The Witterings – History, Beaches & Local Area Guide
Made up of West Wittering and East Wittering, The Witterings is one of the South Coast’s most sought-after seaside destinations. With beautiful beaches, independent cafés, watersports, coastal walks and charming village life, it attracts visitors throughout the year.
With Bracklesham Bay blending almost seamlessly into East Wittering, this stretch of coastline offers some of the best beach holidays in West Sussex. From family beach days and paddleboarding to long walks and stylish seafront dining, The Witterings has something for everyone.
History of The Witterings
The Witterings sit on the historic Manhood Peninsula, which also includes Bracklesham, Selsey and neighbouring coastal villages. Historically, this area was believed to have been an island before surrounding creeks gradually silted up and connected it to the mainland.
Known as the Hundred of Manhood, the region dates back to Anglo-Saxon times and once had its own courts and local government until the traditional “hundreds” system was abolished during the 19th century.
One of the area’s most significant landmarks is the Church of St Peter and St Paul in West Wittering. Records of the church date back to around 740 AD. It was destroyed during Viking raids between 950 and 1010, rebuilt in stone between 1016 and 1035, and rebuilt again following the Norman invasion of 1066. Today, it remains a key part of the village’s heritage.
Coastal Character & Village Charm
Architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner once described East and West Wittering as “a jumble of bungalows and chalets near the beach,” and while the villages have evolved, that relaxed seaside charm still defines the area today.
East Wittering’s village centre is full of independent shops, family-run cafés and local businesses that give the high street real personality. Traditional butchers, greengrocers and bakeries sit alongside modern coffee spots and coastal restaurants, creating a village that feels authentic rather than overdeveloped.
This balance of old and new is exactly why so many people return to The Witterings year after year.
Restaurants, Cafés & Modern Coastal Living
The Witterings continue to thrive as one of West Sussex’s favourite coastal destinations, with excellent local restaurants and cafés adding to the appeal.
The Beach at Bracklesham (formerly Billy’s on the Beach) has become one of the area’s most popular seafront dining spots, known for its beachside setting, brunches and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Drifters remains a firm local favourite, offering a sunny terrace, cocktails and a vibrant summer atmosphere just moments from the beach.
The reopening of The Wittering has also brought fresh energy to the village, providing a stylish local pub and restaurant that reflects the strong community spirit of the area.
Alongside this, many homes across East and West Wittering have been beautifully modernised, creating a wide range of holiday accommodation, from cosy cottages and family beach houses to luxury waterfront homes and contemporary coastal retreats.
Beaches, Watersports & Outdoor Adventures
With more than three miles of accessible coastline, The Witterings offers some of the best beaches in West Sussex.
From the stony shoreline of Bracklesham Bay to the famous white sands of West Wittering Beach, the beaches attract families, surfers, paddleboarders, sailors, dog walkers and nature lovers all year round.
Nearby East Head is one of the South Coast’s most peaceful beauty spots, with sand dunes, calm waters and stunning walking routes overlooking Chichester Harbour.
Whether you are visiting for watersports, beach cafés, coastal walks, family holidays or simply a slower pace of life by the sea, The Witterings offers a timeless seaside escape people return to again and again.