Have you heard about the England Coast Path? When it’s completed it will be the longest, managed coastal path in the world! 2700 miles long, running all the way around the coast of England.
Our section; East Head to Shoreham by Sea, opened this month. 44 miles long; with better signage, new boardwalks and improved path surfaces, it’s never been a better time to visit this part of the Sussex coast.
This stretch of England’s coastline offers an eclectic mix of dune-backed beaches, seaside resorts and nature reserves. There are areas of outstanding beauty, interspersed with cool cafes and restaurants to fuel your walks. A perfect mix for a holiday in our humble opinion!
The Coastliner bus 700 runs from Brighton, all the way to Littlehampton and then there are connections from there to the Chichester beaches of Bracklesham and the Witterings. So you can pick and choose which bits you walk, or walk one way, bus back the other. The train is also a good option for this kind of adventure, as Angmering station is close by our holiday cottages and runs to the East and the West along the coast.
If you don’t want to get in the car and just walk from the front door, you could head to the beach from Driftwood Corner or Little Driftwood and pick up the eastward path; there’s a sign in the carpark. You can walk along the greensward or the beach, all the way along to Worthing if you’re feeling energetic! It’s about 5 miles and your options for food once there are numerous. We think a really nice one is the Perch on the Pier – fab in any weather and with amazing surround views out on the pier. You then have your 5 miles back, to walk off any indulgent desserts you had!
The other option would be to head west, again you will see the England Coast Path sign as soon as you hit the beach. It’s about 3.5 miles along the greensward or beach, to the river at Littlehampton. If you’re feeling really fit, you could head over the pedestrian bridge to West Beach and check out our answer to West Wittering!
Refreshment options could be at The Beach in Littlehampton or East Beach café – a bit further along towards the river.
If you want to explore further afield, then you could take the car and park at West Beach, then head west towards Climping and onto Middleton. We love this bit of coastline, as it’s always quiet yet beautiful -and the dogs and children love playing in the dunes. The sea defences at Middleton are pretty cool to see too. Then you can either walk back or you could get a bus from Bognor or Middleton back to Littlehampton.
In the other direction from our holiday houses, you have Widewater Lagoon at Lancing, which is teeming with birdlife. Or head further west and you’re sure to see a seal or two in Pagham harbour with plenty of birdlife as well.
Get in touch if there’s a specific bit of the England Coast Path you want to do and you need help with logistics or planning.
If you would like to find out more about our two self catering holiday cottages check out Driftwood Stays.