My friend Ali’s traditional painted beach hut on West Wittering beach near Chichester is one of my favourite places to spend time. We’ve basked on long balmy summer days, barbequeing as the sun starts to set, as well as huddling together behind Ali’s vast collection of wind breaks, wrapped up warm against the driving wind and rain whilst downing endless mugs of tea.

The beach is in an unspoilt stretch of golden sand, the car park is simply a field and there’s no real development save an old-fashioned beach café and shop. It’s like going back in time to the days when the seaside was simply that. To escape the traffic jams during the height of the summer season, either get here early or arrive after lunch and stay into the evening as the sun goes down. Then head to The Boulevard in East Wittering for some freshly cooked local fish and chips. It’s not a fancy place but the food is always great and the portions are enormous.

What I’ve loved about the days we’ve spent at West Wittering is that no matter how stressed I am when I arrive, after just a short time, I realise everything has slowed right down and you find yourself smiling and breathing in deeply. Ali’s beach hut is painted lovely ice cream colours and is decked out with more than a few vintage and handmade treasures – some of which I have passed her way. I always end up feeling very lucky that we have such a lovely, rejuvenating place on our doorstep.

Photo courtesy of ~KimUK~ on Flickr