Beach, Europe, Family

Capturing West Wittering beach in winter

Much as we love to go abroad, we adore exploring what’s on offer here in the UK too. Last year we paid one of the country’s top beaches a visit when the temperature was pushing nearly thirty degrees. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, West Wittering Beach in Sussex is a large sandy beach located a stones throw away from Chichester Harbour. Knowing it was popular, we headed there one weekend bright and early. Armed with a small tent-like structure, to provide some shade, foldy chairs and a packed lunch, we found a great spot by the sand dunes.

With colourful beach huts behind us and magnificent views ahead, POD was off with her bucket and spade exploring the beach before 9am. It was just glorious. We ate ice-cream, dug a hole so big you could barely see her and we transformed her into a mermaid too. We left West Wittering before the inevitable crowds arrived, commenting it was probably a pretty awesome beach to visit in winter.

PODcast 6B5A3189For some reason we returned to this beauty spot on a less than pleasant day. Monsoon like rain lashed against the window and the drive there was so bad, we could barely see where we were going. The car park was waterlogged and we sat eating marmite sandwiches hoping the rain would ease. Someone must have been on our side that day because the rain did stop, not long after we’d finished eating. Quick as a flash, we donned coats, wellies and hats and made our way to the sand dunes. And suddenly, just like that, the wind lessened and there was a break in the clouds.

PODcast 6B5A3107Just as POD was walking towards the waves, we caught a glimpse of the sun and it’s rays. We even saw blue skies too albeit temporarily. POD squealed with delight and shouted “woo hoo” from the top of the sand banks. We explored the beach, collected shells and laughed as we ran away from the waves. Other than a few dog walkers and a handful of kite surfers, there was barely a soul around. It was stunning. With it being so cold we couldn’t stay too long but just wow, what a treat visiting West Wittering in winter.

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  • Nayna Kanabar February 22, 2016 at 11:23 am

    What a beautiful place, I love all the lovely photos you have captured.

    • Charly Dove February 22, 2016 at 12:51 pm

      Thank you Nayna 🙂

  • JuggleMum, Nadine Hill February 22, 2016 at 12:21 pm

    I love how you got there so early that it is just your daughter in the photos and no dog walkers or passers by!

    • Charly Dove February 22, 2016 at 12:51 pm

      Haha thanks Nadine – it’s nice to have no distractions in the background 🙂

  • Sonia February 23, 2016 at 10:05 am

    You really did capture it incredibly well. You an feel the chill in the air but still looks so beautiful x

  • Nell@PigeonPairandMe.com February 23, 2016 at 11:29 am

    I’e never visited West Wittering beach before. So many places to go along the south coast! I’ll add it to our list. I do love these beautiful pictures.

  • Clare @ Maybush Studio March 10, 2016 at 12:48 pm

    West Wittering is one of our favourite dog walking spots, you can actually see our house across the water (if you know where to look) from East Head (the spit at the end owned by the National Trust) Lovely spot!

  • Grandma Beth March 22, 2016 at 6:23 am

    This is a lovely post! I love to spend days and especially mornings on the beach with my granddaughter – calm time full of laughter.