Top 5 Beaches in Sussex for Children

Is there anything better than a traditional seaside holiday to create wonderful, long-lasting memories? From donkey rides to stunning vistas, the Sussex coast has it all! So, pack your bucket and spade and head down to one of our top five kid-friendly beaches…

Brighton Beach

Nationally revered, Brighton beach is famed for its seafront, lined with cafes, restaurants, bars and two piers. The currents are strong and the water gets deep quickly so it’s not ideal for swimming but you can dip your toes in to cool off.

For spectacular views, the British Airways i360 boasts stunning views along the coastline. Step into the glass viewing pod and glide up 138 metres, ideal for spotting local scenery, wind turbines, rooftop artwork and…too late, they’ve spotted the fairground!

The Brighton Palace Pier features attractions for the whole family, with a variety of rides for differing heights. Slap on your wristbands and bounce on the trampolines, slide on the helter-skelter, and test your nerves on the turbo rollercoaster.

Let your stomach settle with a trip to the Sea Life Centre. Built in Victorian times, it is the world’s oldest aquarium, with seven zones and experiences. Take a trip on the glass bottomed boat for a truly magical view of the awesome creatures below.

East Beach, Littlehampton

The award-winning East Beach is a safe favourite, with over a mile stretch of sand and shingle. When the tide goes out there are plenty of pools for kids to explore. A lifeguard is on patrol during the summer months and a ‘Kidcare’ wristband system will ensure you’re reunited with any lost family members.

Spend your spare change at the arcades, stroll along the promenade and marvel at the blooms in the seafront garden. Adrenaline junkies can head to Harbour Park (free to enter) which has plenty of fairground rides and a soft play area for the little ones. You can even take your furry friend on a lead in the outdoor areas.

And when the tiredness sets in, you can sit on a bench. But not just any old bench, oh no! Take a pew on the UK’s longest bench, designed by local children and spanning a whopping 1,000 feet in length. Complete your day with ice cream or fish and chips because seaside law dictates you must do one…or both!

Eastbourne & Holywell Beach

There are so many things to do in Eastbourne, you’ll never hear ‘we’re bored!’ Wander along the pier, ride the tourist train or visit the Italian Gardens which back onto the beach. Again, the strip is mostly shingle, but with sandy parts interspersed here and there.

For hours of unadulterated fun, head over to Treasure Island, a pirate-themed adventure park which features both outdoor and indoor adventures - perfect for when the heavens open! The indoor ‘Buccaneer’s Adventure’ is a soft play area on two levels with slides and zip lines.

If the sun is shining, putt some balls at ‘Pirate’s Adventure Golf’ which boasts an 18-hole miniature course, including caves and alligators. Just make sure to count your party before and after!

West Wittering

Enough of the shingles I hear you shout! Fear not, for we have the perfect place for your sand sculpture masterpieces. West Wittering, a Blue Flag beach in West Sussex, is full of golden sand and glorious dunes.

Don’t forget to pack the binoculars, as Chichester Harbour is the perfect place to do a spot of wildlife watching. Thousands of Brent Geese visit the area each year and mingle with waders, ducks, herons, terns and cormorants. You might even see an Atlantic Grey Seal resting on the mud.

Climping Beach

And finally, if you’re after something a little quieter, head over to Climping Beach, this overlooked little gem.

Set out your area, pitch your chairs, lay the blanket and enjoy a full day of pure beach fun. Lather on the lotion then bury the kids, build a castle with a moat, scream and run from crabs then munch on sandy sandwiches.

But ssshh…keep it a secret!

More activities in Sussex

Upcoming children's activities in East Sussex on Hoop

Upcoming children's activities in West Sussex on Hoop

10 reasons to take your kids to Brighton beach

Activities for children at Camber Sands

Things to do at West Wittering with kids

Fancy some history? Check out the best castles to visit with kids in Sussex

Photo by Max Goncharov on Unsplash