Sandy beaches within a couple hours drive of Brighton?

[Holymoly321]

can anyone recommend anywhere? We're thinking of taking DS who will be 20mths to Brighton for a day and night in June but will stay and then move onto a sandy beach before coming home to Northampton.

West Wittering, Chichesterway. Supposed to be one of the top beaches in UK

OOh... is there stuff to do for the kiddies? DH mentioned Margate but isn't that a bit naff?

why is sand such a big deal? brighton is cool for kiddies.

Camber Sands has a great beach-miles of sand.
However I would avoid it at week-ends in summer as it becomes mobbed with day trippers. The village of Camber is a bit grim as well.
West Wittering has a fantastic sandy beach.

I'm open to suggestions kif - I LOVE Brighton but just thought it was more for the adults really. What kinds of things are there for the under 2's?

Pagham, also near Chichester, has lots of lovely sand dunes. Margate is miles from Brighton, seriously not worth the trek.

Palace Pier
Volks Railway
Playground near beach near West Pier
Sea Life Centre.
Lots of child friendly restaurants, to name just a few things. .

I live here. There is a paddling pool and play area to the West of the West Pier which is quite nice. Or there is the Peter Pans playground which is on the seafront between the Palace Pier and the Marina. It has those water spray things that switch on & off randomly, play equipment and a good cafe and toilets. In the summer you can get to it on the Volks Railway which runs from the pier eastwards to the Marina with a stop half way at Peter Pans. If you want sand and amusements head for Littlehampton. If you want quiet but huge glorious sandy beach go to West Wittering which is about an hour and a half away, westwards. Head to Chichester and then turn left at roundabout to the Witterings. Got sanddunes and people take portable bbqs theres. Really good on a hot day, but not amusementy type place at all. Hope this is helpful. Ask if any more questions.

off top of my head - in addition to what everyone else has said ....

monkey bizness soft play near lewes

lots of chi chi baby shops

looooong promenade great for walks/bikes

pier - good for walks, rides and candy floss.

carousel under pier

saltdean lido outdoor pool

drusillas zoo near alfriston

....

it's a big place - you're unikely to be bored.

Brighton has lots of lovely parks with playgrounds and cafes, great for hanging out with little ones. Queen's Park is one of the best, and not far from the beach.

They do lovely homemade cakes and a decent cup of tea in Queens Park, but the last time we went there, the toilets weren't good.

Oh, another nice place to go is Hove Lagoon. There are good toilets there and a nice paddling pool, childrens playground and a cafe.

thanks so much everyone - we've only ever really been just DH and I so didn't have our 'baby radar' on! Good to hear there is so much for under 2's!