East Sussex, Sussex, England, United Kingdom

Crawley Beaches

Overview

Crawley is a convenient base in West Sussex, but it's an inland town, not a seaside resort itself. However, the beautiful South Coast is surprisingly close, typically just a 30-45 minute journey away by car or train, making beach day trips very easy.

The coastline offers diverse choices. The most famous nearby spot is vibrant Brighton Beach, easily reached by train and known for its pier and lively atmosphere, though it's mostly pebbles. For a classic sandy experience, many make the trip to West Wittering Beach, but remember parking there must be pre-booked. Families often enjoy Littlehampton Beach with its mix of sand, pebbles, and amusements. Worthing is another popular, often calmer, nearby choice.

Beyond traditional seaside fun, the coast near Crawley offers dramatic scenery. Don't miss the stunning chalk cliffs and coastal walks at Birling Gap, nestled beneath the Seven Sisters. While many beaches here are pebbly, you can find sandier stretches, particularly further west or at low tide. The best beach really depends on whether you seek lively entertainment, sandy shores, or scenic walks.

This guide details many more coastal destinations accessible from Crawley. Whether you prefer the quick train ride to Brighton or driving to explore quieter coves or sandy expanses, you'll find plenty of options. Explore our full list to discover the perfect seaside escape for your trip.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Crawley a good place for a beach holiday?

Crawley itself is an inland town in West Sussex and does not have its own beach. While it's a convenient base with good transport links, it's not considered a traditional beach holiday destination. Most visitors stay in Crawley for other reasons (like proximity to Gatwick Airport or business) and take day trips to the coast.

How far is Crawley from the sea?

Crawley is located about 20-25 miles (32-40 km) north of the South Coast. Driving or taking a train to the nearest beaches, like Brighton, typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination.

What's the closest beach to Crawley?

Brighton Beach is generally the closest and most accessible beach from Crawley, especially via train. Other relatively close options on the coast include Worthing and Littlehampton.

Brighton Beach

How do you get to the beach from Crawley?

The easiest way to reach Brighton beach is by direct train from Three Bridges or Crawley station, taking about 30 minutes. Driving is also an option, particularly for accessing beaches other than Brighton, like Worthing, Littlehampton, or West Wittering, though parking can be challenging and expensive, especially in summer. Local buses also connect Crawley to some coastal towns, but journeys are typically longer.

Is it better to stay near the coast or just do a day trip from Crawley?

This depends on your priorities. Staying in Crawley is convenient for Gatwick Airport and exploring inland Sussex and Surrey, with easy day trips to the coast via train (especially Brighton). If your main focus is the beach and seaside activities, staying in a coastal town like Brighton, Worthing, or Littlehampton would be more immersive.

Are there sandy beaches near Crawley?

Most beaches directly south of Crawley, like Brighton, are predominantly pebble beaches. For sandy stretches, especially at low tide, you could head further west towards Littlehampton, West Wittering (famous for its sand but requires pre-booked parking), or East Head. Eastbourne also has sandier sections at low tide.

Which beach near Crawley is best for families?

Littlehampton and Worthing are often recommended for families visiting from Crawley. Littlehampton offers a mix of sand and pebble, traditional seaside amusements, and the River Arun estuary. Worthing has a long promenade, a pier, and generally calmer atmosphere than Brighton. Brighton also has family attractions like the pier and aquarium, but can be very crowded.

Littlehampton Beach

Worthing Beach

Brighton Beach

Can you swim in the sea near Crawley?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at the coastal beaches near Crawley during warmer months. However, the English Channel water is typically cold, even in summer (average highs around 17-18°C). Water quality is generally good at designated bathing spots, but always check local conditions and safety flags.

Is Brighton the best beach to visit from Crawley?

Brighton is the most popular and easiest beach to reach from Crawley, known for its vibrant atmosphere, pier, and attractions. However, 'best' depends on preference. If you prefer sand, quieter surroundings, or easier parking, other beaches like West Wittering (sandy, scenic), Littlehampton (family-friendly, some sand), or Worthing (traditional resort, pebbles) might be better choices.

How long does it take to get to Brighton beach from Crawley by train?

The direct train journey from Three Bridges station (just east of Crawley town centre) or Crawley station to Brighton typically takes around 25-35 minutes.

Brighton Beach

Are there quieter alternatives to Brighton near Crawley?

Yes, several beaches near Crawley offer a quieter experience than Brighton. Consider Worthing for a traditional seaside town feel, Shoreham-by-Sea for its harbour and less crowded beach, or beaches further east like Seaford which tend to be less busy.

Worthing Beach

Shoreham Beach

Seaford Bay

Are there any lakes or places to swim in Crawley itself?

Crawley doesn't have coastal beaches, but Tilgate Park has a large lake. While swimming is generally not permitted in the main lake, there might be specific water sports activities available. For outdoor swimming, check out local lidos or leisure centres like K2 Crawley, which has indoor pools.

Do you need to pre-book parking for beaches like West Wittering?

Yes, for West Wittering beach, pre-booking parking online is essential, especially during peak season and weekends. Spaces sell out quickly. For other beaches like Brighton, Worthing, and Littlehampton, there are various public car parks, but they can get very busy and expensive in summer; arriving early or using public transport is often advised.

West Wittering Beach