Explore a distinctive shingle and sand beach on the English Channel with views of the Isle of Wight, perfect for family days out in West Sussex.

Bracklesham Bay is a 200.6-hectare coastal bay located on the Manhood Peninsula in West Sussex, offering families a unique seaside experience. The bay features a distinctive blend of shingle and sand, with stunning views across the English Channel toward the Isle of Wight, the Nab Tower lighthouse, and the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth on clear days. The area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its exceptional biological and geological importance. Visitors can discover the rich natural heritage, including important habitats for breeding and overwintering birds, salt marshes, reed beds, and fossiliferous deposits dating back millions of years. The nearby Medmerry RSPB nature reserve, created through a landmark managed realignment scheme completed in 2013, provides additional opportunities for wildlife spotting and nature education. The beach is ideal for families seeking outdoor activities in a free-entry location. With food available nearby and dog-friendly access, it welcomes visitors of all ages. The combination of sandy and shingle stretches makes it suitable for seaside exploration, beachcombing, and learning about coastal geology and ecology. The area is well-suited to families with young children, including those with pushchairs, making it an accessible South Coast destination.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Lady Butterfly

a year ago

Warm water. Nice fossils on the beach.More quiet then nearby beaches around Witterings.

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Fobby

7 years ago

My Favorite Beach. If your lucky you can find some great fossils, such as Shark & Ray Teeth. Also after a storm is good as you can come across many different and wonderful things such as Starfish, Crabs & Cuttlefish.

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lesley banks

7 years ago

Nice beach, and if you like beach combing then this is a great place for fossil hunting. Eocene fossils, including shark and Ray teeth, plus fossilised shells. Love it!

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Alex Hale

7 years ago

brackelsham beach at sunset. cycled down along sand from east wittering to brackelsham. stones high tide sandy beach low tide

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Sharon Lum

9 years ago

I love it personally not a hive of activity but great place for paddle boarding & kite surfing It used to be a bit of a retirement place but the young are inhabiting the seas. There are a lot of smooth hound here for fishing if you are into that sort of thing.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026