Beach Days
The crown jewel is six and a half miles of beach to explore. Stretching from the National Trust’s East Head, a haven for bird watchers and dog walkers; through the powder soft sands of West Wittering where families picnic and play beach cricket; and down to the shingle beaches of East Wittering and Bracklesham Bay where kids boogie board in the shallow surf at low tide and adrenalin seeking kite and wind surfers power through the waves whatever the weather.
Adventure Awaits
Beyond the beach, West Sussex boasts an array of outdoor activities. Explore the scenic trails of the South Downs National Park, perfect for hiking and cycling. For thrill-seekers, the nearby Goodwood Estate, home to the world-famous Goodwood Festival of Speed, boasts a range of activities, including go-karting, horse riding, and even hot air balloon rides. If you are looking for some ideas contact Venture Out for some inspiration.
Cultural Kicks
West Sussex is steeped in history and culture, providing endless opportunities for family-friendly outings. Adventure through Britain’s naval past at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard; delight in some jousting at an Arundel Castle medieval festival; battle with the Gladiators at Fishbourne Roman Palace; journey through time at the Weald & Downland Living Museum; be awe-inspired by the architecture of Chichester Cathedral or enjoy some drama at the Chichester Festival Theatre.
Gastronomic Delights
Sussex boasts over 50 vineyards, more than any other region in the UK. Each offer visitors a unique experience from wine tasting and fine dining to vineyard tours and learning experiences. The topography, which rivals the champagne producing regions of France combined with the climate, creates perfect growing conditions, hence the huge number of quality vineyards to explore. If you love food with your wine the area boasts a wealth of fabulous pubs and restaurants, serving quality local produce.
West Wittering
With gently sloping, sugar-white sands, calm waters and a balmy microclimate, West Wittering beach is an uncommercial family paradise, sheltered by the Isle of Wight and the South Downs. The sea is very popular with surfers, kite surfers, windsurfers and SUPs. There is plenty of opportunity to hi...
East Wittering
A short walk along the beach footpath from West Wittering leads you to East Wittering, a vibrant village with a wide range of shops and restaurants. The beach itself is shingle up by the footpath which then becomes sand as you head down to the sea. At high tide it’s great to watch the waves cra...
Bracklesham Bay
Bracklesham Bay is a real hidden gem at the quieter end of this stretch of coastline. It boasts some of the best accommodation and Wellies & Windbreaks manage some of the finest beachfront properties in the area along both East and West Bracklesham Drive.
With just one small public c...
Selsey
The historic fishing town of Selsey lies eight miles south of Chichester on the southernmost tip of the Manhood Peninsula. Famed for its Selsey Crab which is lauded across the globe as one of the very best, the town has a proud fishing heritage, and there is still a strong cultural connection to ...
Itchenor
Itchenor is one of the prettiest villages in Chichester Harbour and as the tides allow for 24-hour launching, it has a very vibrant sailing community. Itchenor Sailing Club is at the heart of the village and whilst it is busy all year round, it truly c...
Bosham
Bosham is a picturesque harbour village and is rich in history. The ancient church was featured in the Bayeaux Tapestry, the Romans used it as a port and King Canute ordered the tide not to come in from his palace here. Do be careful of those tides, they definitely do come in over the road ne...
Chichester
The city of Chichester is a rich cultural experience and dates back to the Roman times. Historical evidence of the Roman settlement can be found all over the city, including some Roman baths, a city wall (which was replaced by a Georgian wall), an amphitheatre which is now a park and the old Ro...
Portsmouth
Also nearby is Portsmouth, a vibrant waterfront city rich in naval and maritime heritage. You can visit the Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyards. Gunwharf Quays is...