53 Chichester – East Wittering

There’s few more routes with such fascinating interest over a relatively short distance than the 53. The bus starts in Chichester and is the gateway to serene beaches looking out over the English Channel as well as towards Chichester Harbour and Hayling Island.

The journey finds its way through Birdham across flat and open landscape towards the idyllic West Wittering with its long, unspoilt sandy beach an fabulous walks. The bus continues to East Wittering which is a pretty, shingle beach – again with paradisical natural beauty. It stops at Bracklesham Bay with its amazing views across to the Isle of Wight. It's a great place for a paddle in the sea as well as fossil hunting and bird watching, as well as spotting seals.

The bus then meanders gracefully back, past Bracklesham Bay again to Chichester, a roman cathedral city and indeed the only city in Sussex! From the Roman baths, city wall, amphitheatre (which is now a park) and the old State Street, linking Chichester and London, there’s roman heritage aplenty, along with fabulous shops, culture and entertainment.

A pre-journey visit to the beautiful oasis that is Bishop’s Palace Gardens is a great start to the day and are a short stroll through the Chichester Cathedral cloisters to the Cathedral itself, which is of course, a ‘must visit’ attraction.

Then it’s onto the bus stopping off at West Wittering where a whole day or maybe a few hours can be spent on the glorious sandy beach, including the popular seafront walks along the coastline. The water is clean and it’s a wonderful place for safe bathing and family fun with unspoilt views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs beyond.

Back on the bus to East Wittering which is typical of many beaches along England’s south coast with its shelving shingle and wooden groynes. As the tide goes out expansive sand flats are revealed - the kind of sand that is perfect for building sand castles and ball games! East Wittering is resplendent with places to drink and eat, including ‘Drifters’ and trendy surf shops.

Rather than get back on the bus, we suggest the 20 minute walk to Bracklesham Bay, which, if the tide is out, can be enjoyed on the beach, or if it’s in on the path on the edge. At Bracklesham Bay, some fossil hunting can be experienced as well as keeping an eye on all manner of wildlife in the vicinity. A word or two for the fabulous ‘Billy’s on the Beach’ restaurant with its fresh local produce, including great fish dishes and also magnificent ice creams and other desserts. The bus passes Bracklesham Bay on the way to East Wittering and also on its way back again!

It's now the bus back to Chichester and maybe the theatre or one of the many orchestral shows at the Cathedral to round off a brilliant day!