East Head
Shifting sand dunes, salt marsh and flowing tides
East Head
Overview
Shifting sand dunes, salt marsh and flowing tides
Visit one of the last surviving pieces of natural coastline in West Sussex. East Head is an example of the nationally rare and fragile, yet dynamic, sand-dune habitat.
Walk, play and sunbathe on the beach, which is considered one of the best in Sussex. Or just admire the yachts that anchor off the northern end, where you may spot the occasional seal.
Explore East Head’s distinct habitats - shingle, sandy beach and dunes that graduate into salt-marsh. Maritime plants, such as the tough-leaved sea holly and sea bindweed, grow through the sand. In summer, they’re at their vibrant, colourful best. Look too for the distinctive marram grass, which needs the cover of the shifting sands to be able to grow.
- Telephone
- 01243814730
- southdownscentral@nationaltrust.org.uk
East Head
How to get here
- Address
- Coast Guard Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 8AJ
- By cycle
- 7 miles along the Salterns Way from Chichester to East Head. The last mile is on road. Chichester will be on National Cycle Network Route 2, although parts of this are still under development
- On foot
- 7 miles from Chichester; to avoid busy roads try the Salterns Way cycle route
- By train
- Chichester, 7 miles. For connection, see 'By Bus'
- By road
- A286 south from Chichester. At Birdham roundabout go right, then follow signs to West Wittering beach
- Parking: Parking at West Wittering [not NT; charges apply for all including NT members] must be pre-booked at <a href="http://www.westwitteringbeach.co.uk/parking.html">West Wittering Beach car park </a> ; else park in West Wittering, take Pound Road, then follow signs to West Wittering Beach, then East Head
- SatNav:
- By bus
- Take the Stagecoach South 52/53/652/653 circular bus from Chichester, alighting at Old House at Home stop; take Pound Road [opposite the bus stop] then walk approx 1.5 miles, following signs to West Wittering Beach, then East Head
East Head
Prices
Admission free
What is Gift Aid?
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
- Gift Aid Admission
- Standard Admission
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
East Head
Opening times
Saturday 28 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Sunday 29 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Monday 30 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Tuesday 31 May
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Wednesday 1 June
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Thursday 2 June
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Friday 3 June
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
East Head
Contact us
- Telephone
- 01243814730
- southdownscentral@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Address
- Coast Guard Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 8AJ