A coastal paradise, West Wittering’s briny beauty has bewitched the souls of many. Situated in the Chichester district of West Sussex, its soft carpets of sand unfurl endlessly alongside pristine azure waters – as such, West Wittering’s coast stands out in the British bunch of rocky shores.
The sea-kissed village is a sanctuary for wild birds and rare wildlife, besides being a tourist haunt brimming with watersports. While it has always been a bijou countryside retreat with a small population, it has slowly evolved into a star-dusted alcove with the influx of celebrity residents and their beachfront mansions. So, if you’re looking for a quiet beach vacation with a smidge of glam, West Wittering is the place to be. Read on to plan your West Wittering itinerary.
1. West Wittering Beach
West Wittering Beach is the village’s crown jewel, boasting peerless views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs. With lucid, sparkling waters, this beach is one of Europe's best “Blue Flag” beaches, a prestigious title awarded to exceptionally clean and environmentally friendly beaches. The Sunday Times has lauded it as “the best beach near London.” Unlike most British beaches, the West Wittering beach has velvety shores and shallow waters, making it ideal for children to play in. In spite of the still seaway, the beach has a flourishing watersport community involved in kayaking, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. Visitors can also bring their paw pals along, as this is a dog-friendly beach. There’s also the Beach Cafe, which presents an incredible culinary experience that captures the untethered spirit of coastal living. The menu features British seafood classics such as cod and chips, and calamari, in addition to go-to guilty indulgences like burgers.
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2. Crabbing
A delightful activity for crustacean aficionados, West Wittering is a grand spot for crab-picking. A short, scenic walk from the beach will lead you to the crabbing pool. Nestled in the heart of the village, the pool is a hidden gem, thus facilitating an undisturbed crabbing experience. Locals recommend scheduling the activity right before a high tide, which is when crabs are most active in the waters.
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3. East Head
East Head is a magnificent sand dune spit at the cusp of Chichester, spanning 1000 metres in length and 400 metres in width. It formed due to longshore drift (a process by which materials have moved east to west along the coastline). As a dynamic environment, its features keep changing over time. East Head is a highly fascinating coastal feature that has piqued the interest of countless biologists and environmentalists. The site is an SSSI (site of special scientific interest) as well as a Ramsar site (a wetland site of international importance). While it serves as a picturesque walking trail, the feature is key to preventing floods and erosion in the region.
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4. The Wittering Pub
The Wittering Pub is popular among locals and tourists for its indulgent English fare, cocktails, and breathtaking views of the beach. In the spirit of the local Blue Flag beach, the pub is tastefully soaked in hues of iridescent blue, from the fireplace to the wall panels and the bar. Dark chevron wooden flooring, light furniture, and coir-backed bar stools tie in with the laid-back charm of the rural coast. The Wittering Pub classics include dry-aged chuck and bone marrow, beer-battered haddock, and a vegetarian spicy bean burger. The holiday spirit of the beach is aptly captured by the cocktails, such as the cucumber cooler and rum punch.
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5. Chichester Cathedral
Chichester Cathedral was founded in 1075 when the bishop’s seat was moved from Selsey following the Norman Conquest. The cathedral was built using stone from a quarry on the Isle of Wight. Standing tall and bearing Norman and Gothic architectural influences, it has been referred to as “the most typical English cathedral” by archaeologist Ian Nairn. However, the cathedral does veer from the aesthetic norm in a few elements, such as being fitted with the only surviving campanile (a mediaeval bell tower), which was integrated in the 1400s. It is also adorned with Tudor paintings and modern art. A shining example of ancient and mediaeval architectural excellence and a stellar epitome of fortitude, Chichester Cathedral is the soul of the local community.
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6. Bishop's Palace Garden
Spanning the southwestern nook of Chichester Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace Garden dates back to the 12th century. According to some Chichester locals, this garden could be one of the oldest continuous gardens in the country. The sumptuous meadow hosts a variety of medicinal trees, an alpine garden, and a rose walk with honeysuckles and fragrant creepers. The archaic pathways are often lined with bright yellow goldenrods, pink hydrangeas, and peonies. There’s also a wildlife garden, mainly populated by swans. The Palace Garden has recently been revamped, with the addition of a natty little cafe and more seating arrangements around the park. Owing to its winsome verdure and graceful wildlife, the garden is a popular wedding venue.
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7. Pallant House Gallery
Pallant House Gallery is a haven of British modern art, showcasing artwork from 1900 to the present. Currently, the gallery’s collection comprises 5,000 exhibits. According to The Guardian, the Pallant House Gallery is only “second to the Tate for British Modern Art.” In the post-19th century, there was a paradigm shift – the world was industrialised and progressive. This affected art and its methodology in storytelling, leading to the emergence of new artistic schools of thought such as Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Neo-Romanticism, and Neoclassicism. The Pallant House Gallery beautifully captures modern Britain’s story through a modern artistic lens. Some of the gallery’s most cherished artists include Keith Vaughan, Edward Burra, Barbara Hepworth, and Phoebe Cummings.
The calm sea, the natural wonders, and the rural quietude make for a placid seascape worth treasuring. West Wittering is more than just a beach getaway – it is an oasis of startling beauty in a frenzied world. It’s time to escape to West Wittering and unwind in its sea-kissed air.
