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. Watersports equipment and lessons are available from Shore Watersports, making East Wittering a hotspot for outdoor adventure.
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.
