East Head is close to West Wittering and represents the coastal landscape with its beach, dunes and salt marsh. At the same time, Cakeham Manor, St Peter and St Paul’s Church, and Elmstead point to different aspects of the area’s history.
East Head: Coastal Landscape and Habitats
Close to West Wittering, East Head features a variety of habitats: shingle beach, sandy beach, dunes and salt marsh. This range makes the nature theme more varied than a focus on beach type alone. Those interested in coastal landscapes will find different landscape forms at this named location.
East Head is a dynamic dune area and is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It also provides an important habitat for rare wildlife and rare vegetation. The landscape is shaped both by its changing habitats and by this special designation.
Water Sports, Sailing and Cycling
At West Wittering Beach, 2XS has supervised the safe practice of water sports since 1991. Another local detail concerns West Wittering Sailing Club: it sails from Snowhill Creek, which lies behind East Head at the entrance to Chichester Harbour. This distinguishes two connections with the water—the supervised water sports at the beach and the creek as the sailing club’s departure point.
The Salterns Way adds a cycling route to these activities. It runs from Chichester to the sandy beach at West Wittering, is 19 km long and almost flat; the route is described as easy. Its direction, length and profile give cyclists practical points of reference for understanding the route. Unlike the activities on the water, the focus here is the connection from Chichester to the coast.
Church, Memorial and the History of Elmstead
St Peter and St Paul’s Church is mentioned in the earliest records, dating to around 740. Cakeham Manor in West Wittering is a Grade II* listed building. The two places represent different historical reference points: the church is noted for its early mention, while Cakeham Manor is notable for its listed status.
Elmstead in West Wittering was home to Sir Henry Royce, co-founder of Rolls-Royce, from 1917 to 1933. Two annual memorial events are connected with this association. The local section of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club holds a special ceremony at Elmstead on 22 April, the anniversary of Royce’s death on 22 April 1933.
Also held annually on 22 April, a memorial walk organised by the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club runs from West Wittering Memorial Hall to Elmstead. It follows the daily route between Royce’s home and his design studio. The formats differ: Elmstead is the venue for the ceremony, while the route itself is part of the memorial walk. If you are planning your trip specifically around 22 April, confirm the latest event details in advance.
Practical Information
Accessible toilets are located at the entrance to the West Wittering Beach car park, at the Beach Café and near East Head. As facilities may change, check their current status before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Angmering, Boxgrove, Partridge Green, Westbourne, Lower Beeding, Hassocks, Pagham, Ford.
For the broader travel overview: West Sussex.
