25 Best Beaches in Sussex: The Ultimate Coastal Guide
Discover Sussex's finest beaches, from Brighton's lively seafront and the golden dunes of Camber Sands to Seven Sisters, Cuckmere Haven, West Wittering and peaceful local coastal escapes.
Updated for summer 2026 by Sussex Taxis.
Best Sussex Beaches at a Glance
What to Know Before Visiting a Sussex Beach
The Sussex coastline extends from the sandy beaches around Camber and Rye in the east to West Wittering, Selsey and Chichester Harbour in the west. The character of the coast changes considerably along the way.
Many beaches near Brighton, Hove, Seaford, Eastbourne, Bexhill and Worthing are mainly shingle. Camber Sands and West Wittering offer the broadest stretches of sand, while beaches around Seven Sisters are best known for natural scenery and walking rather than traditional seaside attractions.
The 25 Best Beaches in Sussex
Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is Sussex's best-known seaside destination. Its central shingle beach sits beside Brighton Palace Pier, the promenade, bars, cafés, restaurants and many of the city's main visitor attractions.
It is a strong choice for visitors who want a complete day out without needing a car. Brighton railway station is within walking distance, although the route between the station and seafront is downhill on arrival and uphill on the return.
- Best for attractions, nightlife and first-time visitors
- Shingle beach with a central swimming area
- Easy access from Brighton city centre
- Numerous cafés, restaurants and public facilities nearby
Hove Beach
Hove Beach offers a calmer alternative to central Brighton. It has a broad promenade, colourful beach huts, cafés, lawns and plenty of space for walking, cycling or sitting beside the sea.
The beach is still close enough to Brighton's attractions while feeling more residential and relaxed. It is particularly pleasant for an evening walk or sunset.
- Best for a quieter city beach experience
- Popular promenade for walking and cycling
- Good selection of cafés and restaurants nearby
- Accessible from Hove and Brighton stations
Ovingdean Beach
Ovingdean Beach is a quieter shingle beach east of Brighton, reached from the Undercliff Walk. It is a useful choice when the central Brighton seafront feels too busy.
The surrounding chalk cliffs create a dramatic backdrop, while the coastal path connects Ovingdean with Brighton Marina, Rottingdean and Saltdean.
- Best for peaceful walks close to Brighton
- Connected to the Undercliff Walk
- Less commercial than Brighton Beach
- Check tide and weather conditions before visiting
Rottingdean Beach
Rottingdean combines a traditional Sussex village with a shingle beach beneath the chalk cliffs. The seafront is connected to Brighton and Saltdean by the Undercliff Walk.
Visitors can combine time on the beach with cafés, village pubs and a walk through Rottingdean's historic centre.
- Best for combining coast and village atmosphere
- Access to the Undercliff Walk
- Food and drink options nearby
- Bus and taxi connections from Brighton
Saltdean Beach
Saltdean Beach lies below the eastern end of Brighton and Hove's chalk cliffs. It is popular with local swimmers, walkers and cyclists using the Undercliff route.
Saltdean Lido and the surrounding residential area make this a useful option for visitors who want a beach day away from the central Brighton crowds.
- Best for swimming and coastal exercise
- Undercliff access towards Rottingdean and Brighton
- Shingle beach backed by chalk cliffs
- Local cafés and facilities available nearby
Shoreham Beach
Shoreham Beach is a peaceful shingle beach beside the mouth of the River Adur. The area is valued for its coastal habitat, wildlife and open views across the Channel.
It is less commercial than Brighton or Worthing and works well for quiet walks, photography and watching the sunset.
- Best for nature and coastal sunsets
- Quiet atmosphere with limited commercial development
- Good walking routes beside the beach and River Adur
- Respect protected plants and marked habitats
Lancing Beach
Lancing Beach has a wide shingle shoreline, open green spaces and a more relaxed atmosphere than the larger nearby resorts.
It is popular with local families, dog walkers and water-sports users. Facilities and food options can be found close to the main beach access points.
- Best for space and a relaxed local beach day
- Popular for water sports when conditions allow
- Green space and food options near the seafront
- Accessible from Lancing railway station
Worthing Beach
Worthing Beach provides a classic seaside experience with a long promenade, historic pier, town-centre restaurants and plenty of space along its shingle shoreline.
It is generally calmer than Brighton while still offering easy transport connections and a full range of shops and facilities.
