Nestled along the stunning Sussex coast, the twin villages of West and East Wittering offer a slice of paradise – or ‘God’s pocket’ as the locals call it due to a meteorological ‘quirk’ that makes it the sunniest spot in England – that has long been celebrated for its beauty, rich culture, and relaxed seaside living.
West Wittering, with its glamorous feel and pristine sugar-white beach – which has a coveted blue flag and is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty encircling the East Head sand dune spit – often draws comparisons to America’s upmarket enclave The Hamptons, blending sophisticated charm with an effortlessly laid-back vibe. It’s historically significant too as the first invading Saxons are thought to have landed here. It was ranked ninth in The Telegraph’s 2024 Most Beautiful Seaside Villages in Britain list.
East Wittering, meanwhile, offers a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, with quirky independent shops, cosy cafes and a welcoming community. Together, these two neighbouring villages make up one of the most desirable coastal locations in the UK.
The Witterings have always had a touch of magic about them with an enviable mix of rustic coastal living and refined luxury that attracts everyone from holiday makers seeking a chic seaside retreat, to celebrities looking for the perfect picturesque escape. Yet, despite the influx of visitors the area has managed to retain its authentic, unspoiled essence. From its iconic sweeping dunes, swathes of marram grass and shimmering waters to its trendy restaurants and coastal cottages adorned with climbing ivy, The Witterings epitomises the quintessential British seaside town, with something for everyone. No wonder then that they have been showered with accolades including being the ‘best place to grow up’ on the British coast, according to estate agents Savills and Knight Frank.
East Wittering is home to the beloved Bracklesham Bay, a stretch of coastline that draws surfers from all over, thanks to its inviting waves. With its gentle, low-gradient beach and absence of any hidden dangers like rip currents or sharp obstacles, it's the perfect spot for beginners to catch their first wave. Adding to the allure, the bay is home to one of the UK's longest-running surf clubs, the Shore Surf Club, where seasoned surfers and newcomers alike can enjoy a true sense of community and the thrill of the sea. Due to the beach’s popularity for cold-water dipping, a steamy sauna and accompanying shower has been added to the beachfront at the cost of £8 for a 30-minute session.
Much like its American counterpart, West Wittering has become a sought-after retreat for the elite, offering the perfect blend of gitz and serenity. West Wittering shore is lined with colourful beach huts, offering scenic panoramas over the South Downs, and several chic boutiques and gastro pubs are dotted throughout the streets. Whether you’re windsurfing, swimming or just enjoying the silky sands, there’s no shortage of things to do here. Lifeguards are on duty from mid-May to September, ensuring a safe and enjoyable visit. Dogs are warmly welcomed, though there is a designated exclusion zone along the stretch of beach huts from 1 May to 30 September. Horse riding isn’t allowed during the summer but from 1 October – 30 April each year, riding along the beach is permitted except for the three hours around high tide.
If you are looking for activities off-shore, the Natural Surf School offers a range of classes for all ages and abilities at East Wittering Beach, from surf lessons to yoga sessions and even skating classes. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from an award-winning surf instructor, as this surf school is the only one in the area accredited by Surf England. (@naturalsurfschool) on Instagram.
Shopping
Both villages offer a thriving art scene, with independent galleries showcasing local talent. The Little Art Gallery in West Wittering is a gem for those looking to take home something unique, whether it’s a hand-crafted piece of jewellery or a painting inspired by the coast.
(thelittleartgallery.online.). Nearby, sits the New Waves Box - which is currently up for sale - where you can feast your eyes upon carefully curated collections of beach-inspired goods and homewares. (newwavesbox.co.uk)
If you are visiting East Wittering, don't miss the vibrant art shop in the Wittering Walk arcade, where captivating under-the-sea scenes glow from the shop window.
The arcade is also home to 14 unique independent businesses from a lively toy shop jam packed with treasures to a delightful brownie bakery that fills the air with sweet aromas. There is are also a vintage shop, a ladies fashion boutique and even a gym. - Opposite the arcade is a Tesco Express and Co-operative for grocery shopping while there’s a small record store on the way to the seafront for vinyl hunting.
Food & Drink
After a day on the water or just lazing on the beach it’s time to eat and drink – and there are plenty of gorgeous places to dine and wine in The Witterings.
