There’s one factor about dwelling in London that I’d change: the full lack of shoreline. Whether or not it’s a sunny day that’s made for sandcastle constructing or a transparent blue winter day for strolling by the waves, when the craving comes over me, the one resolution is which of the seashores close to London I ought to drive to.
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Heading to the Kent seashores is at all times a favorite choice, together with Whitstable, Herne Bay and Broadstairs, whereas I really like the Isle of Wight too. However nearer and simply as tempting is Sussex – each East and West Sussex seashores.
And though I by no means say no to a day journey to Brighton, there’s only one downside; no sandcastles on that individual stony seaside. So as a substitute, I’ve tracked down the very best sandy seashores in Sussex for a household time out.
East Sussex seashores: Camber Sands
After I wished a final seaside vacation earlier than my daughter began college, we headed to attractive Camber Sands the place the sand appears to go on and on for ever – particularly at low tide.
Backed by dunes which beg to be scrambled up and down, whether or not you’re 4 or forty-something, there are additionally tide swimming pools for non-swimmers to splash in (or for those who don’t wish to stroll out to the waves).
For those who’re searching for nice locations to remain in Camber Sands, take a look at my evaluation of Salt Bay cottage
And whereas it’s understandably fashionable, 5 miles of seaside means there’s at all times a spot to make your individual, together with lifeguards in the summertime months. It’s value testing the tide instances if you wish to swim – it’s fairly a stroll to the waves at low tide.
In addition to cafes in Camber itself (and Rye just some miles away), there’s one proper on the seaside which is open 12 months spherical. And canines are allowed year-round, though on a lead and in restricted zones from Might to September.
There’s additionally a pay and show automotive park proper subsequent to the seaside – it fills up shortly, particularly on sunny days, so greatest to get there early to discover a house.
Canines are allowed on the seaside year-round, besides from Might 1 to September 30 after they can’t go inside Zones F to H – there are nonetheless areas the place they’re welcome in the course of the summer season months although.
For extra concepts of issues to do close to Camber Sands other than the seaside, take a look at close by Rye in addition to Bodiam Fortress
East Sussex seashores: Broomhill Sands
Broomhill sits simply east of Camber Sands – and whereas it isn’t as well-known, or have fairly the identical picturesque setting within the dunes, it additionally means it tends to be quieter.
One other sand and shingle seaside which stretches off into the space at low tide, there’s no lifeguard facility right here although. There’s a kitesurfing centre, and it’s usually fashionable with sand buggies too however has fewer services than Camber (you may discover an ice cream van however no cafe until you stroll up the seaside).
There’s additionally free parking close to the seaside. Canines are welcome between October and April, or on a lead within the marked zones from Might to September.
For concepts of the very best seaside actions with youngsters, take a look at my ideas
East Sussex seashores: Hastings
It’s essential to time your go to proper to get the sand right here, with shingle at excessive tide – however because the waves recede, there’s house for sandcastles among the many stone. Pelham Seashore is Hastings’ household seaside, with eight vibrant sea creature indicators to assist kids find their dad and mom.
Take a wander alongside the entrance in direction of Rock-a-Nore seaside and also you’ll discover the Blue Reef Aquarium too, or wander in direction of the pier the place there are actions for households in the course of the 12 months.
The seaside is correct within the coronary heart of the city, so this one’s greatest for those who’re searching for extra to do than sandcastles – good in order for you an hour or two on the sand between exploring, however don’t anticipate to have the ability to spend all day having fun with the sand.
No canines allowed on the seaside between the pier and harbour arm from Might to September.
Take a look at my ideas for visiting the Blue Reef Aquarium in Hastings throughout a vacation in East Sussex with a preschooler
West Sussex seashores: Littlehampton
A mixture of shingle and sand, Littlehampton is a seaside of two halves. On the japanese finish, the basic British seaside, groynes separating the banks of sand and souvenirs, doughnuts and ice cream stalls lining the entrance – to not point out somewhat practice which tootles up and down.
Heat sufficient for an early September paddle, my daughter splashed delightedly earlier than we constructed a sand fortress and slowly retreated up the seaside because the tide got here in.
Residence to the UK’s longest bench, half place to sit down, half artwork sculpture with its shiny colors and swirling loops, you may as well deal with your self with a glass of wine over lunch on the family-friendly East Seashore Cafe.
The constructing is sculpted to seem like a bit of driftwood. Or a shell, we thought. However both manner a speaking level earlier than you tuck into something from fish and chips to crab linguini (plus there’s a takeaway).
Throughout the river Arun – jump over with the ferry in the course of the summer season or take a harbour tour – it’s additionally a mixture of sand and shingle, however with sand dunes which have seen it named a Web site of Particular Scientific Curiosity.
West seaside can be the most effective canine pleasant seashores in Sussex, the place they’re welcome all 12 months, and there’s a giant automotive park proper close to the seafront.
For my seaside necessities with youngsters, take a look at my high picks for enjoyable on the sand
West Sussex seashores: Bognor Regis
The large query is which of Bognor’s seashores do you fancy? The lengthy expanse of shingle and sand is split into sections, so whether or not you’re searching for a quieter stretch or the cafes and Butlins on the doorstep, you’ll be able to choose your stretch.
Within the centre, East Seashore and West Seashore run both aspect of the pier – like Littlehampton, East Seashore has its personal little vacationer practice that children love, plus a number of cafes promoting fish and chips or ice cream, proper on the water. At excessive tide, you’ll solely see the shingle however there’s sand at low tide.
Additional west, Aldwick Seashore, not removed from Marine Park Gardens, is far quieter – you’ll discover seaside huts and it’s fashionable with canine walkers, particularly throughout summer season when there are restrictions on different stretches of the coast right here.
There’s extra shingle than sand right here although for those who’ve bought your coronary heart set on sandcastles.
From Might to September, canines aren’t allowed on the stretch of seaside between Park Highway and Gloucester Highway, however the seaside is dog-friendly at different instances and outdoors this space.
For locations to remain close to Bognor Regis with youngsters, take a look at my evaluation of the Beachcroft Resort, Felpham
West Sussex seashores: West Wittering
One other of these limitless great stretches of sand that Sussex specialises in, searching to Chichester harbour, in addition to the South Downs, there’s a motive vehicles used to queue to get into the automotive park in summer season – fortunately prebooking signifies that for now, you’ll be able to assure your spot.
Don’t attempt to flip up for those who haven’t prebooked an area although as you’ll be turned away: click on right here to guide
A Blue Flag seaside, it’s a favorite with kite surfers (and kite flyers) whereas there are lots extra dunes and tide swimming pools to discover between paddling and digging within the sand.
Quiet down with a windbreak or wander for miles alongside the flat sand, imagining that you simply personal one of many sought-after seaside huts…
There’s a cafe on the seaside, albeit with restricted opening instances outdoors summer season, however for those who’re searching for a correct deal with, head to the The Crab & Lobster inn, on the sting of close by Pagham Harbour, with fabulous native crab on the menu.
No canines are allowed within the Blue Flag bathing space (the realm in entrance of the seaside huts, between groynes 14a to 18) from Might to September, however are welcome elsewhere and on the entire seaside outdoors these instances.
For extra issues to do in Sussex with youngsters, take a look at my high picks, in addition to concepts for extra day journeys from London with youngsters
*First revealed 2018, up to date 2022*
PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST SANDY BEACHES IN SUSSEX
Disclosure: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions on the very best sandy seashores in Sussex are mine (and my daughter’s)
Photos: Hastings/West Wittering pictures courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
