Holiday rentals in West Wittering

Located on the Manhood Peninsula near the entrance of Chichester Harbour in the English Channel, West Wittering is a small village famous for its immaculate golden-sand beaches and shallow waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The atmosphere is decidedly posh, due to the number of celebrities who call the area home. And it’s easy to see why: West Wittering is a postcard-perfect West Sussex town, sandwiched between the South Downs and the glittering sea, with glimpses of the Isle of Wight.

Nearby, you’ll find Chichester Harbour, a narrow inlet with long tentacles reaching into farmland and mudflats. The harbour provides a scenic backdrop for the tiny villages nestled along the shoreline where you can still find Roman remnants from 2,000 years ago. To its north, Thorney Island is a retreat for some of the country’s nesting bird species and a lovely coastal walking trail connecting to the Sussex Border Path.

Thanks to Southern England’s relatively mild climate and a plethora of things to do, there is no bad time to secure your West Wittering holiday lets. The summer months generally have the hottest, sunniest weather, which is great if you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach. However, this time can get quite busy, especially during the weekends, due to West Wittering’s proximity to London. The month-long Festival of Chichester takes place during this time, from mid-June to mid-July, and celebrates music and art. Spring and autumn are good times to visit, as the weather is still warm enough to wander along the beach and the crowds have thinned. Winter can get a bit cold, which gives you plenty of time to explore the neighbouring city of Chichester while still admiring the beauty of the coast.

West Wittering Beach

This sweeping stretch of golden sand lined with brightly painted beach huts, grassy sand dunes, and chilly water beckons with its gently caressing waves. The beach is popular for swimming thanks to its shallow water that is safe for all ages. From the beach, you get wonderful views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs.

Chichester Harbour

This gorgeous harbour and its surroundings are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and one of the few untouched coastal spots in Southern England. The harbour is extremely popular for boating and sailing, with scores of marinas and boatyards. Within Chichester Harbour, you can find an array of tiny villages, including Bosham, with its slew of Roman ruins, and Dell Quay, home to a medieval church and not much else.

Thorney Island

This wild island is located just off the West Sussex mainland, past a narrow channel known as the Great Deep. The island is teeming with native flora and fauna, including various bird species, such as brent geese, oystercatchers, and skylarks. You’ll also discover a 14-kilometre circular coastal path, which starts the Sussex Border Path, a 240-kilometre hiking trail.