Escaping Heatwaves: Beach Walks and Wines in West Sussex

Since the start of summer, we’ve been hit by a series of heatwaves, making it the warmest June on record in England since temperatures began being tracked back in 1884, according to the Met Office. While the idea of a dry, hot summer is praised in holiday destinations designed to handle it, let’s face it, we’re in the UK, and London isn’t the ideal place to be when one of those heatwaves hits the capital. But that’s the perfect excuse to plan a beach escape, somewhere close to London but far enough to catch a sea breeze. Earlier this year, I wrote a post about beach escapes when we had our first spells of warm-ish weather at the end of winter. Now, with school holidays underway and crowds flooding the usual spots, there’s a pocket of West Sussex offering a more tranquil escape, with the best of both worlds: beaches and wine.

Taking advantage of last weekend’s heatwave, my wife, our four-legged companion, and I packed the car and drove to Rustington, a small seaside town about 20 minutes west of Worthing. It’s roughly a two-hour drive from London without much traffic and makes for an ideal spot to embrace the heat, with temperatures about five degrees cooler than the capital and a sea breeze that feels like a gift from the gods.

Rustington though is a curious place. It’s quiet, peaceful, and clearly popular among retirees, with retirement homes seemingly on every corner. But it’s well-served, with a brilliant butcher, local shops, and a decent selection of restaurants and coffee shops. Within a short drive in either direction, you’ll find charming villages and quiet beaches to explore. Our gorgeous Airbnb was just a five-minute walk from the sea, perfect for morning walks with our dog and spontaneous swims when the heat peaked. Let’s set expectations though because these aren’t Mediterranean or Cornish beaches. Think pebbles, seaweed, and rocks, but for dipping your toes or even going for a quick swim, it’s ideal.

Pictures: Rustington, East Preston, and Felpham

If there’s a downside to this area, it’s the food scene. You won’t find many options in terms of restaurants or gastropubs offering more than your standard pub grub or beachside fried seafood shacks. Which, while great, isn’t something I want to eat every single day.

However and just 20 minutes inland, in the heart of the South Downs National Park, you’ll find The Pig, part of the famous Pig hotel collection. Known for its charming, rustic luxury and dedication to locally sourced food, The Pig is a solid dining destination. We went for dinner and sat outside in their beautiful garden, a true "al fresco" experience, as the Brits like to call it. And to be fair, it only really works when the weather plays along and the setting matches the vibe.

The food was excellent quality, although a bit on the pricier side. The atmosphere was something else. Picture the guest list as a blend of Wimbledon’s Centre Court crowd with a dash of Cotswolds chic. We were among the younger and less obviously wealthy visitors, with our humble car feeling somewhat out of place next to what looked like a luxury car showroom, including one car worth around £2 million and a line-up of Rolls Royces. Still, The Pig is one of the few places in the area that offers a top-notch culinary experience, even if it’s not by the beach.

Pictures: The Pig in South Downs

Beyond the food and the sea, West Sussex is also a haven for wine lovers. In fact, it’s become one of the most exciting wine regions in the country, especially known for its sparkling wines. Within a 10 to 20 mile radius, there are over a dozen wineries, including the renowned Nyetimber. On our way back to London, we made a final stop at Wiston Estate, where you can eat, stay, and most importantly, taste. Wiston might just be one of the most beautiful wineries I’ve visited in England. Their restaurant, Chalk, is named after the very soil that makes the estate ideal for growing sparkling wine grapes. It’s the same type of chalky ground found in France’s Champagne region. Having been to Champagne a couple of times, and being a regular bubbles drinker, I can say with confidence that Wiston’s bubbles have little to envy from their French cousins.

The food was easily some of the best I’ve had in a long time. We sat in their courtyard, sipping glasses of sparkling and enjoying their short but focused menu. I’m a big fan of restaurants that offer a tight selection done well, and Chalk really delivers. The dessert we shared was easily the best I’ve had this year and possibly one of my top three ever. Naturally, we didn’t leave empty-handed and brought a few bottles home.

Pictures: Wiston Estate, lunch at Chalk restaurant

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So, for the next heatwave, if you’re looking for an escape that combines peaceful beach towns with top-quality wine and the occasional fine dining treat, this part of the English coast ticks a lot of boxes. Less crowded, full of charm, and rich in flavour, it’s a corner of the country well worth exploring.