West Sussex, Sussex, England, United Kingdom

Chichester Beaches

Overview

Chichester, a historic city, serves as a great starting point for discovering the beautiful beaches of the Sussex coast. While the city itself isn't directly on the sea, the popular shores are just a short journey away, offering easy access to coastal escapes alongside city culture. The area provides a variety of seaside experiences, from bustling sandy stretches to quiet natural coastlines.

The most famous local destination is undoubtedly West Wittering Beach, celebrated for its vast sandy shores and stunning views, making it a favourite for families. Nearby, East Wittering Beach offers a different vibe with its village atmosphere and is a prime spot for watersports enthusiasts. These beaches, along with neighbouring Bracklesham Bay, provide classic seaside enjoyment with varying mixes of sand and shingle.

For those seeking tranquility, Climping Beach presents a quieter, more natural stretch of coastline. Swimming is popular across the area, especially in summer, with locations like West Wittering Beach often recognised for excellent water quality. Further afield, the iconic pebble shoreline and vibrant pier of Brighton Beach make for a popular, though distinctly different, day trip.

Beyond these highlights, the coastline near Chichester Harbour offers even more choices, including the shingle beaches of Selsey and Pagham. This guide features a comprehensive list detailing many more beaches in the area, ensuring you can find the perfect spot for your coastal visit. Explore further to discover everything this scenic part of the South Coast has to offer.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Chichester a good place for a beach holiday?

Chichester itself is a historic city located slightly inland, but it serves as an excellent base for exploring the popular beaches of the South Coast, such as West Wittering and East Wittering, which are just a short drive or bus ride away. If your priority is staying right by the sea, consider accommodation in coastal villages like the Witterings or Selsey. Chichester offers a mix of city culture and easy beach access.

West Wittering Beach

East Wittering Beach

Are Chichester beaches good for families?

Yes, the beaches near Chichester are very popular with families. West Wittering is particularly favoured for its vast sandy area, shallow lagoon pools at low tide, and good facilities including lifeguards (seasonal). East Wittering and Bracklesham Bay also offer traditional seaside fun. Remember to check parking arrangements (especially pre-booking for West Wittering) and seasonal dog restrictions.

West Wittering Beach

East Wittering Beach

Can you swim in the sea near Chichester? What's the water like?

Yes, swimming is a popular activity at the beaches near Chichester, particularly during the summer months. West Wittering beach frequently earns Blue Flag status, indicating high standards of water quality and safety. However, as with most UK coastal waters, the sea temperature can be quite cold, even in summer. Always check tide times and local conditions before entering the water.

West Wittering Beach

Which beach near Chichester has sand?

West Wittering beach is renowned for being predominantly sandy, offering wide expanses, especially at low tide. East Wittering and Bracklesham Bay are mixed beaches, featuring shingle and pebbles, particularly near the high tide mark, but revealing larger sandy areas as the tide recedes. Beaches like Selsey and Pagham are mainly shingle or pebble.

West Wittering Beach

Pagham Beach

Are there places to stay right on the beach near Chichester?

While large hotels directly on the sand are uncommon, numerous holiday cottages, apartments, B&Bs, and campsites are available in the coastal villages of West Wittering, East Wittering, Bracklesham Bay, and Selsey, many just a very short walk from the shoreline. Chichester city offers a wider range of hotels if you prefer a city base.

East Wittering Beach Front

Do you have to pay for West Wittering beach? Do I need to book?

While walking or cycling onto West Wittering beach is free, vehicle access requires parking in the official car park, which MUST be pre-booked online well in advance, especially during peak times (weekends, holidays, summer). Parking charges apply, and spaces sell out quickly. You cannot pay for parking upon arrival.

West Wittering Beach

What's the difference between West Wittering and East Wittering?

West Wittering is a large, privately managed estate beach known for its extensive sands, dunes, Blue Flag status, and scenic beauty, but requires pre-booked parking and can get very crowded. East Wittering is more of a traditional village beach with direct access from the village, a mix of shingle and sand (at low tide), easier (though still busy) parking, and numerous local shops and cafes nearby.

East Wittering Beach Front

Are dogs allowed on beaches near Chichester?

Dog policies vary. West Wittering typically restricts dogs from the main beach area between May and September, although they are allowed on footpaths and specific zones like East Head (check local signage). East Wittering and Bracklesham Bay are generally more permissive year-round, but specific zoned restrictions can apply. Always look for local signage for the most current rules.

West Wittering Beach

East Wittering Beach

Is parking difficult at Chichester beaches?

Parking can be very challenging, particularly during peak season and sunny weekends. West Wittering requires mandatory online pre-booking for its car park, which often sells out far in advance. East Wittering and Bracklesham Bay have public car parks and some on-street parking, but these fill up quickly. Arriving early or using public transport (like the bus from Chichester) is recommended.

West Wittering Beach

East Wittering Beach

Are there quieter alternatives to West Wittering beach?

Yes, if you prefer fewer crowds, consider East Wittering or Bracklesham Bay, which generally have a more relaxed atmosphere. Selsey beach (mainly pebble) is often quieter, as is Pagham beach near the nature reserve. Climping beach, a bit further east, offers a more rural and undeveloped feel. Even at West Wittering, walking further east towards East Head can provide more space.

East Wittering Beach Front

Pagham Beach

Climping Beach

What facilities are available at the beaches?

Facilities vary by beach. West Wittering offers extensive facilities including toilets, showers, a cafe, shop, first aid, and seasonal lifeguards. East Wittering village, adjacent to the beach, has public toilets, numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. Bracklesham Bay has nearby cafes and toilets. Selsey and Pagham have more basic facilities.

West Wittering Beach

East Wittering Beach

Pagham Beach

How do you get to the beaches from Chichester?

The most common way is by car, taking approximately 15-25 minutes to reach the Witterings, depending on traffic. Regular bus services, notably the Stagecoach 52 and 53 routes, run from Chichester city centre to East Wittering and West Wittering. Cycling is also popular via routes like the Salterns Way path.

East Wittering Beach Front

Are the beaches near Chichester good for watersports?

Yes, the area is popular for watersports. West Wittering and East Wittering are well-regarded spots for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding, often with designated zones. Surfing can be enjoyed, particularly at East Wittering, when conditions are suitable. You can find local schools offering lessons and equipment rental.

West Wittering Beach

East Wittering Beach

What is East Head?

East Head is a natural sand dune spit located at the entrance to Chichester Harbour, adjacent to the eastern end of West Wittering beach. Managed by the National Trust, it's a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest known for its fragile beauty, wildlife, and scenic walks. Access is typically via West Wittering beach.

West Wittering Beach