Beaches South East England Selsey (West Beach) - West Sussex | Selsey (West Beach) - West Sussex |
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General
Getting There From the A27 (Chichester Bypass) take the B2145 south to Selsey - it's about 7 miles. Drive straight through the town ignoring the East Beach sign and continuing through two sets of lights. Take the right turn for West Sands Caravan Park then follow the signs for the caravan park. Pass the windmill and continue through the caravans (about a mile of them!) to the end of the road where there is free parking. Turn right along the beach and the unmarked naturist area starts after a few groynes. Description It's two miles along the beach to Bracklesham so there is plenty of space, but the beach is overlooked from the bank. Making the trek to the middle will limit the passing traffic to the more energetic walkers and occasional mountain biker. The atmosphere is bracing as Selsey Bill protrudes well out into the Channel. The groynes afford some protection, but a windbreak would be an asset on all but calm, warm days. If you are interested in the history of Selsey beaches, the book 'Voices From The Sea' by Ruth Cocks is full of stories from people about Selsey, from local coastguards, divers, fishermen and lifeboat crew members. All proceeds from the book go to local charities. Facilities Water Quality Trip Report: July 2002 - by Mike "11/7/2002. I went to Selsey West Beach today - twice. In the morning, despite it being July 11th, the chilly wind left the beach deserted - not even a textile in sight. In the afternoon it was slightly warmer but apart from one brave windsurfer (textile), again deserted. With the tide half way out there is some sand, and more sand the further along you go. This picture was taken midway between Selsey and Bracklesham. 13/7/2002. Saturday, and slightly more beach-friendly weather. But, oh dear, no naturists. Just a few textiles on the caravan site beach. One 30s bloke on the "naturist" beach looked as though he wanted to be, but didn't like to as he would have been the only one. The bank behind the beach looks as though it has recently been reinforced. It is flat and road-like on top which makes it easy walking - and means the beach is completely overlooked. Today there were even a few mountain bikers making the round trip to Bracklesham. I wonder: was the bank previously a more natural shape, making it harder to walk and look? 15/7/2002. Monday morning. Hot day, so went to the beach full of expectation. But only one person on the whole expanse of naturist beach: half way along, male in posing pouch who had cycled there. Further along and with no-one in sight I had a quick naked dip. 16/7/2002. Tuesday afternoon. Bad news: beach deserted. Good news: had a whole mile of naturist beach to myself! Well, if nothing else I hope this report gives you a good idea of who you are likely to see - or rather not see - when you visit this beach. This is the nearest naturist (if is it) beach to me so I'd be most interested to hear from anyone (email Mike) who uses it or has in the past. If amongst English beaches Studland Bay scores 10 out of 10 and Birling Gap and Norman's Bay 2 or 3, I'd rate Selsey a 3 - 6. Three if you're the only person there and sticking out like a sore thumb, six if a knot of naturists were there to neutralise nonconformism nerves."
Comments (4)
  written by david, August 11, 2007
yes it is and i am therewith my girlfriend today ,will see if anyone appears
 written by pete, August 21, 2007
Cycled down there on August 12th 2007. Very windy but sunny. Sea was rough but surprisingly warm. (I don't mean Med warm but UK warm - also known as lukewarm). Got there via Earnley, past the church and down the narrow road past the holiday camp onto the beach. Cycled along the shingle bank for about 1.5km. Many people about at the Bracklesham end and a few at the Selsey end but in the centre km or so not a soul to be seen for most of the time - and this is height of the holiday season! Was there for about an hour from 2pm and apart from a lone angler way off in the distance I was alone. Bliss! A solitary twitcher walked along the shingle bank just as I was getting dressed to leave. Would definitely go there again and may be worth a visit in September when the sea's still warm and the grockles have gone home.
written by David Jones, April 25, 2008
Further to recent comments of last year. The site has recently been re-delivered of thousands of tons of very large shingle to act as 'ha ha' sea defences, those who have suitable expertise in mountain climbing such as traversing a scree will be well suited, and enjoy the decent to the beach but not the return up!! Do though be cautious, local currents are strong and can change without warning.
For years locals have known the old rifle range (WWII) as the place, and people might find access from Bracklesham easier albeit slightly longer on foot i.e. Take a 52 or 53 (The Circuit) from Chichester Bus St which runs every 15mins with a return to The Lively Lady Bracklesham. Head towards the blue stuff and you'll pass the Fish & Chippie, a sit-down cafe, and the best Chinese around No.1. On the front turn left walk on the seawall until you pass the chalets and vans on your left and you're there, just pick a spot. Only determined punters get this far, the bonus is you bypass Selsey and its delights unless you want a mini Margate. Bad note, all buses to this haven on a Sunday run ONCE an hour and pack up early. Just pray we have a summer this 2008.  Write comment
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