10 Best Beaches in West Sussex

West Wittering Beach is a broad sweep of fine white sand that slopes gently down into cobalt seas. Situated at the mouth of Chichester Harbor, the surrounding area is natural grassland and marshland where you can spot ducks, waders and terns. Flocks of brant geese come here in the winter before returning to Siberia. Keep an eye out for Solent seals that often visit the harbor.

West Wittering Beach has plenty of open space that makes it a popular place to windsurf or kitesurf. It's also possible to snorkel or dive in the clear waters. You can swim in the ocean, stroll along the footpaths around the East Head, or build sandcastles on the beach.

Bracklesham Bay is an excellent place for collecting fossils in West Sussex. When the tide retreats from the shore at this 496-acre geological site, it often uncovers marine fossils, shark and ray teeth, and gastropod shells.

The coastal bay overlooks the English Channel, offering views of the Isle of Wight. The beach is backed by a village of the same name, which gets busy during the summer. Popular activities in Bracklesham – besides fossil hunting – include bathing, paddleboarding, and birdwatching (in winter). You might even spot harbor seals bathing in the ocean.

Climping Beach lies between Littlehampton and Bognor Regis, though it’s significantly quieter than both. The rather rural beach is a great place for dog walkers, as well as fans of Physician Who – it was the set location of the series during the 1960s and 1970s.

At low tide, the sea is shallow enough for kids to swim in, though Climping Beach is more famous among kitesurfers and windsurfers than swimmers. The beach’s eastern half is known as the West Beach Local Nature Reserve, which has a dune system supporting a variety of wildflowers and birdlife.

Shoreham Beach is quite popular among windsurfers and kitesurfers in West Sussex. Located in Shoreham-by-Sea, this shingle beach covers around 65 acres and is backed by sea defenses and parkland. If you’re visiting with kids, there’s a playground and outdoor gym at the nearby Shoreham Beach Green. 

Shoreham Beach is a prominent local nature reserve, supporting about 90 plant species such as sea kale and curled dock. It often attracts adventurous walkers tackling the Monarch’s Way – the 625-mile long-distance footpath runs quite close to the beach.

Lancing is a lively shingle beach between Worthing and Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex. It’s backed by a row of beach huts in pastel colors, which make for pretty photos. There’s also a café and a sailing club right on the beach, attracting those looking to enjoy a day out on the coast.

Windsurfers and kitesurfers frequent Lancing during the winter months, while summertime sees families enjoying calmer activities. Lancing Beach Green has a playground and a skate park. Funfairs and seasonal markets occasionally take place in the open space.  

Littlehampton consists of West Beach and East Beach, both of which are excellent for those looking to enjoy some fun in the sea. East Beach is suitable for families, thanks to its promenade, theme park, and gardens along its mile-long expanse. It’s also home to the longest wooden bench in the UK – at 1,000 ft long, it overlooks the town's award-winning Blue Flag beach.

Littlehampton’s West Beach has ample green spaces and one of the region’s 3 sand dune systems. Wooden walkways overlook the dunes and the ruins of the 19^th-century Littlehampton Fort.

Bognor Regis Beach encompasses 2 neighborhoods – East and West – surrounding the seaside resort’s Victorian pier. The 19^th-century structure now stretches 350 ft out to the sea, though it used to be around 1,000 ft long.

Closest to the town center is East Beach, which has a promenade with lots of food and drink stands. Kids can play in Beach on the Beach, a large sandbox that opens in summer. West Beach has an amusement arcade just opposite Bognor Regis Pier, from which you can take in spectacular sea views.

Rustington Beach is largely shingle, though you’ll find a sandy expanse stretching down to the water’s edge when the tide is out. The beach is backed by a row of pastel-coloured beach huts. With consistent south-westerly winds off the English Channel, it’s a popular spot for windsurfing and sailing.

Rustington Beach is part of a long coastline adjoining Littlehampton’s East Beach. Many families come here for walks and leisurely beach activities, though it’s much calmer than both East Beach and West Beach in Littlehampton.

Thorney Island has miles of unspoilt beaches toward its southern tip, attracting those looking for a secluded getaway in West Sussex. The peninsula is in Chichester Harbor, separated from the mainland by The Great Deep channel.

The beaches comprise long stretches of shingle and sand. When the tide comes in, the water is usually warm enough for bathing and paddling. The southmost area is a great place to spot brant geese, skylarks, and ospreys. If you’re up for a challenge, Thorney Island Walk is a 9.5-mile marked route that runs around the perimeter of the island. You’re rewarded with views of natural dunes, saltmarshes and shingle along the way.

Felpham Beach lies on the outskirts of the Bognor Regis seaside resort, offering many convenient and family-friendly facilities. This shingle beach is divided by wooden groynes, with a large sandy expanse and rock pools when the tide drops.

There are blue and yellow beach huts, cafés and tennis courts adjacent to Felpham Beach. The eastern part of the beach has a traditional promenade where you can bike and walk with views of the sea. The beach is less than 1 mile south of Felpham Village, where you can find many more shops and restaurants.