A beach location near London has been praised as ‘lovely’, but locals have said they want to keep the ‘hidden gem’ location a ‘secret’ from tourists so it doesn’t get too busy
This coastal gem, located just two hours from London, might well be amongst the south coast’s best-kept secrets. With the school holidays now underway and glorious sunshine persisting, many families are searching for nearby destinations that promise memorable days out.
Beaches remain perennially popular during this season, and Britain is fortunate to possess numerous stretches of stunning coastline. For those based in London seeking somewhere to bask in the sunshine and enjoy a refreshing swim, a south coast beach that’s currently gaining attention online could prove ideal – and it’s a spot predominantly known only to locals.
In a TikTok video, a woman called Rach enthusiastically recommended West Wittering beach, a beautiful sandy stretch located in the village of West Wittering, situated within West Sussex’s Chichester district. Both the village and beach lie just over two hours from London by car, making them perfectly positioned for a spontaneous day trip.
Rach’s footage showcased various views of the beach, featuring pristine white sand and crystal-clear azure waters that could easily deceive viewers into believing they’d jetted off to Spain or Greece.
Her caption read: “This is West Wittering beach in the UK”, accompanied by a heart-eyes emoji. Comments beneath the post revealed a divide over Rach’s choice to publicise the beach.
Numerous residents pleaded with her to “keep this a secret” to prevent the spot becoming swamped with visitors, while others who’d never been were keen to make the trip.
One commenter wrote: “Oh no, please keep this a secret.”
Another remarked: “It used to be a hidden gem, and now it’s so over hyped. I loved going there every summer as a child. We didn’t live that far, but it still felt like a holiday.”
A third quipped: “You can delete this now that I’ve seen it!”
While entry to West Wittering beach is complimentary, motorists must pay for parking. Those travelling during busy periods can also reserve a parking spot in advance to avoid disappointment upon arrival.
Pre-booking also offers a modest saving on parking fees, dropping from £8 to £6.50 for weekday visits, and from £12 to £9 at weekends and bank holidays.
The beach boasts over 1,400 TripAdvisor reviews, with many praising it as ideal for families. That said, numerous visitors highlighted that car parking costs can be steep, particularly without advance booking.
One reviewer noted: “Beautiful beach. Lifeguards work tirelessly to inform everyone of changes in the water and tidal direction, making it feel very safe. Huge beach, clear water and perfect for kayaking and swimming.”
Another commented: “Very well organised, clean. An excellent day out. A great day for kids and our dog. This is going to be our favourite go to beach.”
