Father’s Day is a time to show appreciation for the dads and father figures in our lives, and what better way to celebrate than with a family break to West Wittering. With its beautiful beach, outdoor activities and excellent places to eat, West Wittering has everything you need for either a relaxing or adventurous weekend. Whether you’re looking to just spend quality time with your family or treat your dad to something special, West Wittering offers plenty of options for a great Father’s Day experience.
Start the day with a visit to West Wittering Beach, renowned for its white sands and clear waters. It’s an ideal spot for families to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s building sandcastles, having a picnic, walking the dog or playing hide and seek in the dunes, the beach provides a perfect setting for quality time together. Depending on the weather, the beach is perfect for some ball sports with the family, from bat and ball or beach cricket to football on the sand.
A Tip Worth Noting – Parking can get busy, especially on weekends. It’s advisable to pre-book your parking spot to ensure a hassle-free experience.
For a unique experience, consider taking a boat trip around Chichester Harbour. The Chichester Harbour Conservancy is offering a special Father’s Day boat trips aboard the solar-powered boat, Solar Heritage. These trips provide a peaceful way to explore the harbour’s natural beauty. Departing from Itchenor, the boat trips are scheduled for 11 am and 1 pm on Father’s Day. If Dad likes fishing then Something Fishy Charters is another great option. Enjoy a full or half day out in Chichester Harbour and the Solent and you can either take your catch home to enjoy on the BBQ or book a Catch & Cook trip where Something Fishy have partnered with The Boat House Cafe in Chichester Marina to offer a beautiful waterside setting for you to have your catch cooked by their skilled chefs.
For dads who enjoy a bit of adventure, 2XS at West Wittering Beach offers opportunities to try various watersports. Learn to surf, windsurf, or even wing foil with professional instructors. It’s a fun way to spend the day and perhaps pick up a new hobby. You can also hire paddle boards and kayaks if this is a bit more up your alley. Ultimately, they have you covered for whatever water activities you wish to do.
After a few hours in the surf you will be ready for some chill out time and what better place than to enjoy a sunset sauna at Rewild Sauna in Bracklesham Bay. Booking ahead is essential.
Goodwood has so much to offer but if Dad loves cars, specifically driving them fast and you are looking for something on Fathers Day itself, head to the racetrack for an Off Road Driving Experience followed by Fathers Day Lunch in the Kennels.
West Sussex’s vineyards, set against the rolling hills of the South Downs, produce some of the world’s finest sparkling wines, rivalling those of France’s Champagne region. If your father loves wine and champagne then a day of wine tasting whilst driving around the stunning West Sussex countryside will be one to remember. Nyetimber, Ridgeview and Bolney have all earned top awards for their blends, putting English sparkling wine on the map. You can take a long tour around Sussex and visit a range of estates or just head to Tinwood, which is the closest to the Witterings, for the day and immerse yourself in all they have to offer; tastings, tour of the estate, picnic in the vines, afternoon tea or private dining. There are so many estates to choose from and you can check out more of our top tips in our earlier blog post, “Discover the Vineyards of West Sussex”.
After a day of activities, treat dad to a delicious meal at one of the local pubs. There are so many fantastic ones in the area but some of our favourites include The Earl of March at East Lavant, ideal if you are heading back from Goodwood or one of the vineyards; The Lamb Inn just outside Wittering, a fantastic restaurant with excellent food; The Crown & Anchor at Dell Quay for wonderful views of Chichester Harbour or The Beach in Bracklesham for sea views and great food (excellent for breakfast too if you want to start the day here).
Several attractions in the area offer special deals for Father’s Day, we have listed a couple of options below but best to check out The Great Sussex Way:
Amberley Museum – Dads receive free entry on Father’s Day. It’s a great place to explore industrial heritage and enjoy interactive exhibits.
Weald & Downland Living Museum – Fathers and father figures get free entry, allowing them to experience historic buildings and traditional crafts.
If you’re planning to make the most of the Father’s Day celebration weekend, we have lots of great places that you can stay. You can check out all our availability on our website.
A hot tub is a fun way to all relax together and Wellies & Windbreaks has a number of gorgeous holiday homes with them. Check out Number Twenty Four for a great family property. You can even challenge Dad to a competitive game of table tennis. Alternatively if you have a very big family, Little Orchard is not so little and sleeps up to 12 guests in 5 bedrooms. It has a hot tub too and a fab outdoor kitchen if Dad loves to BBQ. You can even make pizzas together in the pizza oven.
If you just have a small family and particularly if you have very young children, take a look at Cygnet Cottage. This gorgeous little “chocolate box” cottage, right in the heart of West Wittering village, opposite the pub, next door to the cafe and a very short walk to the white sands of West Wittering beach for picnics and family fun in the dunes, is perfect.
If you want something right on the beach front (and close to that wonderful Rewild sauna) look at Pebbles. Sleeping 8 in 4 bedrooms and with a fantastic beach deck, Pebbles is a superb option for the Fathers Day weekend (or week). The Waterfront is another great choice along the same stretch of coast in Bracklesham Bay. This property is something pretty special and if Dad likes his tech, pretty much everything in this house is App enabled so he can really have some fun! Oh and the sea view from the balcony is to die for.
Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 15, 2025. To make the most of your day:
Book in advance – Reserve parking spots, boat trips, and dining reservations early to avoid disappointment.
Check the weather – The average temperature in West Wittering in June ranges from 12°C to 18°C, so dress accordingly.
Pack essentials – Bring sunscreen, hats, and comfortable footwear for walking on the beach.
