Beaches near Brighton

Brighton has been a beach resort since the 18th century and the birth of modern tourism. This town, located on the southern coast of England and enjoying some of the best weather in the UK, steadily transformed from a fishing village to a place to enjoy sea bathing as the Industrial Revolution created a new class of wealthy people. And when the railways arrived here in 1841, connecting the city to London, Brighton transformed itself completely into a place built around spending time by the sea.

It's still that today. But because of its interesting history, Brighton is a great place to explore the past as well as spend some time enjoying the beach. With some of the best beaches in the country located nearby, this jewel of the south coast is a perfect place to explore sand dunes, rock pools, and the stunning Seven Sisters cliffs, one of the most iconic sites anywhere on England's south coast.

Brighton is also a great town to explore, with a quirky vibe that celebrates local culture and the UK's liveliest LGBT scene. Whether you want to enjoy great nightlife or spend family time enjoying the beach, you can do it here. To make sure you maximize your time in this lovely area, Don't be weighed down or inconvenienced by your extra luggage. Our Brighton luggage storage locations can store heavy suitcases, shopping bags, and beach gear when you don't need them.

Our picks for 3 great beaches in and around Brighton

Brighton and the surrounding Sussex beaches have a range of environments to explore, from soft sand to pebbles that lead to great water clarity. You can enjoy the popular beach in town and all the attractions of Brighton Pier, or had little further out of town and enjoy somewhere a little more natural. Either way, you'll find everything you need to make your beach day memorable, including picnic facilities, activities for kids, and exciting watersports.

Birling Gap Beach

Birling Gap Beach is located approximately 40 kilometers east of Brighton, nestled between Eastbourne and Seaford on the famous South Downs. The beach is accessible by car, and it takes about 45 minutes to an hour from Brighton via scenic coastal roads. If you’re using public transportation, you can take a train to Eastbourne or Seaford and then a local bus or taxi to Birling Gap, which will take around 1.5 hours in total.

Birling Gap Beach is known for its dramatic white chalk cliffs, part of the Seven Sisters range, and its pebble beach that transforms into sandy shores at low tide. The striking cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop and the views of the rugged coastline are stunning. This area is a favorite for photographers and nature lovers due to the awe-inspiring scenery. The beach is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), so it’s a great spot to explore rock pools, search for fossils, or enjoy a quiet coastal walk along the cliffs.

Unlike the busier beaches in Brighton, Birling Gap is a more secluded and peaceful location, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. Swimming is possible, but due to the strong currents and pebbly shore, it’s best to exercise caution.

In addition to exploring the beach, Birling Gap is a gateway to the South Downs National Park, where you can hike the popular Seven Sisters Cliff Walk that rewards hikers with amazing panoramic views of the coastline. The National Trust Café and visitor center at Birling Gap provide a great spot to grab a drink or snack while learning about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife. You can also take in the historic Belle Tout Lighthouse, just a short walk away, for even more impressive views of the coast.

This incredible beach is all about outdoor exploration. That means you'll have a much better time exploring the tidal pools, wandering across the pebbly beach, and especially hiking the dramatic cliffs if you leave your heavy bags behind. Bounce provides convenient luggage storage around Brighton and across the world, meaning you never have to look far for a place to drop off your things. Let our network of local businesses take care of your bags while you treat yourself to an unparalleled outdoor adventure.

West Wittering Beach

You'll find West Wittering Beach west of Brighton, near Chichester in West Sussex. By car, the journey takes about an hour to an hour and a half, and there is a large, well-maintained car park close to the beach, but it’s advisable to book parking online during the summer months as it fills up quickly. If you’re traveling by public transportation, you can take a train from Brighton Station to Chichester, which takes around an hour, and then a local bus or taxi to reach the beach, adding another 20-30 minutes to your journey.

West Wittering Beach has a wide, unspoiled stretch of soft, golden sand, and Blue Flag status for cleanliness and water quality. Unlike the pebble beaches found closer to Brighton, West Wittering offers miles of sandy shoreline, which should suit families, beachgoers, and water sports enthusiasts. The beach is a haven for activities like kite surfing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, thanks to the shallow waters and constant breeze. The natural beauty of the area, with views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs in the distance, creates a peaceful and scenic backdrop for a relaxing day by the sea.

West Wittering also has protected sand dunes and salt marshes, home to various wildlife - ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers. It’s a tranquil escape with plenty of space to spread out, even on busy summer days.

Beyond the beach, you can explore the nearby East Head Nature Reserve, a picturesque spit of land with dunes and salt marshes, ideal for walking and observing local flora and fauna. There are also designated picnic areas and facilities, making it a great spot for a family day out. For those interested in water sports, equipment rentals and lessons for surfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding are available at the beach.

West Wittering Beach is also close to the historic town of Chichester, where you can explore charming streets, shops, and the famous Chichester Cathedral if you’re looking to combine a beach day with some sightseeing.

Brighton Beach

Of course, we couldn't finish this list without mentioning Brighton Beach itself. If you want a family-friendly beach that is packed with great attractions and is close to everything the city offers, this is the option for you.

Brighton Beach is separated into two parts, the East Beach with its amusement park, restaurants, and attractions, and the more natural West Beach. Brighton Beach is located right in the heart of Brighton, making it incredibly easy to reach from almost anywhere in the city. If you’re arriving from London, it’s a quick one-hour train ride to Brighton Station, followed by a 10-15 minute walk down to the beach. Brighton’s local bus services also make getting to the beach convenient from surrounding areas, and if you’re driving, parking is available in nearby car parks, though it can be limited on busy days.

Brighton Beach is famous for its lively, pebbly shore and vibrant atmosphere, offering a quintessential British seaside experience. The beach stretches for about five miles, with plenty of space for sunbathing, picnicking, or just enjoying the fresh sea air. One of its most notable features is the Brighton Palace Pier, a Victorian-era structure complete with amusement rides, arcade games, a skate park, a children's play area, and food stalls offering classic seaside treats like fish and chips and ice cream. The clear waters are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

The beach also has a buzzing social scene, with beachfront bars, restaurants, and cafes lining the promenade. In the summer, the beach comes alive with events, live music, and beachgoers enjoying the sun.

In addition to relaxing by the sea, there’s plenty to explore along Brighton Beach’s famous Seafront Promenade. You can visit the Brighton i360, a soaring observation tower offering panoramic views of the coastline and city, or take a stroll to the nearby Brighton Marina for more restaurants, shops, and water activities. The beach is also home to the Artists’ Quarter, where local artists sell handmade crafts and artwork from converted fishermen’s arches. Alternatively, take a stroll to Hove Lagoon, an excellent place for water sports of all kinds, especially the paddling pool for the kids.

Brighton’s iconic West Pier may be a skeletal remnant of its former self, but it still offers a photogenic silhouette, especially at sunset. The beach is also popular for watersports, with opportunities for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing. For something different, take a ride on a traditional seaside carousel, or rent a deckchair and enjoy people-watching along the bustling promenade.

In reality, there are too many great beaches near Brighton to experience in a single trip. You can also head to ones like Climping Beach, which changes drastically with the tide and the grassy banks of Camber Sands are great in the height of summer when everything is busy. Wherever you end up, know that Bounce can make your beach experience even better by securely storing your non-essential items while you explore.