East Wittering: Beach, Coastal Paths and Churches

For a stay in East Wittering, two main themes stand out: the changing character of the beach and the village’s historical connections. There is also a footpath by the beach and a coastal circular walk. If you are looking for a hotel in East Wittering, these themes can help you plan your trip.

Beach, water sports and paths

At East Wittering Beach, the appearance of the shore depends on the tide: at low tide, the beach is sandy; at high tide, it is pebbly. The shallow water is well suited to paddling. Water sports lessons and equipment hire are separate offerings. As the provider may change, check what is currently available if you plan to take lessons or hire equipment.

A footpath runs right alongside the beach. From East Wittering Beach, you can walk to West Wittering and Bracklesham Bay. The Itchenor and the Witterings circular walk reaches East Wittering; from there, the route follows the coast and offers views of the Isle of Wight. Whether you can see the island depends on the weather and visibility. If you are planning the walk, check the path conditions in advance.

Parking for beach visits is available at Marine Drive (PO20 8HE). Public toilets are at Marine Drive Car Park. If you rely on parking or toilets, check local conditions before you arrive.

Church architecture and local history

The Church of the Assumption of St Mary the Virgin dates mainly from the early 12th century; its chancel was rebuilt in 1847. The Norman round-arched doorway has two orders of archivolts. An ornamental hood mould frames a broad band with a flat zigzag pattern. Each element of the pattern ends in a lobe. The entrance thus showcases both the structure of the arch and finely crafted ornamentation.

St Anne’s Church East Wittering also welcomes all visitors. Alongside the Norman doorway, it provides another church to visit in the village.

Another historical connection leads to the coast: Exercise Fabius III began on 4 May 1944 on the beaches between East Bracklesham Drive and Marine Drive West. The date and stretch of beach place the event in its time and location within the history of the Second World War.

Different conditions matter when planning your visit: the tides change the character of the beach, while the weather and visibility affect views of the Isle of Wight. Church architecture and the event Fabius III, dated 4 May 1944, add historical interest. This can help you decide whether to focus your stay on the beach and coastal paths or on local history.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Worthing, Slinfold, Yapton, Thakeham, Midhurst, Lancing, Westbourne, Burgess Hill.

For the main travel overview: West Sussex.