Find Fossils and a World-Class Sunset at Bracklesham Bay
Bracklesham Bay is probably the place we love to visit the most.
As the tide falls, a huge stretch of sand opens up and you can find fossils just lying on the beach, including shark teeth.
It also has beautiful views, stunning sunsets, and the fabulous Billy’s on the Beach – a restaurant that has recently been named one of the top 25 places in the world to watch the sunset!
Finding Fossils
Fossils can be found all over the beach. The best time to start to look for fossils is from about an hour before low tide when the sea starts to roll back, revealing the sand.
There are lots of different types of fossils you could discover, including shells, shark teeth and ray teeth.
No Equipment Needed!
You don’t need any special equipment to find these fossils. It is a good idea to bring some towels, containers, and kitchen roll to keep them safe.
Other Things to Look For
As well as fossils, you can find bits of driftwood, seaweed, shells, crabs, and hermit crabs.
Billy’s on the Beach
We always round our trips off with a visit to Billy’s on the Beach, a relaxed, child-friendly beach restaurant and cafe.
Watch the Sunset
Billy’s has recently been named as one of the top 25 places in the world to watch the sunset – listed with places like Florida, Bora Bora, and Mexico!
Access to the Beach
The car park is next to the beach so access is generally easy but it can be difficult with a buggy because you have to climb down a steep, stoney slope.
Access is easier from the slipway next to Billy’s.
The Tides
Be sure to check the tide times before you visit. The beach is a sandy expanse (with shingle) when the tide is out
but the sand disappears quickly as the tide comes in.
Visit the Bracklesham Bay website
Visit the Bracklesham Bay Fossil website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Bracklesham Bay, near Chichester
County: West Sussex
Nearest Postcode: PO20 8JH
Opens: Daily
Cost: Free
Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at Billy’s on the Beach.
Facilities: Picnic tables, cafe, snacks, ice creams, toilets, accessible toilets.
How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly
Parking: There is a pay and display car park. It can be very busy on warm days.
Cost of Parking: Various
Wildlife You Might See: Sea creatures and seabirds.
Information Written: January 2017
Information Checked: February 2023
Ratings
Our visit to Bracklesham Bay beach near Chichester is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
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Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.
