West Wittering Beach is a picturesque coastal gem, a short drive from Oakwood West. It is renowned for its pristine golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and stunning natural beauty. The beach stretches for miles, you'll find ample space to sunbathe, build sandcastles, swim or stroll along the water's edge.
The gently sloping shoreline makes it suitable for all ages and swimming abilities, and the water's warm enough for swimming in the summer months! It's a great place to meet up with friends, spend time with the kids, or just relax and top up your tan.
Parking at West Wittering Beach
West Wittering Beach has lots of parking, which should be pre-booked here, it's cheaper and easier to pre book. On hot days in the summer holidays the car park can sell out, so always check before you travel. There is no free street parking close to the beach so we wouldn't recommend heading down there without checking there is space for you. The car park is open from 6.30am - 8.30pm in the summer and from 7am-6pm in the winter. There are two parking sessions, you can book in for the whole day or from 3pm for the evening session for about half the price.
Cycling to West Wittering
The most fun way to get to West Wittering is to cycle. You can cycle out from Oakwood West and catch the tiny ferry from Bosham to Itchenor, running from 9-6 daily in the summer and then ride for 15 minutes to get to West Wittering. You'll pass some great pubs along the way, including the Ship Inn at Itchenor, with traditional country pub vibes and delicious food.
Swimming at West Wittering
West Wittering is a blue flag beach. In the summer the lifeguards patrol the swimming area between the red and yellow flags. This is the recommended area for swimming as there are strong currents particularly at certain spots along the beach. The lifeguards are on hand to help and will also update visitors with any change to the safety recommendations.
It is a lovely place to swim with shallow water for a way and sand bars to explore when safe to do so. You can bring inflatables to play on, there are beach shops on the road through West Wittering village to buy anything that you've forgotten. There are often pools of water on the beach where younger children can safely splash around in the warmer water.
Amenities
West Wittering beach is a well run holiday destination, so you'll find lots of public toilets, outdoor showers, and also lifeguard services from 10-5 during the summer. If there is an emergency or you need medical attention you can alert one of the many lifeguards on the beach and they will help you. There are drinking water taps dotted through the car park and at the toilets so you can always top up your water bottles.
There is a beach cafe and kiosks where you can get refreshments, snacks, and ice creams. The cafe is open from 9-4 daily in the summer, with last orders for eat in food at 3.30. There's a good selection of food, including jacket potatoes, burgers, fish and chips, and salads, with vegan and vegetarian options. Plus tasty food for kids, to give them the energy for lots of play. There are a couple of other food stands too but they all close quite early even in the summer, so make sure that you fill up sooner rather than later.
BBQs
Disposable BBQs are not permitted on site at any time, this includes the beach, the fields, the car park, and at East Head. If you would like to cook you are welcome to use a portable, reusable BBQ or stove.
Dogs
There are designated dog areas on the beach from the 1st May to mid September. The rest of the year dogs are able to go anywhere on the beach. Head down to the far end of the car park to go straight onto the dog beach. The sand flats are amazing for dogs to run on and dig in. There is plenty of space for them to swim and play to their heart's content. The evenings are a particularly lovely time to take the dogs to the beach as it is a lot quieter and not so hot.
You cannot leave dogs in your car whilst at the beach. There are also plenty of rubbish bins in the car park.
Watersports
There are designated areas on the beach for paddle boarding, surfing, and body boarding. There's plenty of space and it's a great place for beginners and experienced boarders. If you would like to participate in any wind sports you need to be a member of 2SX, you can get a guest pass for windsurfing and wingfoiling but you need to be a full member to kite surf at West Wittering.
East Head Nature Reserve
The nearby East Head Nature Reserve is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, boasting diverse ecosystems, sand dunes, and rare wildlife. Perfect for a peaceful walk or birdwatching expedition. If you want to escape the busier part of the beach stroll along to this amazing spot which is not accessible by car.
Oakwood West Holidays
If you'd like to know more about our beautiful, dog friendly cottages that are a short drive from West Wittering Beach please take a look at our website.