You would not be alone in thinking unexplored coastline no longer existed in Britain, however these hidden beaches on the south east coast are a good place to start.
Not only are these 'secret beaches' ideal for escaping the crowds in this post-corona world, but they're also a haven for wildlife.
If you're looking for things to do during the half-term then why not take a trip to one of these Sussex beaches?
Norman's Bay
Boasting uninterrupted views over the English Channel, the secluded Norman's Bay sits between Cooden Beach in Bexhill and the village of Norman's Bay.
The beach is rumoured to be favoured by naturists for more than 30 years.
Just a stone's through from Pevensey Bay, the site of the Norman Invasion of 1066, today this beach is a great location for sailing, exploring and learning about our history.
Birling Gap
Rock pools at Birling Gap - GoogleMaps
This hidden beach can be accessed from Beachy Head Road, Eastbourne by following the postcode BN20 0AB.
Access to the beach is via a sturdy tower staircase from cliff level.
Despite being situated between Brighton and Eastbourne, Birling Gap beach is one of the largest stretches of undeveloped coastline on England's south coast.
Again, Seven Sisters is the backdrop to this gorgeous shingle beach.
Boasting an abundance of wildlife it is the ideal place to go rock pooling with an abundance of naturally formed tide pools - there are even an array of fossils to be found.
However, this incredible beach comes with a health warning due to its unstable cliff side and fast changing tides.
Be sure to do your research and plan ahead before visiting.
Fairlight Glen Beach
Fairlight Glen Beach - GoogleMaps
Popular with naturists, Fairlight Glen is a suitably secluded beach that overlooks Covehurst Bay.
A mile or so east of Hastings the nearest car park is at the Hastings Country Park Visitor Centre, where there are also toilets.
It is about a 20 minute walk from the car park to the beach along a fairly steep and somewhat hazardous path.
Alternatively you can walk to the beach from Hastings along a cliff-top bath but there is a steep climb down to the beach.
Great for fossil hunting there's a lot to be found at Fairlight with the cliffs rich in reptile remains, sharks' teeth and crocodile teeth.
The tide at Fairlight Glen is a tricky one so be sure to check tide times before you visit to make sure you don't get stuck.
Atherington Beach
Atherington Beach - (Image: Simon Carey/Creative Commons)
Situated between Bognor and Littlehampton this rural beach in Climping is ideal for the whole family.
The pebble and shingle beach is backed by low sand dunes and fields.
Much of the area is now protected, being designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means the sand dunes are fenced off to prevent further erosion in many places.
At low tide a large expanse of thick dark sand is revealed which is great for families and shallow swimmers.
The site is popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers who use the car park grass areas for setting up.
Chichester Harbour
Chichester Harbour at West Itchenor - Image Wikimedia Commons.
While much of Sussex’s coast has been tamed by man-made concrete barriers, the fingers of land which form Chichester harbour, a geological feature of the last Ice Age, are a natural meeting of land and sea.
The harbour’s wetlands are a haven for wildlife, and the beaches which trace the edges of the land are stunningly beautiful - ideal for exploring during lockdown when there are no tourists.
There are shell-white sands at East Head Spit, a natural sand dune on the eastern side of the harbour and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, housing colonies of unusual flora and fauna.
The shimmering blue sea attracts sailors throughout the summer, with many heading to the eastern side of the harbour and the beaches of West and East Wittering.
Cuckmere Haven Beach
Cuckmere Haven Beach - (Image: Andy Scott/Creative Commons)
Cuckmere Haven Beach in Seaford, East Sussex, is dominated by the iconic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters.
This stunning beach may be small but it is steeped in history - at low tide you may even get to see the wreck of Polynesia, a German ship that became a wreckage in 1890.
Cuckmere Haven is a popular spot for anglers with the river mouth providing rich pickings. The area is also abundant with wildlife.
When visiting any beach always remember to take any rubbish away with you and only ever leave footprints.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel