Two "idyllic" villages and a "sophisticated" town in Sussex have been named among the best places to live by the sea in the UK.

The Times has included West and East Wittering as well as St Leonards in its list of seaside spots that "have something to offer in every season".

The list reads: "If this year’s stop-start summer weather is good for one thing, it’s to remind us how vital it is to be ready to make the most of a rare day when the sun peeks out from behind the rainclouds.

"Rather than gambling precious time off on our increasingly unreliable climate, live by the sea — then every day can be like a holiday. You’ll be in pole position to spend time in, on or beside the water.

"This selection of the best places to live by the coast includes something for everyone: arty, commutable towns, seaside suburbs, pretty honeypots and spectacular, wild escapes."

The full list of the best places to live by the sea for 2024 can be found on The Times website here.

What was said about the Sussex spots?

West and East Wittering

The Times list praised West Wittering for its "idyllic" nature, "pristine white sand" beach and "warren of winding lanes".

Due to its "stratospheric" house prices though they bunched East Wittering in here too, as it's just a 30-minute walk away with the house prices being much more reasonable.

The list reads: "West Wittering’s vast expanse of pristine white sand is a spectacle you might hope to see in the Western Isles or the Caribbean, but in the overcrowded South East of England it’s a miracle.

West Wittering's 'pristine white sands' were praised by The TimesWest Wittering's 'pristine white sands' were praised by The Times (Image: Ray Turner/Camera Club)

"Every aquatic activity is catered for here: surfing, sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding in Chichester Harbour, or just eating chips from the stylish beach café.

"The village itself is idyllic, with daisy-covered lawns and lovely flint houses in a warren of winding lanes and private roads.

"It’s easy to be discreet here, which is one reason why A-list celebs such as Kate Winslet and Keith Richards have chosen to call it home.

"House prices are correspondingly stratospheric — an average of £954,150. Which is where its next-door neighbour, East Wittering, comes in.

"Its own beach is pretty good, West Wittering is only a 30-minute walk away and you can get an average home here for about half the price.

"It’s much less rarefied and bucolic, but a lot more practical with its friendly pub, fresh fish from the fisherman’s hut on the beach and an old-fashioned selection of independent shops."

St Leonards

St Leonards was highlighted for its restaurant options and for being one example of a "sophisticated seaside escape".

For those who are into "sourdough microbakeries" and "small plate menus" you will be spoilt for choice here.

St Leonards was praised for its restaurant options among other factorsSt Leonards was praised for its restaurant options among other factors (Image: Ken Quantick/Camera Club)

Additionally, there are plenty of great property options and it has decent travel connections to major hubs.

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The Times added: "Last year’s opening of the “farm-to-table” restaurant Bayte — which has a family connection to the ever-fashionable Petersham Nurseries in Richmond, southwest London — confirms St Leonards’ top-table place for sophisticated seaside escapes.

"Lovers of natural wines, sourdough microbakeries, small plates menus and tasteful mid-century knick-knacks will find plenty to keep them occupied on Kings Road (now considerably cooler than its Chelsea namesake), while the 100-minute rail connection to London keeps the capital reassuringly close.

"The choice of property should satisfy any admirer of seaside architecture, from 19th-century trophy homes for about £1 million, to art deco seafront apartments for under £150,000."