THE Hamptons in the US is an exclusive spot for the rich and famous known for its beautiful and pristine beaches.
But for those who want a taste of it, there’s no need to travel thousands of miles, as one beach in the south of England looks exactly like it.
West Wittering Beach in Sussex has been called the country’s answer to The Hamptons by Condé Nast Traveller.
The publication said the “beautiful sandy beach in West Sussex could rival Cape Cod, The Hamptons or pretty much any New England coastal spot in the US.”
West Wittering sits where Chichester Harbour meets the English Channel and has around 1.8 miles of white-sand shoreline that means it’s often called the “jewel in the crown” of the Sussex coast.
Just like spots in the Hamptons such as Cape Cod and Southampton Beach, the English beach is backed by natural grassland and lined with colourful beach huts.
You won’t find any obnoxious rides or arcades at West Wittering Beach, but there are facilities like parking and a café.
There are other activities visitors can do, like trying surfing and kitesurfing.
But mostly, it’s a quiet beach with ample space for building sandcastles and rock pools to explore at low tide.
Sitting along the upper sandy beach, set within the dunes, are pastel-coloured beach huts.
It’s also perfect for wildlife spotting or setting off on one of the idyllic walks nearby.
West Wittering also has a Blue Flag, meaning it has high standards in qualities like water quality and safety.
It’s also a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
If you head down to East Head, take your binoculars to spot wildlife and birds amongst the dunes.
For more on the British coast – here are some of our favourite seaside towns…
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Sidmouth, Devon
Take a trip to Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast and wander down Jacob’s Ladder to its pretty shingle beach. Make sure to walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Stay at the four-star Harbour Hotel for sea views and traditional afternoon tea from £135 per room.
Whitby, North Yorkshire
With a history of sailors and vampires, a dramatic coastal path, and the very best in pints and scampi, it takes a lot to beat Whitby. Pop in the amusements, eat award-winning fish and chips, and board the all-singing Captain Cook boat tour on the harbour. The Royal Hotel overlooks the harbour with stays from just £68 per room.
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.
Seahouses, Northumberland
This is an authentic British seaside break, with fishing boats bobbing on its pretty harbour and fresh catches of the day to enjoy in local restaurants. There’s no flashing arcades here, but there’s a great beach with rockpools, boat trips, and you may even spot a grey seal, too. Treat yourself to a stay at the Bamburgh Castle Inn from £129 per room.
It was even called the ‘best all-rounder’ beach in Sussex by Sun Readers.
Sun reader Clare Johnson, 52, from Brighton, said: “The best beach has got to be West Wittering.
“It’s a beautiful, huge sandy beach that is great for kids. But in summer it gets busy, so you need to pre-book parking (from £3.10 in low season, from £8.65 in peak season).”
This week would be an ideal time to visit as temperatures are set to rise to 16C.
Aside from its beach, West Wittering is a village home to around 3,000 residents and is filled with cottages and traditional pubs.
Those who want to explore can do so over a few days if they pitch up at Nunnington Farm campsite.
The cost for two people, one vehicle and unit on an electric pitch with free Wi-Fi starts from £20.50pp.
Nearby, visitors can also explore further by heading to the nearby city of Chichester.
Or if you fancy some arcade fun, head over to Hayling Island where there are amusement arcades at Funland Hayling Island.
For more on beaches, here are the 26 must-visit UK spots for 2026 – including tropical-feel spots and family-friendly finds.
And here are Britain’s hidden seaside holiday towns where you can dodge sky-high prices and book stunning breaks from just £49.