coastal path to Goring.
Climping Beach
This wild shingle and pebble beach is one of the peaceful beaches along the West Sussex coastline. Climping is a wonderful beach to walk along, due to its vast expanse, and a serene setting for shell collecting - an iconic souvenir to remind you of your dreamy staycation! You’ll find a car park and café here, and lifeguards during the summer months – perfect for a family day out.
Pagham
Pagham is another shingle beach, adjacent to the village of Pagham itself, a perfect spot for swimming and water sports. A nature reserve can be found east of the beach, where the wetlands are a brilliant spot for observing oystercatchers and little terns. The ever-shifting sands also revealed a historic Mulberry harbour, used the Second World War to aid brisk cargo unloading during the allied invasion of Normandy. Parking can be found next to the beach, where the cost varies depending on the season, along with a number of facilities including cafes, shops, and toilets.
West Wittering
West Wittering is located at the mouth of Chichester harbour, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This shoreline is also a wonderful spot all year round for bird lovers, and a fantastic place for keen sailors. The unspoilt beach with golden sands is brilliant for a day out with loved ones and offers lovely views of the South Downs. You’ll find the beach car park is open all year round, operating over various hours in different periods of the year. The Beach Café serves both breakfast and lunch and is open daily from 9am - 4pm. Water sports and water-based activities are permitted on this beach when supervised by 2XS, who offer a guest membership with an equipment hire, tuition, and club house facilities.
Itchenor
You’ll find the quaint sailing village of Itchenor located on the Eastern shoreline of Chichester harbour, where boat hire is available to explore the area’s wildlife in unique style. You can also catch the Itchenor Ferry to the village of Bosham, where you’ll find another lovely coastal village to explore.
Bosham
The picturesque village of Bosham is one rich in history, where the ancient Holy Trinity Church appears on the 11th century Bayeux tapestry. Previously inhabited by the Romans, this stunning village surrounded by water was also home to the former Danish King of England, King Canute. Bosham today is an idyllic sailing village, bustling with tourism in the summer months, where you’ll find many quaint cafes and artisan shops for you to while away sunny days.
River Arun
The beautiful River Arun is a wonderful point of interest in West Sussex, with historic links to the town of Arundel, previously an essential medieval inland port town. From Arundel you’re in a perfect position to explore this ancient landscape, with plenty of opportunity to discover various walking routes. The Riverside South Downs café offers self-drive boat hire, the ultimate way to experience the glorious river on a sun-soaked afternoon.
Arundel
At the foot of the South Downs, Arundel is a fantastic historic market town full of lovely independent shops, art galleries, and eateries. Arundel Farmers Market is held on every third Saturday of the month, where you can uncover a plethora of local and artisan produce. The enchanting Arundel Castle is a must-see attraction. Perched on a hill overlooking the town and the River Arun, you can amble your way along the award-winning tropical and English gardens, as well as learn about the town’s medieval history.
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