East Head
West Wittering, Coast
Photo: David Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0Photo: David Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0
A sand and shingle spit at the mouth of Chichester Harbour, one of the last stretches of natural coastline in West Sussex. Shifting dunes give way to salt marsh, with a sandy beach for walking and playing and yachts anchored off the northern tip, where seals sometimes appear. It sits at the end of West Wittering beach.
Highlights
- Rare, fast-changing sand dune habitat
- Sandy beach facing Chichester Harbour
- Salt marsh with sea holly and marram grass
- East Head and Ellanore circular walk
Good to know
- Dogs are welcome but must stay out of the roped-off dunes, especially in bird nesting season
- No barbecues or open fires
- The Salterns Way cycle route runs about 7 miles from Chichester
Getting there
East Head, Coast Guard Lane, West Wittering, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 8AJParking: Park at West Wittering Beach car park (not National Trust), which must be booked in advance and charges everyone including members. Otherwise park in West Wittering village and walk via Pound Road.
Get directionsChecked on 16 October 2026 against nationaltrust.org.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
Nearby
Image: West Wittering EstateWest Wittering Beach
A wide Blue Flag sandy beach at the mouth of Chichester Harbour, with the sand spit of East Head at one end and plenty of room to spread out. Out of season it is one of the best dog-walking beaches on the south coast.
Image: RSPBRSPB Pagham Harbour
A sheltered tidal inlet on the Selsey peninsula and an internationally important wetland, with saltmarsh, mudflats, lagoons, reedbeds and shingle beach. Trails lead from the visitor centre past the old Sidlesham tramway to hides over the harbour, with nesting terns in summer and Brent geese in winter.
Image: The Sussex Archaeological SocietyFishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens
The remains of a vast Roman palace on the edge of Chichester, with mosaic floors under cover in the North Wing and a replanted formal garden outside. Allow time for the museum displays and the film before a stroll round the grounds.