West Wittering (the ‘poshest village in Sussex’)
West Wittering is a short (bumpy) bus ride from the harbour city of Chichester, and nearby Selsey boasts the cleanest waters in England, with views over the English Channel.
It was home to TV astronomer Sir Patrick Moore. One boy who went to school here was actor Nicholas Lyndhurst (he’s quite posh, he ‘learned’ the Peckham accent to play Rodney Trotter).
If out walking, follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs on leads near steep banks (and away from toxic spring bulbs). If at the coast, read how to keep dogs safe by the seaside (check for beach bans, before travel).
These dunes and saltmarshes are home to rare wildlife, so never walk on sand dunes (keep to designated paths). Keep dogs away from nesting birds and seals (they often hide pups in dunes).
West Sussex is a large county in southeast England (the sunniest in the country). It has lots of (mostly pebbly) beaches, and inland pretty villages. But it also is home to urban areas like Gatwick Airport.
Singer Michael Ball describes this place as ‘heaven on earth’, and one person who owned an estate here was Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards.
The sandy beach has wooden groynes that are placed to prevent coastal erosion. This is also as the area is home to rare wildlife and unique geology. Note that dog beach bans apply for part of the year, and disposable barbecues are banned.
What makes West Wittering so exclusive?
The village has a kind of quiet shine. You notice it in the neat lanes, the large houses hidden behind hedges, and the sense of space. Nothing feels flashy. Instead, it feels private, settled and a bit protected from the rush of modern life.
Part of that comes down to supply. West Wittering isn’t large, and it can’t easily spread. Sea, harbour, farmland and planning limits all help keep it compact. As a result, homes here are scarce, and demand stays high. That pushes prices up, but it also shapes the mood of the place.
The village’s image also rests on how well it holds together. There are handsome houses, tidy gardens and a strong sense that people care how the place looks. That doesn’t mean every corner is perfect. It means the whole setting feels looked after, and that has its own pull.
A prime spot (beach, harbour, countryside)
Location is the heart of the story. West Wittering sits beside one of Sussex’s best-known beaches, and it also has easy access to Chichester Harbour. So you get two different kinds of coast in one place, open sea and sheltered water.
That matters because the landscape feels varied without feeling busy. One day it’s all dunes, wind and wide skies. The next it’s creeks, boats and salt marsh. In addition, the surrounding countryside softens everything. The village never feels hemmed in.
For buyers and visitors alike, that balance is rare. You can walk to the sea, watch birds near the harbour, then head back through quiet lanes. Sussex has many attractive villages, but few bring together beach, sailing water and rural calm in quite the same way.
House prices and quiet luxury
Property prices help explain the “posh” tag, even if they don’t explain all of it. Homes here are expensive by most standards, and some are used as second homes or holiday lets. That has long added to the sense that West Wittering is a place people aspire to rather than simply move to.
Yet the wealth on show is usually understated. You see quality rather than showiness, big windows, weatherboard, gravel drives, old brick walls. It’s more cashmere than glitter. Because of that, the village can feel affluent without feeling loud.
A slower pace away from city life
Away from the sand, West Wittering still holds its charm. Roads are quieter than in nearby holiday towns, and many homes sit behind trees or low walls, which keeps the village calm. Even in peak season, parts of it feel tucked away.
That slower pace draws people in. Coastal walks, cycle rides and short trips to the harbour all fit easily into the day. So the village becomes more than a beach stop. It feels like a place built for breathing out.
For London buyers, weekend visitors and local families, that sense of escape has real value. It’s not dramatic or loud. Instead, it’s the sort of calm that creeps up on you, then makes other places feel too full.
Holbrook Animal Rescue (needs a new home)
Holbrook Animal Rescue in nearby Horsham does wonderful work rescuing dogs for adoption. Founded nearly 30 years ago, the old property has been sold (and the council refused planning permission for a new site).
Set up the shelter as your cause at easyfundraising (anytime you spend with participating shops or services, the sanctuary receives a portion of the sale, at no cost to you). If everyone did this, they could buy a place outright.
Bognor Regis (more regal than it sounds!)
Back in the day, Bognor Regis was the destination of choice for royal seaside visits. Even today, you can see the old grand hotels, although it could do with a bit of a makeover.
Arundel (a beautiful town on the River Arun)
Even if you’re not religious, you’ll be impressed by Arundel Cathedral. The Gothic architecture blends beautifully with the River Arun, where you can spot it ‘peeking from behind the trees’. Built in the 19th century, the cathedral is known for its choir performances.
The nearby castle is controversial, due to the owner breeding pheasants for shooting, and setting snares that have trapped other wildlife, and domestic dogs. Yet as a Roman Catholic, he is the ‘most senior representative’ for his faith at Vatican City. God knows what Saint Francis of Assisi would think?
The Guardian reports that in his time of sitting in the House of Lords (21 years), the Duke has made no speeches, asked no written questions, and voted just 12 times (7 to vote in favour of hunting).
