Join
Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership. Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever.
East Head
Shifting sand dunes, salt marsh and flowing tides
Coast Guard Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 8AJ
Important notice
There are no NT car parks at East Head. See the 'Visiting East Head' article on our website for information on booking parking spaces with West Wittering Estate. Disposable BBQs are NOT permitted anywhere on East Head. Please keep dogs under control
Opening times for 4 December 2023
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS2728293012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedCar park
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> ; Alternatively park in West Wittering, take Pound Road, then follow signs to West Wittering Beach, then East Head
Dogs
Dogs are welcome at East Head. Please ensure that you follow all signs and keep dogs out of the dunes during bird nesting season.
Accessible toilets between East Head and West Wittering car park (15 minutes). Where there are no boardwalks, terrain is shingle and soft sand. Generally flat, except around dunes.
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
Sat Nav: Use PO20 8AJ for entrance to car park (not NT); easting 477228, northing 97896
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 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
By bicycle
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
Coast Guard Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 8AJ
Planning your visit
Dogs at East Head
Dogs are welcome at East Head but please follow signs, keeping them on a lead and away from the roped-off sections. Dog bins are at the site entrance and on the salt marsh path.
Highlights
Coast
One of the last surviving pieces of natural coastline in West Sussex, with shifting sand dunes, salt marsh and flowing tides.
Walking
From March to September enjoy the East Head & Ellanore circular walk around this beautiful sandy spot. In the winter months there is a Winter Walk part funded by Bird Aware Solent.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at East Head
Explore East Head beach. With space to play, scenic walks and interesting wildlife to discover, there's lots to see and do at this popular spot.
Top trails
Trail
East Head and Ellanore circular walk
This circular walk takes in East Head, Chichester harbour and West Wittering village. Pretty coastal paths and pub pit stops await.
Places to stay
The Morris Apartment
A one-bedroom apartment in trademark Arts and Crafts style, on the second floor of Standen House.
Woodlands Cottage
A former game keeper’s house, this classically-styled cottage is surrounded by woodland.
About East Head
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.