Looking for the best family-friendly beaches in Sussex? Whether you want sandy shores for sandcastles, safe paddling spots, rock pooling adventures or beachfront cafés. Sussex has plenty of beautiful beaches perfect for days out with kids.

We’ve rounded up some of the best beaches across East and West Sussex, including parking information, family facilities and Blue Flag beaches.

West Sussex

West Wittering Beach, West Sussex

A popular beautiful Blue Flag beach with soft sand, shallow water and stunning views.

Why families love it:

• Clean, safe beach ideal for little ones.
• Shallow water for children
• Lifeguards during peak season
• Great facilities

🔵 Blue Flag Beach
Large paid car park (pre-booking recommended in summer)
Toilets and café on site
Ice cream kiosks nearby

A Sussex Mummies favourite

Pagham Beach, West Sussex

A quieter Sussex beach that’s ideal for relaxed family walks, nature spotting and escaping the busier tourist beaches.

Why families love it:

• Peaceful atmosphere
• Great for crabbing and wildlife spotting
• Nature reserve nearby
• Friendly coastal walks

Parking available
Limited facilities nearby

Bognor Regis Beach

A traditional seaside destination with family attractions and long promenades.

Why families love it:

• Family-friendly promenade
• Park on the beach
• Pier attractions
• Ice cream shops and cafés
• Nearby parks and amusements

🔵 Blue Flag Beach

Parking available nearby
Toilets available

Littlehampton Beach

Littlehampton combines sandy areas, family attractions and riverside walks.

Why families love it:

• Sandy sections at low tide
• Harbour Park amusements
• Popular for crabbing
• Playgrounds nearby
• Great fish and chip shops

🔵 Blue Flag Beach
Parking available
Toilets

Southwick Beach, West Sussex

A hidden gem near Brighton with wide open space and a quieter seafront feel.

Why families love it:

• Less crowded than Brighton
• Wide promenade for scooters and bikes
• Good for beach walks and paddling

Parking available nearby
Popular café nearby

Shoreham Beach

A popular family beach with a long stretch of coastline and a friendly local feel.

Why families love it:

• Spacious beach
• Great for paddleboarding and kayaking
• Beach cafés nearby
• Easy access from Brighton area

Parking nearby
Public toilets available

Worthing Beach

Worthing combines traditional seaside charm with family-friendly facilities and a lively promenade.

Why families love it:

• Long promenade
• Pier attractions
• Lots of cafés and ice cream stops
• Parks and playgrounds nearby

Parking adjacent to the beach

Town close by
Family facilities available

East Sussex

Brighton Beach

Brighton’s iconic pebble beach offers plenty for families beyond the seaside itself. Close to the town centre and local transport links.

Why families love it:

• Brighton Palace Pier attractions and rides are great for little ones too.
• Fairground rides
• Kids play areas including sandy play areas and paddling pools
• Arcades and family entertainment
• Nearby restaurants and cafés
• Easy public transport links

Parking nearby

Public toilets

Rent deck chairs

Rottingdean Beach

A scenic pebble beach East of Brighton. If you like a quieter beach this one is perfect.

Why families love it:

• Beautiful coastal scenery
• Popular for swimming, rock pooling and paddling

Cafe and pubs nearby

Parking
Toilets available

Seaford Beach

A stunning coastal spot with dramatic views towards the Seven Sisters cliffs.

Why families love it:

• Beautiful scenery
• Spacious pebble beach
• Great for paddling and skimming stones
• Nearby cafés and beachfront walks

Parking nearby

Camber Sands, East Sussex

One of the most famous beaches in Sussex. Camber Sands is loved for its huge sandy beach and rolling dunes — perfect for family beach days.

Why families love it:

• Large sandy beach
• Great for paddling and sandcastles
• Ice cream vans and nearby cafés
• Lots of space even in summer

🔵 Blue Flag Beach
FREE Parking available
Toilets available
Dog restrictions apply in summer

Hastings Beach

Hastings offers a mix of beach fun, history and traditional seaside charm. With both shingle and sandy areas. The charming views of the white cliffs offer the beach an amazing backdrop.

Why families love it:

• Rock pooling opportunities
• Funicular railway nearby
• Old Town shops and cafés
• Family attractions and amusements close by

Parking nearby
Public toilets available and showers

Dogs are banned from the beach between May and September