East Wittering, a seaside village on the Manhood Peninsula in West Sussex, is being highlighted as the perfect destination for an autumn staycation. Known locally as 'God's pocket' due to its balmy microclimate, the village enjoys better weather than neighbouring towns, making it an appealing choice even as summer ends.
A thriving high street and beach walks
While swimming may be off the table in colder months, the village offers a shingled beach where visitors can walk at low tide across exposed soft golden sand. After taking in the sea air, the bustling high street is packed with independent shops, cafes, and pubs.
Visitors can start the day with coffee from Ground, located on Shore Street just a stone's throw from the beach, followed by a sit-down breakfast at The Boulevard.
Independent shopping and local crafts
East Wittering is renowned for its number of independent shops. Highlights include Let's Go Back for vintage style and fashion, The Artisan Shoppe for locally crafted art and jewellery, Wittering Surf Shop for outdoor enthusiasts, and V.A Design Studios, run by local artist Victoria, which sells everything from large-scale paintings to hand-drawn cards.
Cosy pubs for a post-browse pint
No weekend browse is complete without a pint, and East Wittering has several options. The Shore Inn, nestled by the main beach entrance, is a lively, dog-friendly pub with outdoor seating for catching early autumn sun and frequently hosts live music. Slightly further afield, about a 10-minute drive away in West Wittering, The Lamb Inn is an 18th-century country pub with a characterful beer garden.
