The Best Beaches and Outdoor Swimming Spots in Sussex
What better way to cool off from the hot (sometimes) summer sun, than with a refreshing dip in cool waters? Optional Pina Colada for apres swim.
Wild or open-water swimming is a booming trend in the UK with many people taking the plunge throughout the year, come rain or shine. Sussex is blessed with miles of coast and countryside, boasting ample places for wild swimming.
However, if you’d rather play it safe or keep it family-friendly in a designated swimming pool, there’s plenty to choose from. From long shingle beaches to luxurious lidos and freshwater pools, we run through the best spots for swimming in Sussex.
Please make sure to follow the latest advice from the National Water Safety Forum and only swim if you are fully prepared are aware of any risks.
Seaford Beach sunset (Photo credit: Dorte Januszewski)
Pools and lidos
Pells Pool, Lewes
Pells Pool in Lewes is the oldest freshwater outdoor swimming pool in the UK. This award-winning pool takes its water from an underground spring and is heated by the sun. It’s a popular spot for people of all ages and with adult prices from just £3, it is a great option for those wanting the safety of a pool without a huge cost. What’s more, you can even take your own food and drink.
Saltdean Lido, Brighton
Saltdean Lido is quite simply, stunning. Built in 1937 by architect RWH Jones, and greatly influenced by Modernist design, it is the only Grade II listed lido by the coast in the UK. While the lido was restored recently, following years of disuse, a project is underway to restore the art-deco community hub. With adult prices from £8 (exc. concessions) for half a day swim, it is a little more expensive than Pells Pools but you are paying for a slice of English seaside history.
saltdeanlido.org | Fusion-lifestyle.com
The Triangle, Burgess Hill
Part of a bigger sport and leisure centre, The Triangle has an outdoor lido which is open in the summer months. If the weather is not too pleasant, you might be tempted inside where they have fun for all the family. From flumes and rapids to jacuzzi baths.
Pells Pool, Lewes (Photo credit: @PellsPool, Twitter)
Saltdean Lido (Photo credit: saltdeanlido.org)
The best beaches for wild swimming
From Thorney Island, near Portsmouth, to Camber Sands, near Rye, there are dozens of beaches spanning the South East coastline. We have listed some of the best beaches you can discover whilst on your staycation, from West to East.
Thorney Island, West Sussex
This hidden gem is a virtually untouched natural habitat and a hotspot for wetland bird species. There is a nine mile circular walking route to follow, where you can discover sand and shingle beaches along the way.
West Wittering, West Sussex
Located at the mouth of Chichester Harbour, this gorgeous sandy beach is a popular spot. This beach offers something for everyone; ideal for sunbathing, paddling and water sports. Make sure to check parking availability before arrival, it can get busy as it is so popular!
Thorney Island
West Wittering Beach (Photo credit: westwitteringestate.co.uk)
East and West Beach in Littlehampton, West Sussex
This mile long stretch of sand and shingle is a long established seaside resort, with a promenade, theme park, and well-kept gardens. Littlehampton is also the home to the UK’s longest bench, at a surprising 1,000 feet!
Goring Gap Beach, West Sussex
A classic Sussex beach of pebble, shingle and sand. What’s not to like?
Brighton Beach, East Sussex
One of the UK’s most famous beaches, it has a constant buzz in all seasons. The Victorian Pier houses a traditional fairground, with doughnuts a must-try, but watch out for the bold seagulls!
Goring Gap Beach (Photo credit: experiencewestsussex.com)
Brighton Beach and Palace Pier (Photo credit: visitbrighton.com)
Saltdean Beach, East Sussex
Here you can enjoy a range of activities including swimming, snorkelling, and many water sports. Alternatively, take a relaxing promenade beneath the spectacular white cliffs. At low tide, explore the abundant rock pools for fascinating marine wildlife.
Tide Mills, East Sussex
Originally the site of a tidal mill in the 1760s, this stretch of coastline is now popular for cold water swimming, as well as being a popular walking and cycling route. Like a lot of the East Sussex coast, the beach is shingle at high tide and flat sand at lower tides.
Seaford Bay / Beach, East Sussex
Whilst Seaford Bay isn’t a sandy beach, that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. With a cycle path that runs along the beach and some lovely cafes, it is the perfect place for a dip in the sea.
Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex
Here you can get one of the best views of the Seven Sisters' famous white cliffs, and is a popular spot for anglers. The beach (and cliff backdrop) has been used as a film location for many great pictures, including Harry Potter.
Birling Gap, Eastbourne
A mix of pebbles and sand, and as the tide goes out numerous rock pools are revealed for you to explore. It is also a good place to go fossil hunting within the geologically important sedimentary layers.
Seaford Beach sunset (Photo credit: Dorte Januszewski)
Birling Gap Beach (Photo credit: sussexlive.co.uk)
Holywell beach, Eastbourne
There are rumours the name Holywell comes from a nearby spring, which was believed to have healing powers. This peaceful end to Eastbourne’s promenade is a quaint throwback to pre-war Britain.
Pevensey Bay, Eastbourne
Pevensey Bay is a quieter beach, and unusually for this area, it has no cliffs. It is also well known for being the landing place for William the Conqueror in 1066 before the Battle of Hastings.
Cooden Beach, Bexhill-on-Sea
Great for watersports such as kitesurfing, you won’t be disappointed with this typical Sussex beach.
Pett Level Beach, Hastings
Pett Level is a great place to explore, with a petrified forest at low tide, or just enjoy your time idling and sunbathing.
Winchelsea beach, East Sussex
This beautiful pebble beach was first developed as a resort in the early 20th century. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is just a short walk from this shingle beach.
Camber Sands, East Sussex
This beach is unusual for Sussex, you guessed it, because it is sandy! Camber Sands is home to the only sand dunes in East Sussex and is surprisingly untouched for such a popular spot. Perfect for the whole family, sandcastle building is a must.
Pevensey Bay (Photo credit: campsites.co.uk)
Camber Sands (Photo credit: Getty Images, countryfile.com)
For more information on many of the beaches listed, check out thebeachguide.co.uk which has dedicated directories for East Sussex and West Sussex.
We do like to be beside the seaside
Fancy a trip to the gorgeous Sussex seaside? The Grain Store is ideally located in the heart of Sussex. Explore the busier beaches such as Brighton or The Witterings, or venture to some of our hidden gems, such as Saltdean or Pett Level.
Please contact us for more information or book your stay now.