- Best for a traditional but relaxed seaside day
- Worthing Pier and town centre nearby
- Good railway and road connections
- Long promenade suitable for walking and cycling
Goring-by-Sea Beach
Goring Beach lies west of central Worthing and offers a quieter stretch of coastline with greens, residential surroundings and fewer large attractions.
It suits visitors looking for a simple beach walk, picnic or family day without travelling far from Worthing.
- Best for a quieter alternative to Worthing
- Open greens beside parts of the beach
- Local cafés and facilities nearby
- Accessible by train, bus, car or taxi
Littlehampton East Beach
Littlehampton East Beach is one of West Sussex's strongest family options. It has a wide shoreline, promenade, green spaces and seasonal seaside attractions.
The beach sits close to the River Arun and Littlehampton town centre, making it easy to combine the coast with food, parks and harbour walks.
- Best for a family seaside day
- Promenade and attractions nearby
- Railway station within the town
- Food, toilets and parking available around the seafront
Climping Beach
Climping Beach is a quieter, more natural coastal escape between Littlehampton and Bognor Regis. Its mixture of shingle, sand at lower tide and open coastal landscape attracts walkers and those seeking fewer crowds.
Facilities are more limited than at the larger resort beaches, so bring what you need and check local access information before travelling.
- Best for escaping busy resort beaches
- Natural, less-developed coastline
- Good for walking and photography
- Check tide and parking arrangements in advance
Bognor Regis Beach
Bognor Regis offers a traditional West Sussex resort experience with a long beach, pier, promenade and easy access to the town centre.
Its central location and facilities make it suitable for families and visitors who prefer having shops, food and transport nearby.
- Best for a traditional West Sussex resort
- Pier, promenade and town-centre facilities
- Direct railway connections
- Several beach sections to explore
Pagham Beach
Pagham Beach is a peaceful shingle beach near Pagham Harbour. It attracts visitors interested in nature, coastal walking and a quieter shoreline.
The nearby harbour and nature reserve add interest for birdwatchers, although visitors should stay on marked paths and respect protected areas.
- Best for wildlife and quiet coastal walks
- Close to Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve
- Less commercial than Bognor Regis
- Bring suitable footwear for shingle and coastal paths
Selsey East Beach
Selsey East Beach sits on the Manhood Peninsula and offers broad sea views, a working coastal character and access to local seafood.
The area is popular with walkers, swimmers and anglers. It feels distinctly different from Brighton's urban coastline and makes a rewarding West Sussex day trip.
- Best for coastal character and seafood
- Popular for walking, swimming and fishing
- Open Channel views
- Check local conditions before entering the sea
West Wittering Beach
West Wittering is one of the most attractive and popular beaches in southern England. Its broad sandy shoreline, dunes and views across Chichester Harbour make it ideal for families and long summer days.
Demand can be extremely high during warm weather. Visitors should check current parking requirements and travel arrangements before setting off.
- Best all-round family beach in West Sussex
- Wide sandy beach and dunes
- Popular for paddling, walking and picnics
- Plan transport and parking before departure
Seaford Beach
Seaford has a long, open shingle beach between Newhaven and the Seven Sisters coastline. It is popular with swimmers, walkers and visitors looking for more space than central Brighton.
The promenade provides views towards Seaford Head, while the town has a railway station and local cafés within reach of the beach.
- Best for open-water swimming and spacious views
- Good base for exploring Seaford Head
- Railway station in the town centre
- Shingle beach with a steep water entry in places
Cuckmere Haven
Cuckmere Haven is one of the most photographed coastal locations in Sussex. The River Cuckmere reaches the sea below the Seven Sisters cliffs, creating an extraordinary natural landscape.
This is a walking destination rather than a conventional resort beach. There are no amusement arcades or large seafront facilities, and reaching the coast requires a walk from the visitor areas.
- Best for Seven Sisters photographs
- Beautiful river valley and chalk-cliff scenery
- Walking required to reach the beach
- Stay well away from cliff bases and edges
Birling Gap
Birling Gap lies beneath the Seven Sisters and provides one of the best-known access points to this dramatic section of the Sussex coast.
Visitors come for cliff views, walking and rock pooling. The chalk cliffs are fragile and can collapse without warning, so never sit or stand directly below them and keep well back from cliff edges.
- Best for dramatic geology and coastal walks
- Access point beneath the Seven Sisters
- Visitor facilities available near the main entrance
- No assumption should be made that swimming is supervised
Eastbourne Beach
Eastbourne has a long shingle beach backed by a spacious promenade, historic pier, gardens, hotels and traditional seaside architecture.
