Oval Field Beach

Overview

Beyond Oval Field lies perhaps the most secretive of Selsey’s beaches, the true sandy beach of Selsey.

With no facilities bar the benches and picnic tables in Oval Field itself, this is the most secluded stretch of the coastline and therefore maybe the most natural.

Features

Quieter than the sandy beach at West Wittering, Oval Field Beach is the perfect spot to while away an undisturbed morning or afternoon as a family, watching the children make sandcastles in the sand and paddle in the shallows. Although covered with shingle while the tide is high, the beach is slowly revealed as sandy as the water recedes. Please check the tide times before you plan your day.

This beach is not suitable for swimming due to its strong currents. 

Locals can be seen practicing yoga on this stretch of sand as dog walkers enjoy the relative solitude compared to the busier East Beach.

At low tide only (for safety reasons as the currents are dangerously strong at this point) wander along to Selsey Bill Point the most southern tip of Sussex and try your hand at crabbing in amongst the rock pools created by the old concrete structures which have been swallowed by the encroaching sea.

Vegetated Shingle

An area of vegetated shingle can be found here, which is defined by special plants that have adapted to survive in harsh coastal conditions where there is little fresh water, minimum nutrients and an impact of fierce winds and strong waves.

These habitats are particularly important for invertebrates including some species of bee, moth and spider and for some breeding and roosting birds such as Terns and Ringed Plover. Vegetated shingle is a globally rare and threatened habitat, and this is therefore a protected area.



Treasure Hunt

Oval Field Beach is the perfect spot to take part in Destination Selsey’s Sea Life Treasure Hunt and learn about the fascinating creatures which call it home.

Remember

Take nothing but photographs. Leave nothing but footprints.