Southwick Beach

Southwick Beach lies immediately east of Shoreham Harbour's lock gates, where the River Adur enters the sea. The beach is a shingle spit deposited by longshore drift, creating a long, gently sloping shore with some sand exposed at low water. Behind the beach is a well-maintained promenade with Carats Cafe Bar, a popular seafront spot considered one of the area's best-kept secrets. The harbour setting gives the beach a working, slightly industrial backdrop to the west, while the open sea stretches away to the south and the South Downs provide a distant backdrop to the north. The beach is popular with windsurfers, anglers and families, and a designated swimming zone is marked with buoys between May and September. Concrete steps provide easy access from the promenade.

Dogs are welcome at Southwick Beach year-round with no seasonal restrictions under the Adur District Council PSPO. Adur beaches carry no dog bans, making Southwick a reliable option when the beaches in Brighton to the east have summer restrictions in force. The flat, easy promenade suits dogs of all ages, and the shingle beach provides good all-year access. Dog bins are provided. Carats Cafe Bar on the promenade welcomes dogs and provides a convenient stop for refreshments after a walk. The beach access from the promenade is straightforward, though leads are advisable near the lock gates and in the busier promenade sections.