It is a practical base for a longer coastal visit because Beachy Head, Birling Gap and Seven Sisters are all nearby.
- Best for a classic seaside resort experience
- Long promenade and historic pier
- Good railway connections
- Convenient base for Seven Sisters and Beachy Head
Pevensey Bay
Pevensey Bay is a laid-back shingle beach east of Eastbourne. It has a village atmosphere and is quieter than the main Eastbourne seafront.
Visitors can combine the beach with a visit to nearby Pevensey Castle or explore the coastline towards Norman's Bay.
- Best for a peaceful beach near Eastbourne
- Village facilities available nearby
- Pevensey Castle within the wider area
- Rail access available through local stations
Bexhill Beach
Bexhill Beach has a long promenade and spacious shingle shoreline beside the De La Warr Pavilion. It offers a relaxed combination of coast, architecture and culture.
The town is easy to reach by railway and is less crowded than Brighton during much of the year.
- Best for art, architecture and a calm promenade
- De La Warr Pavilion beside the seafront
- Railway connections to Eastbourne and Hastings
- Restaurants and cafés close to the beach
St Leonards Beach
St Leonards offers an attractive shingle beach and promenade west of Hastings. The surrounding neighbourhood has independent cafés, galleries and a growing creative scene.
It is ideal for visitors who want a seaside day with a more local, less commercial feel than a major resort centre.
- Best for independent cafés and creative atmosphere
- Long promenade connecting towards Hastings
- Railway station close to the seafront
- Good choice for walking and relaxed day trips
Hastings Beach
Hastings Beach stretches beside the town's seafront and historic fishing quarter. The eastern end sits close to Hastings Old Town, the fishing beach and the distinctive net huts.
It offers one of Sussex's strongest combinations of beach, history, restaurants, museums and family attractions.
- Best for history and a full-day coastal itinerary
- Close to Hastings Old Town and fishing quarter
- Railway station in the town centre
- Wide range of cafés, restaurants and attractions
Pett Level and Winchelsea Beach
Pett Level and Winchelsea Beach form a quieter stretch of coast between Hastings and Rye. The area is known for open views, coastal walks and rock pools visible at suitable tides.
Facilities are more limited than in Hastings, so these beaches suit visitors who value tranquillity and natural surroundings.
- Best for quiet walks and rock pooling
- Less crowded than nearby resort beaches
- Check tide times before exploring the shore
- Plan food, parking and transport in advance
Camber Sands
Camber Sands is one of the most famous sandy beaches in the South East. Its extensive dunes and broad sandy shoreline make it feel very different from Sussex's predominantly shingle coast.
It is extremely popular during hot weather. Visitors should check current parking, tide, swimming and safety information before travelling and supervise children closely around the sea and dunes.
- Best sandy beach in East Sussex
- Large dune system and broad shoreline
- Very busy during warm weekends and holidays
- Plan parking and return transport before arrival
Sussex Beaches Comparison Table
| Beach | Beach type | Best for | Public transport | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton | Shingle | Attractions and nightlife | Excellent | Extensive |
| Hove | Shingle | Relaxed city beach | Very good | Very good |
| West Wittering | Sand | Families and scenery | More planning required | Good |
| Camber Sands | Sand and dunes | Traditional sandy beach day | Bus or taxi from Rye | Seasonal facilities |
| Seaford | Shingle | Swimming and space | Good | Good |
| Cuckmere Haven | Natural shingle | Walking and photography | Bus or taxi plus walking | Limited at beach |
| Birling Gap | Shingle and rock pools | Cliffs and scenery | Seasonal bus or taxi | Near main access |
| Eastbourne | Shingle | Classic seaside resort | Very good | Extensive |
| Worthing | Shingle | Pier and promenade | Very good | Extensive |
| Hastings | Shingle | History and attractions | Very good | Extensive |
Best Sussex Beaches by Category
Best for families
West Wittering, Littlehampton, Eastbourne, Bognor Regis and Camber Sands offer the strongest combination of space, attractions or facilities.
Best sandy beaches
Camber Sands is the leading sandy beach in East Sussex, while West Wittering is West Sussex's standout option.
Best for swimming
Seaford, Saltdean, Rottingdean, Brighton and Eastbourne are popular with swimmers, but conditions must always be checked on the day.
Best for photography
Cuckmere Haven, Birling Gap, Seven Sisters, Shoreham Beach and West Wittering offer some of the most memorable coastal views.
