East Wittering is a vibrant and welcoming seaside village on the West Sussex coast, located between West Wittering and Bracklesham Bay. Just a short walk along the beach footpath from West Wittering, it offers a more relaxed alternative to its famous neighbour while still providing beautiful coastal scenery, excellent facilities, and a friendly community atmosphere. Often affectionately known by locals as “God’s Pocket” for its sunny microclimate, East Wittering is a popular destination for beach holidays and coastal living.
The village boasts a wide shingle and sand beach that changes with the tide. At high tide, waves crash dramatically onto the stones, while at low tide vast sandy stretches are revealed, creating the perfect setting for families to enjoy paddling, rock pooling, and beach games. The beach is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, surfing, and windsurfing, with stunning views across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight, especially at sunset.
Whether you’re trying surfing for the first time or looking to build confidence in the water, The Beach Bracklesham Surf Club offers relaxed, high-quality surf experiences on the beautiful Sussex coast. They run small-group surf lessons, private coaching, and social surf sessions for adults and children — all focused on confidence, connection, and enjoying the ocean in a friendly, supportive environment. Their experienced coaches tailor each session to the conditions and the group, making it a brilliant option for complete beginners and returning surfers alike. Surf lessons and coaching include all equipment, so you can simply turn up, get suited up, and enjoy your time in the water. For those who already surf, they also offer social surf sessions — a great way to meet like-minded people and share waves.
Private Concierge Surf Experience
Exclusively for guests staying at Wellies & Windbreaks properties in Bracklesham Bay and the Witterings.
Enjoy a relaxed, private surf experience with The Beach Watersports, delivered directly to your stay. Their experienced instructors meet you at your nearest beach access point and bring all the equipment with them. Sessions are carefully timed around the best tide conditions to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all abilities. For more information and details on how to take advantage of this experience, take a look at our blog or view Surf Sessions.
DISCOUNT FOR WELLIES & WINDBREAKS GUESTS
Enjoy 10% off all surf sessions and services when you quote WELLIES10 and let the team know which property you’re staying at.
East Wittering’s lively high street is lined with independent shops, cafés, and restaurants, making it easy to stock up for your stay or enjoy a relaxed day of browsing. Local favourites include Munneries and Horrocks for fresh fruit and vegetables, traditional butchers, Something Fishy for locally caught seafood, and Bob’s Fisherman’s Hut on Shore Road for the daily catch. Knead Bakery is renowned for its sourdough and coffee, while visitors can also enjoy a toy shop, ceramics café, florist, gift shop, beauty salon, and even a dog groomer. For a nostalgic treat, Candies Sweet Shop is a must-visit.
Food lovers are spoilt for choice in East Wittering. Popular spots include Drifters, with its relaxed outdoor seating and takeaway, Drift-In Surf Café for pancakes and smoothies, and Pecorino for excellent pizza. The Boulevard and the traditional Shore Inn also offer great options for eating and drinking by the sea.
While West Wittering is best known for its famous beach, East Wittering is an ideal base for visitors looking to enjoy the coast while staying close to shops, restaurants, and local amenities.
With its laid-back atmosphere, thriving independent businesses, excellent watersports facilities, and easy access to Chichester Harbour, the South Downs National Park, and Bracklesham Bay, East Wittering in West Sussex is the perfect destination for a seaside getaway, outdoor adventure, or a taste of authentic coastal life.
