Southwick Beach
West Sussex
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.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- Beach Type
- Shingle, Sand
- Tide Notes
- Shingle at all tide states; some sand exposed at low water. Gently sloping profile. Designated swimming zone marked with buoys May to September.
- Facilities
- Carats Cafe Bar on the promenade (dog friendly); toilets nearby
- Parking
- Parking near the lock gates off Harbour Road (BN43 5GN); additional street parking in the surrounding area
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwick Beach dog friendly?
Yes, Southwick Beach is welcoming to dogs and earns a 6/10 for dog friendliness. The flat promenade suits dogs of all ages and sizes, dog bins are provided on site, and Carats Cafe Bar on the seafront is happy to welcome dogs too — handy for a post-walk coffee.
Are dogs allowed at Southwick Beach year round?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Southwick Beach throughout the year with no seasonal restrictions. Adur District Council's PSPO carries no dog bans on its beaches, which makes Southwick a particularly useful option when the nearby Brighton beaches introduce their summer dog restrictions.
What should I know before visiting Southwick Beach with my dog?
The beach is shingle with some sand at low tide, and access from the promenade is straightforward via concrete steps. It's worth keeping your dog on a lead near the lock gates and in the busier sections of the promenade. Parking is available off Harbour Road near the lock gates (BN43 5GN), with additional street parking nearby, and there are toilets close to the beach.
What’s Nearby?
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