Between Portsmouth And Worthing Is A Quaint Village With Quiet Coastal Vibes, Shops, And A Beach

The shores of Britain are lined with lovely little towns where you can enjoy a beach stroll, get in some whimsical shopping, and soak in the charm of old buildings with new faces upon them. One small village has made its mark as an idyllic holiday destination that not only invites tourists but also cares for its surrounding natural areas and gorgeous beach through intentional conservation efforts. East Wittering is a darling place for a weekend of coastal strolling, shopping, and enjoying a mellow, easygoing escape in homey surroundings.

A relaxing half-hour drive east from Portsmouth brings you to this wee village of roughly 6,000 residents, and you can head west from Worthing, with the drive taking less than ten minutes more. Those arriving by air can drive 45 minutes east from Southampton Airport (SOU) or an hour and a half south from Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London. Those using public transportation can take a train to nearby Chichester, then catch a bus to East Wittering.

East Wittering stands in a location that's had some kind of habitation for more than a millennium. Structures through the centuries have left remnants across the area, including an historic tower windmill, discovered coins from a bygone age, and the restored 12th-century Church of the Assumption of St. Mary the Virgin. These places and discoveries add to the quaint, historic feel of this calm coastal community.

The long seaside strand of East Wittering Beach is a wonderful place to take the dog for a walk, enjoy a family beach day, and see a bit of history with the remains of the World War I island fortification known as Nab Tower within view. Wooden groynes line part of the beach, helping to slow erosion, like those found at the sunny coastal town of Selsey. For a truly soothing moment, lay out a blanket and watch the vibrant colors of the setting sun.

The beach is made up of small rounded stones, but at low tide, the sand is exposed. It remains quiet enough to be a wonderfully peaceful experience, so you can sit and enjoy the views and sounds of the surf, like some of the beaches in the charming coastal town of Brixham. Paid parking can be found a short walk from the beach on Marine Drive, where there are also restrooms, while additional parking is available closer to the main shopping district. The Ice Cream Parlour is located just by the beach for a sweet treat.

It's an easy beach for swimming, as the waves are generally calm and the water isn't deep for quite a way out. Looking inland, yiu can see multicolored beach huts and cozy houses of the residential neighborhoods, adding to the relaxed seaside vibe. No building is so tall that it would block the view of the beach or the village. Beach houses line the shore as charming and comfy accommodations to make the most of your time in East Wittering.

East Wittering has a surprisingly bountiful High Street shopping area for such a diminutive village. The Wittering Walk Shopping Arcade sits where Cakeham Road and Shore Road meet, offering a pleasant place to stroll and browse while admiring the quaint buildings and an old-timey standing clock on the corner. Walking along the shops down Shore Road takes you straight to the beach, and you can enjoy the mellow sounds of the surf as you explore what's on offer.

Gallery Witterings offers a fun experience perusing intriguing antiques and knick-knacks looking for a good home in which to bring a bit of mirth or history. Those who need gear to ride the waves or simply want some cool coastal couture can head to Shore, where every need for a day at the beach can be found. Seekers of stylish retro clothing will find an intriguing array at Let's Go Back, while cute, modern ladies' outfits await at the independent shop Pastiche.

If all of this shopping is whetting your appetite, fresh seafood to cook for oneself is in abundance at Something Fishy, which will cut it however you prefer. For a freshly prepared meal with local ingredients, The Boulevard has a generously portioned plate of delicious fish and chips. Afterward, satisfy a sweet tooth at Candies, which has a massive selection of delectable sweets. After fully exploring this delightfully curious and serene beachy village, head west to another one of the most underrated travel destinations, Plymouth.