The tide out at Oval Field Beach revealing a sandy stretch
Sands at Oval Beach, courtesy of CoastalJJ
Sandcastle Building at Oval Beach, courtesy of CoastalJJ
Sandcastle Building at Oval Beach, courtesy of CoastalJJ
Pebble the dog sat on Oval Field by the picnic bench looking out over the sandy beach at Oval beach
Watching Sandcastle Builders at Oval Beach, courtesy of CoastalJJ
An image of two coffee cups on a picnic bench at Oval Field overlooking the blue sea on a sunny day
Cup of Tea by the Sea at Oval Field overlooking Oval Beach, courtesy of CoastalJJ
image of sea kale in white flower with the shingle in the foreground and sea in the background
Flowering Sea Kale

Oval Field Beach

What's Here

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.

Picnic Spot

There are benches and picnic tables in Oval Field itself, just off the beach.

Public Transport

The Stagecoach no. 51 bus from Chichester stops on the junction of Hillfield Road and Seal Road. From here, walk the length of Seal Road until you reach Grafton Road and turn right, walking due South to reach Oval Field and beyond, Selsey Bill Beach

Parking

Park at Marine Carpark (PO20 0LJ) and walk the short distance along the seafront towards Selsey Bill to reach Oval Beach.

Toilets

Please be aware that there are no public toilets at Oval Field Beach. The nearest public toilets are either at the Lifeboat Station, approximately a 15 minutes walk to the East or Hillfield Road approximately a 10 minutes walk to the West.

Beach

Low tide reveals the sandy beach. Please do be aware that due to the strong currents around Selsey Bill this stretch of beach is not suitable for swimming. There is no Lifeguard Service on this beach.

Disabled Access

Due to its location, there is no disabled access to Oval Field beach.

Great Views

Stunning sunrises and sunsets can be captured over Selsey Bill.

Dog Friendly

Dogs are welcome on this beach as long as they leave nothing behind except for their paw prints in the sand.