East Wittering has an array of seaside fish and chip shops as well as some modern coffee shops and bakeries. GOAT Coffee lies just before Bracklesham Bay and offers exceptional coffee and a selection of sweet treats and pastries as well as a rustic, warming vibe. At the pebbled shore, Billy’s beach front cafe can be found. Billy’s is always brimming with customers, especially for its Fish Friday, where visitors can indulge in either their world-renowned fish and chips or a hearty bowl of Moules Frites, paired with a glass of wine or a pint of beer, all for just £17.95. This dog-friendly café is dedicated to serving both lovely coffees and simple, fresh dishes made from the land and the sea.(billysonthebeach.co.uk)
Seafood lovers will find the best local catches as Something Fishy, a delightful fishmonger in East Wittering known for its fresh, sustainable offerings (somethingfishy.fish). You can also find the Fisherman’s Hut right on the beach front, selling fresh catches and fish cakes at 3 for £2.50!
Just a stone’s throw from West Wittering’s sandy shore is The Wittering, a charming gastro pub, which serves up delicious dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. There are rooms if you wish to stay and a dog-friendly garden. In the summer sip a cocktail in the coastal cabin or beach huts serving pizzas, daily specials, and ice cream.(thewittering.com)
To settle your hunger during the day, The Landing is a charming coffee shop and deli, located on the Roman Landing. With focus on healthy food options and a relaxed atmosphere, it offers a quick stop for visitors to enjoy delicious coffee and a light bite.
PLACES TO STAY
If you’re exploring the Witterings for a weekend escape or staycation, there’s an array of luxury seaside properties available at Wellies and Windbreaks welliesandwindbreaks.co.uk) who specialise in high-quality holiday homes in the Witterings and surrounding area for families and groups of friends, including dogs. Choose from their portfolio of holiday homes, as well as extensive knowledge of the local area and properties to help you pick the perfect home-away-from-home.
Or you could hit the roads around The Witterings in a premier motorhome (premiermotorhome.uk). Choose from more than 50 new or used motorhomes which have all mod cons and are perfect for couples and families, and come with awnings and even solar panels.
Must See
West Wittering beach has earned Blue Flag status, indicating high standards of safety and water quality. The beach’s flowing sandy dunes offer the perfect viewing location for the vast beauty of the location’s glistening waters and white-powdered sand. Be sure to climb your way to the top for a glorious view of the whole beach or even revisit the site in the late evening to take in the colourful sunsets sprinkled with flocks of birds.
Must Do
The King Charles III Coast Path is a new walking route that spans approximately 2,700 miles of England’s coast and is set to be the longest coastal path in the world. A vast stretch of the walk extends from West Wittering beach all the way to Shoreham-by-Sea, offering breathtaking views of the coastal plain, sweeping sandy beaches, and nature reserves brimming with vibrant birdlife. To view the full route, head to the National Trails website.
Famous Faces
East and West Wittering have long been home to a variety of famous faces, adding a touch of star power to this already picturesque part of Sussex. Singer Michael Ball, known for his impressive acting and vocal talents, grew up here and still spends plenty of time in the area, calling West Wittering ‘heaven on earth’ in an interview in The Telegraph. Actor Nicholas Lyndhurst, beloved for his roles in classic British sitcoms, grew up in the area and lives in West Wittering with wife Lucy.
Rock 'n' roll legend Keith Richards made front page news in 1967 after his West Wittering estate Redlands was raided during a party. The Rolling Stones guitarist and Mick Jagger were arrested for a minor drug offence. The pair faced a three-month prison sentence, but the penalty was quashed when the judgement caused public outrage.
Richards still owns the estate and still turns up at local council meetings when he’s not in America.
Lord Nicholas Gordon Lennox, diplomat and son of the Duke of Richmond, also called the area home, while Sir Henry Royce, the mastermind behind Rolls-Royce cars and aero-engines, lived here from 1917 until his passing in 1933.
More recently, actress Kate Winslet has chosen West Wittering as her retreat since 2015, offering a rare glimpse into the quieter life of this Oscar-winning star who is often spotted shopping in Waitrose in nearby Chichester. Rumour has it that even Adele might have had a ‘haunted house’ in the area, adding a dash of mystery to this already intriguing list of residents.
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