There is something rather magical about Christmas by the sea.
The pace feels a little slower. The days seem to stretch out in front of you, and suddenly there is time for the things that matter most – long walks, lazy breakfasts, good food, laughter around the dinner table and precious time together with the people you love.
This Christmas, why not swap the usual routine for a festive escape to the South Coast?
From West Wittering and East Wittering to Bracklesham Bay and Selsey, our beautiful stretch of West Sussex coastline is made for winter days by the sea and cosy evenings indoors.
This is Christmas by the coast.
We think the best festive breaks are about creating memories rather than following a schedule.
That’s why our properties are designed to feel like a home away from home – somewhere you can properly switch off, spend time together and enjoy the simple pleasures of a Christmas escape.
And when you arrive, you’ll already feel that festive magic.
All of our properties have artificial Christmas trees, beautifully decorated for the festive season, along with a Christmas wreath supplied by a local florist.
So whether you’re gathering several generations of family together, escaping with friends or planning a cosy Christmas break for two, we have large properties for family and group getaways, beachfront homes for waking up by the sea, pet-friendly properties for bringing the whole family along, and smaller escapes for couples and small families.
Wondering what a festive day by the coast might look like?
Here’s our idea of the perfect festive day in the Witterings, Bracklesham or Selsey…
There’s no need to rush.
Wake up in your cosy holiday home and enjoy a relaxed breakfast together. Coffee, croissants, pancakes or perhaps something a little more indulgent – festive calories don’t count on holiday!
Wrap up warm, grab the dog, pull on your wellies and head for the beach.
Winter on the West Sussex coast is something special.
The beaches around West Wittering, East Wittering, Bracklesham Bay and Selsey take on a completely different character at this time of year. The air feels crisp, the sea is invigorating and there is something wonderfully refreshing about being outside when the coast is quieter.
Walk along the shoreline, explore the sand dunes, collect shells with the children or simply stop for a moment and take in the view.
It’s the perfect opportunity to leave your phones in your pockets and enjoy being together.
After your walk, head into one of the local villages for a warming coffee, hot chocolate and something delicious.
The Witterings, Bracklesham and Selsey are home to plenty of independent cafés and places to stop for a festive treat – exactly what you need after a chilly morning outdoors.
Christmas time is all about good food and there is no shortage of welcoming local pubs serving delicious food across the area.
After a walk or bike ride, settle into a cosy pub, warm up beside the fire and enjoy a leisurely lunch together.
No rushing. No cooking. No washing up.
Just good food and good company.
Head back to your Wellies & Windbreaks property and settle in for the afternoon.
Light the fire, make hot chocolates, put on a Christmas film and let everyone relax.
The children can play games while the grown-ups catch up over a glass of wine. Or perhaps everyone simply curls up on the sofa together.
These are often the moments you remember.
Gather around the table, put the Christmas music on and enjoy dinner together.
Whether you’re cooking a full festive feast or ordering something locally, there is something lovely about having everyone under one roof without the usual distractions of everyday life.
And afterwards?
More drinks. More conversation. Perhaps a board game or two.
And absolutely no need to check the clock.
If you’re looking for a Christmas present that creates memories rather than clutter, why not give the gift of an experience?
Surf lessons at The Beach Watersports Bracklesham are a brilliant way to add a little adventure to your coastal stay. Based at Bracklesham Bay, the surf school offers lessons for both adults and children, making it a fun option for families and groups.
Even better, it’s something you can enjoy together during your festive break – because sometimes the best Christmas presents are the ones you actually get to experience.
For an extra special touch, The Beach Watersports Bracklesham offers a concierge-style experience for Wellies & Windbreaks guests, with meeting points arranged along the coast depending on where you’re staying.
So you can enjoy your surf experience without having to worry about travelling across the Witterings.
Christmas can be wonderfully busy – so why not make time to slow down too?
Stay Zen Yoga offers private holiday yoga sessions in your holiday accommodation across the Witterings.
Imagine starting the morning with gentle stretches and breathwork in your holiday home, before heading out for the day. Or perhaps enjoy a relaxing session in the afternoon after a coastal walk.
Sessions are designed for families, friends and couples, with no previous yoga experience needed, and can be tailored to your group. There are even options to add extras such as sound baths, herbal teas, fresh juices and candlelit ambience.
It’s a lovely gift idea for someone special – or a wonderful way to treat yourselves during your stay.
Discover Stay Zen Yoga’s private holiday yoga experiences
🌊 Beach Front Homes
Wake up to sea views and be on the beach within moments. Perfect for those who want to make the most of crisp winter walks and spectacular coastal views.
👨👩👧👦 Large Properties
Bring everyone together for a memorable family Christmas or festive get-together with friends. Our larger homes give everyone space to relax, while still bringing everyone together under one roof.
🐾 Pet Friendly Homes
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the dog! Choose a pet-friendly coastal stay and enjoy winter walks along the beach and countryside together.
✨ Small Properties
Planning a romantic Christmas escape or a cosy break for two? Our smaller properties are perfect for couples and small families looking for a relaxing winter getaway.
And if you’re joining us for New Year, there is perhaps no better way to start the year than beside the water.
The Wittering New Year’s Day Dip has become a much-loved festive tradition, bringing people together on the beach to welcome the New Year with a splash.
For those taking part, it is certainly one way to wake up on New Year’s Day!
Of course, cold-water swimming comes with genuine risks, particularly in winter, so anyone taking part should make sure they understand the conditions and swim within their own experience and ability.
For everyone else, there’s always the option of watching from the warmth of the beach before heading back to your holiday home for a hot shower and a warming drink.
Perhaps that’s what makes a festive stay by the sea so special.
It’s not necessarily about doing more.
It’s about doing less – together.
Long walks instead of busy schedules.
Hot chocolates instead of rushing around.
Pub lunches instead of cooking every meal.
Games around the table instead of scrolling on your phones.
A morning on the beach. An afternoon by the fire. A bottle of wine shared with friends. Children falling asleep after a day outside.
And those little moments that become the memories you talk about for years afterwards.
Whether you’re planning a Christmas break in West Wittering, a New Year’s escape to Bracklesham Bay, a winter stay in Selsey or a festive family holiday on the South Coast, we would love to welcome you.
Our festive dates are already proving incredibly popular, and Christmas and New Year availability is filling up fast.
So if you’re dreaming of waking up by the sea this Christmas, now is the time to find your perfect coastal escape.
Choose your favourite Wellies & Windbreaks property, gather your favourite people and make this Christmas one to remember.
Explore our festive stays on the South Coast
Christmas by the sea. Time together. Memories to keep. ❤️
