Top Sussex Coastal Walks

Let us introduce you to the King Charles III England Coast Path . This brand-new route will cover the entirety of England’s coastline, hugging the sea as much as possible. Right now, you can enjoy a stunning section of the trail in Sussex, starting in West Wittering and ending in Eastbourne.

We've detailed four different walks you can choose from depending on where you'd like to start and finish, with public transport options are included.

The King Charles III England Coast Path is well signposted. Just look out for the National Trail’s acorn logo or signs for the King Charles III England Coast Path. Once you reach Seven Sisters, the route joins the South Downs Way National Trail.

Mindful about mobility? Much of the route is along flat, seafront promenades, and you can find stile-free stretches when you reach Seven Sisters Country Park.

View of the shingle beach and pier at Worthing seafront, sussex

West Wittering to Littlehampton

Your epic journey starts on a picturesque beach in West Wittering, not too far from Chichester Harbour. You’ll follow the coast to Bracklesham, before making a minor detour inland to the Medmerry Nature Reserve , an RSPB site that’s a haven for twitchers.

If you’re lucky enough, you’ll see birds of prey like peregrines and merlins gliding overhead. Visiting in late summer? Keep an eye out for flocks of swallows, as they congregate like a squadron preparing to migrate south for the winter.

It’s then back to the coastline and on towards Pagham Harbour , another RSPB site, host to a wealth of wildlife. You’ll soon reach your first big seaside town, Bognor Regis, where you’ll pass the iconic Butlin’s, before continuing to Climping Beach, a calming stretch of sand and shingle.

Next up, it’s your home for the night, Littlehampton. But first, you need to reach the mouth of the River Arun and follow it to a crossing, where you’ll see an array of moored boats. Entering Littlehampton, keep a look out for the East Beach Cafe , a RIBA award-winning building.

The nearest train station to the start line is Chichester, which is easily reachable from London by rail . From here, you can then get a 20-minute bus to West Wittering beach - numbers 52 or 53.

Littlehampton to Shoreham-by-Sea

From Littlehampton, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted coastal views all the way to Shoreham-by-Sea, following the flat, accessible promenade for the majority of the day. En route, you’ll pass through Worthing, a much-loved seaside town with an award-winning, grade-II listed pier. This is a good spot for a pitstop and there are plenty of top-notch restaurants for brunch or lunch. If you don’t mind carrying a little extra luggage, you must check out the East Beach Studios , where artists sell everything from ceramics to wood carvings.

Next you'll pass through Lancing, be sure to stop at Perch on the Beach for tasty refreshments. It’s then on to Shoreham Harbour, which you’ll trace until you reach the town centre, passing the houseboats at the mouth of the River Adur. If you're feeling adventurous then the Adur Centre offers an indoor climbing wall and watersports sessions for all.

Nearest stations: Littlehampton, Worthing & Shoreham by Sea

Brighton pier at low tide with the sun rising in the background

Brighton & Hove to Newhaven

Today, we’re making our way from the historic remains of the West Pier to Newhaven, as the shoreline starts to change and Sussex’s chalky cliffs emerge.

Strolling along Brighton’s seafront you'll pass Sussex’s tallest building, i360 , which offers unparalleled views over the county. It’s then on to the 3-mile Undercliff Walk until you reach Saltdean, where you’ll discover a stunning, grade -II listed lido , combining Modernist vibes with nostalgic feels. Fancy a dip? Oh, go on then.

If you’re peckish after the pool, head to The White Horses on Rottingdean seafront, to help you replenish some of those burnt calories. Rested, refuelled and ready to go, you’ll then make your way to Newhaven via the Castle Hill Local Nature Reserve , which passes the Newhaven Fort, a pivotal player in both World Wars.

Take a moment to soak up the scenery and enjoy the wildlife on show.

Train stations at Hove, Brighton and Newhaven. The 12/12x Coaster bus runs along this route - perfect for tired legs.

Aerial landscape of Cuckmere Haven river towards the Sussex coast

Newhaven to Eastbourne

Shortly after leaving Newhaven heading east, you’ll come across the derelict village of Tide Mills , which was abandoned in 1939. Today, you can still see the blueprint of an old 19 ^th century milling village on the coastal path.

As you walk, you’ll soon pass Cuckmere Haven , where the South Downs National Park meets the sea. This beauty spot provides an ideal location for a breather or picnic. The route then meanders up the River Cuckmere until you reach a crossing and enter Seven Sisters. There’s a lot to see and do here, so don’t rush. For something a bit different, you may even fancy paddleboarding on the waterways or hiring a bike.

After a couple of hours – assuming you haven’t stopped – you’ll arrive at Birling Gap . There’s a visitor centre and café here, as well as a walkway to the pebbles. Take a moment to search for fossils; they’d make the perfect memento. It’s then on to Beachy Head, where the finish line is within sight – quite literally. Having walked for four days, you’re now on the final 3-mile push to the foot of Eastbourne Pier . The end of the route.

Once you’ve finished, remember to celebrate with a well-deserved portion of fish n’ chips, followed by a hearty scoop of ice cream and maybe a glass or two of the local wine. You’ve earned it!

Accessibility: This coastal walk can be very hilly, getting quite steep in places. Make sure you have good shoes, plenty of water and some snacks to keep you going. If you have limited mobility, the Seven Sisters Easy Access Trail is an alternative 2.6-mile route along the valley floor to the mouth of the River Cuckmere.

Train stations at Newhaven and Eastbourne. Alternatively bus route 12/12x travels along the seafront route.