There’s one factor about dwelling in London that I’d change: the overall 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 choice is which of the seashores close to London I ought to drive to.
incorporates affiliate hyperlinks*
Heading to the Kent seashores is at all times a favorite possibility, 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 an alternative, I’ve tracked down the very best sandy seashores in Sussex for a household day trip.
East Sussex seashores: Camber Sands
Once I wished a final seaside vacation earlier than my daughter began faculty, 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 in case you don’t need to stroll out to the waves).
And whereas it’s understandably common, 5 miles of seaside 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 only a few 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 Could to September.
There’s additionally a pay and show automobile park proper subsequent to the seaside – it fills up rapidly, particularly on sunny days, so greatest to get there early to discover a house.
Canine are allowed on the seaside year-round, besides from Could 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 time months although.
Discover extra concepts of issues to do close to Camber Sands other than the seaside, in addition to close by Rye and Bodiam Citadel
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 gap at low tide, there’s no lifeguard facility right here although.
There’s a kitesurfing centre, and it’s usually common with sand buggies too however has fewer amenities than Camber (you would possibly discover an ice cream van however no cafe except you stroll up the seaside).
There’s additionally free parking close to the seaside. Canine are welcome between October and April, or on a lead within the marked zones from Could to September.
For concepts of the very best seaside actions with children, take a look at my ideas
East Sussex seashores: Hastings
You’ll want 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 youngsters find their mother and father.
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 in case you’re on the lookout for extra to do than sandcastles – good if you would like 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 Could 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 brilliant 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 Seashore Cafe.
The constructing is sculpted to seem like a chunk of driftwood. Or a shell, we thought. However both approach 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 time (briefly suspended) 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 also be top-of-the-line canine pleasant seashores in Sussex, the place they’re welcome all 12 months, and there’s a giant automobile park proper close to the seafront.
For my seaside necessities with children, take a look at 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 on the lookout for a quieter stretch or the cafes and Butlins on the doorstep, you possibly can decide 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 way quieter – you’ll discover seaside huts and it’s common 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 case you’ve acquired your coronary heart set on sandcastles.
From Could to September, canines will not be allowed on the stretch of seaside between Park Street and Gloucester Street, however the seaside is dog-friendly at different occasions and out of doors this space.
For locations to remain close to Bognor Regis with children, take a look at my assessment of the Beachcroft Resort, Felpham
West Sussex seashores: West Wittering
One other of these countless fantastic stretches of sand that Sussex specialises in, looking 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 possibly can assure your spot. Click on right here to prebook
A Blue Flag seaside, it’s a favorite with kite surfers (and kite flyers) whereas there are loads 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 occasions outdoors summer time, however in case you’re on the lookout 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 Could to September, however are welcome elsewhere and on the entire seaside outdoors these occasions.
For extra issues to do in Sussex with children, take a look at my high picks, in addition to concepts for extra day journeys from London with children and the very best castles in Sussex with children
*First printed 2018, up to date 2026*
PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST SANDY BEACHES IN SUSSEX
Disclosure: This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All opinions on the very best sandy seashores in Sussex are mine (and my daughter’s)
Pictures: Hastings/West Wittering pictures courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER