Major city · United Kingdom
Bracklesham Bay
Go for one day of beach and fossil-hunting, or 2 nights if you want West Wittering and Chichester Harbour; skip as a base without a car.
Bracklesham Bay is a shingle-and-sand bay on the Manhood Peninsula in West Sussex, 15–20 min by bus from Chichester. It is a windsurfing, kitesurfing and fossil-hunting coast rather than a resort town: beds are mostly caravans and campsites, so most visitors come for a day or a short self-catering stay.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (cold, wet, many places closed)
- Airports
- LGW · SOU · LHR
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bracklesham Bay999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bracklesham Bay, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyLow-crime, family-oriented coast; the real risks are tides and cold water, wind and kite lines on the beach…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 or 112 police, fire, ambulance · 111 NHS non-urgent · 101 police non-urgent (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckLGW London Gatwick (Rail to Chichester, then bus 52/53; times check).
- Getting aroundStagecoach South 52 and 53 loop Chichester–Birdham–Bracklesham–East Wittering–West Wittering in daytime; schedules vary by season and day…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a beach café£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- BeerPint of draught beer£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£6–12 (≈ US$8–16)
- Budget bedCampsite pitch, tent, a night, per room£18 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedB&B or pub double room, a night, per room£120 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedB&B or pub double room, a night, per room£190 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £75 (≈ US$100) · High £130 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LGW London Gatwick (Rail to Chichester, then bus 52/53; times check) · SOU Southampton (Rail to Chichester, then bus 52/53; times check) · LHR London Heathrow (Rail via London or Reading; times check)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest May (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bracklesham Bay: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Stagecoach South 52 and 53 loop Chichester–Birdham–Bracklesham–East Wittering–West Wittering in daytime; schedules vary by season and day, so check current Stagecoach times before you rely on a specific departure. The 53 runs the reverse way. Salterns Way is a signed cycle route from Chichester to West Wittering and East Head, partly on busy roads. Taxis exist but wheelchair-accessible cars usually come from Chichester or Selsey.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30–40 min
Bus 52/53 from Bracklesham or East Wittering
Cathedral, Roman palace at Fishbourne and the rail station for onward trains.
Selsey
cautionDoor to door: About 25 min by car
Compass 150, or 20 min by car
Bus 150 is very infrequent; drive or taxi.
West Itchenor
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Car or bike via the B2179, then solar boat trips in Chichester Harbour
Harbour trips and the foot ferry towards Bosham.
Door to door: About 50 min by car
Car via the A27, or bus to Chichester then train
Castle and wetland centre; a full day.
Door to door: About 1 h 10 min
Car via the A27, or bus to Chichester then train
Better as a rail day trip from Chichester than from the bay.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
East Wittering
Shops, pharmacy, cafés and the bus loop; the practical base without a car.
Bracklesham
Closest to the fossil beach and Billy's on the Beach; quiet at night.
West Wittering
Best for the sandy beach and East Head; fewer beds, higher summer prices.
Stubcroft Farm area
Campsite and caravan pitches on a working farm, 15 min walk to East Wittering.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–110 (≈ US$95–150) excl. bed
- High
- £110 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B or pub double room1 × 2 nights × £120 | £240 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × £75 | £300 |
| Bus Chichester ↔ East Wittering, both ways2 × £8 | £16 |
| West Wittering beach car park, one day1 × £12 · check | £12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £8 | £16 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £58 |
| Trip total≈ £161 per person per day, bed included | £642≈ US$900 |
2026 estimate in pounds; travel to the area excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a beach café | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Fish and chips or a pub main | £12–20 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Pint of draught beer | £4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Bus fare Chichester → East Wittering | £2–4 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Campsite pitch per night | from £18 (≈ US$25) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £6–12 (≈ US$8–16) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The beach is shingle with sand only at low tide; check tide times before walking out.
- The shore and Medmerry are a protected SSSI: check current site notices for what you may collect or disturb before you take anything.
- West Wittering beach car park hours vary by season and it can fill on summer weekends; check the estate's site before driving.
- Bus 150 from Selsey is very infrequent; do not rely on it.
- Many cafés and pubs close early outside summer; last food orders are often before 21:00.Many cafés and pubs close early outside summer; last food orders are often before 9:00 PM.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999 or 112
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
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Bracklesham BayBracklesham Bay
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999 or 112
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies here; the US Embassy is in London. Consular help for most countries is in London, with some consulates in Southampton or Portsmouth (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Chichester → East Wittering: £2–4 (≈ US$3–6), about 30–40 min
- Taxi Chichester → Bracklesham: £20–30 (≈ US$30–40)
- West Wittering beach car park: about £12 (≈ US$16) per day in summer (check)
Say or show
- Two returns to East Wittering, please — Two tickets to East Wittering, please
- Is this the 52 or the 53? — Is this the 52 or the 53?
- What time is low tide? — What time is low tide?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the nearest pharmacy? — Where is the nearest pharmacy?
Tipping: 10–12.5% in restaurants if no service charge is added; not expected in pubs.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bracklesham Bay. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (cold, wet, many places closed) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LGW and SOU: last bus 52/53 times field-checked, taxi fallback from Chichester, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Bracklesham Lane, East Wittering village, West Wittering beach and East Head, Medmerry.
- Place pages with verified tide windows for fossil hunting and beach cutoffs, plus eat pages with last orders.
- Tide and weather fixtures so beach days can go green or be swapped for Chichester.
Sources
- officialWest Sussex County Council — Witterings Library
- officialChichester District Council — coastal recreation byelaws and slipways
- officialWest Wittering Beach
- officialNational Trust — East Head
- officialRSPB — Medmerry Reserve
- officialChichester Harbour Conservancy — solar heritage boat trips
- secondaryWikivoyage: Bracklesham Bay, revision 4796738 (CC BY-SA 4.0)