There’s one factor about dwelling in London that I’d change: the whole 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.
accommodates affiliate hyperlinks*
Heading to the Kent seashores is at all times a favorite possibility, together with Whitstable, Herne Bay and Broadstairs, whereas I 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 disadvantage; no sandcastles on that exact stony seashore. So as a substitute, I’ve tracked down the perfect sandy seashores in Sussex for a household day trip.
East Sussex seashores: Camber Sands
After I needed a final seaside vacation earlier than my daughter began faculty, we headed to beautiful 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 in the event you don’t wish to stroll out to the waves).
In case you’re searching for nice locations to remain in Camber Sands, try my assessment of Salt Bay cottage
And whereas it’s understandably widespread, 5 miles of seashore means there’s at all times a spot to make your personal, together with lifeguards in the summertime months. It’s value trying out the tide occasions 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 seashore which is open yr 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 automobile park proper subsequent to the seashore – it fills up rapidly, particularly on sunny days, so finest to get there early to discover a house.
Canines are allowed on the seashore 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 throughout the summer time months although.
For extra concepts of issues to do close to Camber Sands aside from the seashore, try 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 seashore which stretches off into the gap at low tide, there’s no lifeguard facility right here although. There’s a kitesurfing centre, and it’s typically widespread with sand buggies too however has fewer amenities than Camber (you may discover an ice cream van however no cafe until you stroll up the seashore).
There’s additionally free parking close to the seashore. Canines are welcome between October and April, or on a lead within the marked zones from Might to September.
For concepts of the perfect seashore actions with youngsters, try my ideas
East Sussex seashores: Hastings
You could 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 Seaside is Hastings’ household seashore, with eight vibrant sea creature indicators to assist kids find their mother and father.
Take a wander alongside the entrance in direction of Rock-a-Nore seashore and also you’ll discover the Blue Reef Aquarium too, or wander in direction of the pier the place there are actions for households throughout the yr.
The seashore is true within the coronary heart of the city, so this one’s finest in the event you’re searching for extra to do than sandcastles – excellent if you need 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 seashore 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 seashore of two halves. On the japanese finish, the traditional British seaside, groynes separating the banks of sand and souvenirs, doughnuts and ice cream stalls lining the entrance – to not point out a little bit 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 seashore because the tide got here in.
Residence to the UK’s longest bench, half place to sit down, half artwork sculpture with its vibrant colors and swirling loops, it’s also possible to deal with your self with a glass of wine over lunch on the family-friendly East Seaside Cafe.
The constructing is sculpted to appear to be a chunk 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 throughout the summer time 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 seashore can also be the most effective canine pleasant seashores in Sussex, the place they’re welcome all yr, and there’s a giant automobile park proper close to the seafront.
For my seashore necessities with youngsters, try my high picks for enjoyable on the sand
West Sussex seashores: Bognor Regis
The massive 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 decide your stretch.
Within the centre, East Seaside and West Seaside run both facet of the pier – like Littlehampton, East Seaside 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 Seaside, not removed from Marine Park Gardens, is way quieter – you’ll discover seashore huts and it’s widespread with canine walkers, particularly throughout summer time when there are restrictions on different stretches of the coast right here.
There’s extra shingle than sand right here although in the event you’ve bought your coronary heart set on sandcastles.
From Might to September, canines will not be allowed on the stretch of seashore between Park Street and Gloucester Street, however the seashore is dog-friendly at different occasions and out of doors this space.
For locations to remain close to Bognor Regis with youngsters, try my assessment of the Beachcroft Lodge, Felpham
West Sussex seashores: West Wittering
One other of these countless fantastic stretches of sand that Sussex specialises in, searching to Chichester harbour, in addition to the South Downs, there’s a motive automobiles used to queue to get into the automobile park in summer season – fortunately prebooking implies that for now, you’ll be able to assure your spot.
Don’t attempt to flip up in the event you haven’t prebooked an area although as you’ll be turned away: click on right here to e book
A Blue Flag seashore, it’s a favorite with kite surfers (and kite flyers) whereas there are a lot 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 seashore huts…
There’s a cafe on the seashore, albeit with restricted opening occasions exterior summer time, however in the event you’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 world in entrance of the seashore huts, between groynes 14a to 18) from Might to September, however are welcome elsewhere and on the entire seashore exterior these occasions.
For extra issues to do in Sussex with youngsters, try 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 submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions on the perfect sandy seashores in Sussex are mine (and my daughter’s)
Photos: Hastings/West Wittering photographs courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