Best quieter beaches
Climping, Pagham, Pett Level, Shoreham, Pevensey Bay and Goring are good alternatives to the busiest central resorts.
Best without a car
Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Eastbourne, Bexhill, St Leonards and Hastings are among the easiest choices by train.
Swimming, Tides and Cliff Safety
Sea conditions can change rapidly. Before swimming, check the weather, tide, water-quality information, local warning signs and whether lifeguards are operating.
- Use a lifeguarded beach whenever possible.
- Swim between red and yellow flags where these are displayed.
- Never enter the water when a red flag is flying.
- Do not use inflatables in strong winds or offshore winds.
- Wear suitable footwear on shingle, rocks and uneven coastal paths.
- Supervise children continuously near the sea.
- Check tide times before walking around headlands or below cliffs.
- Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard during a coastal emergency.
Current bathing-water information can be checked using the Environment Agency bathing-water service.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Sussex
Many Sussex beaches welcome dogs, but seasonal restrictions apply on popular stretches during spring and summer. Rules differ between local authorities and sometimes between sections of the same beach.
Across Brighton and Hove, dogs are generally permitted on all beaches from 1 October to 30 April. From 1 May to 30 September, they are only allowed on designated dog-friendly beach sections. Dogs should remain supervised, under control and on a lead where local signs require it.
View the current Brighton and Hove dog-friendly beach information before visiting with a dog.
Parking and Public Transport
Beaches that are easy to reach by train
Brighton, Hove, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, Worthing, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Seaford, Eastbourne, Pevensey, Bexhill, St Leonards, Hastings and Rye all have railway connections.
The final part of the journey may still involve walking, taking a local bus or arranging a taxi. This is particularly relevant for Camber Sands, Cuckmere Haven, Birling Gap and West Wittering.
Parking advice
- Check council or operator websites for current charges.
- Do not rely on finding spaces beside the beach on hot weekends.
- Never park on verges, access roads or emergency routes.
- Check closing times if using a gated beach car park.
- Keep valuables out of sight and take your ticket or app receipt.
- Consider pre-booked transport for beaches with limited parking.
Sussex Beach Taxis and Private Transfers
Sussex Taxis provides pre-booked private transport for beach days, coastal walks, hotels, railway stations and airport transfers across Sussex.
A private transfer can be particularly useful when travelling with children, beach equipment or luggage, or when visiting coastal locations where direct public transport is limited.
Services are pre-booked and subject to vehicle availability. For longer coastal journeys, request a fixed quotation before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best beach in Sussex?
West Wittering is one of the best all-round beaches for families and scenery. Camber Sands is the leading sandy beach in East Sussex, while Brighton is best for attractions, restaurants and public transport.
Are there sandy beaches in Sussex?
Yes. Camber Sands has a broad sandy beach and dune system in East Sussex. West Wittering is the best-known sandy beach in West Sussex. Some other beaches reveal patches of sand at lower tide.
Which Sussex beach is best for families?
West Wittering, Littlehampton, Eastbourne, Bognor Regis and Camber Sands are popular family choices. The best option depends on whether you prefer sand, attractions, easy railway access or quieter open space.
Which beach is closest to Brighton?
Brighton Beach is directly beside the city centre. Hove, Ovingdean, Rottingdean and Saltdean are also close and provide alternatives to the busiest central section.
Can you swim at Brighton Beach?
Swimming is popular at Brighton Beach, but visitors should check weather, sea conditions, local flags, lifeguard information and bathing-water updates before entering the water.
Which Sussex beaches are easiest to reach by train?
Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Seaford, Eastbourne, Bexhill, St Leonards and Hastings are among the easiest beach destinations to reach by railway.
Are dogs allowed on Brighton Beach?
Dogs are generally allowed on all Brighton and Hove beaches from October through April. From May through September, dogs are restricted to designated dog-friendly beach sections. Check current council signs and maps before visiting.
Is parking free at Sussex beaches?
Some locations have limited free parking, but many major beaches use paid council or privately managed car parks. Charges, operating hours and booking requirements vary, so check before travelling.
Is Cuckmere Haven suitable for a traditional beach day?
Cuckmere Haven is best for walking, scenery and photography rather than traditional seaside attractions. Reaching the coast requires a walk, and facilities beside the beach are very limited.
Can Sussex Taxis take passengers to Camber Sands or Seven Sisters?
Sussex Taxis provides pre-booked private transfers to coastal destinations including Camber Sands, Seaford, Cuckmere Haven, Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters area, subject to availability.