Introduction
Tucked away beneath the towering cliffs of Hastings Country Park, Covehurst Bay is one of the most remote and dramatic beaches in East Sussex. With no facilities, no phone signal, and only steep footpaths for access, it feels like a world apart. At low tide, the sea pulls back to reveal wide stretches of sand and rock, creating a raw coastal landscape that’s unlike anywhere else along the Sussex coast.
Here’s a short reel to give you a glimpse of the bay:
For location details, check it out here on Google Maps, or see it in my collection of All Map Locations.
Wild and Untouched
Covehurst Bay is part of Wild Hastings — a rugged coastline where nature is left largely to itself. At low tide the golden sands stretch between slippery rocks and jagged ledges, with the red sandstone cliffs rising steeply behind. The place feels almost Martian in parts, with giant boulders scattered across the beach and no signs of human development in sight.
Fossils and Geology
The cliffs here are millions of years old, formed from sandstone and shale layers that have yielded fossil plants and even dinosaur footprints. But finding them without precise knowledge is like searching for a needle in a haystack. For most visitors, it’s the sheer drama of the cliffs and the shapes in the rocks that leave the strongest impression.
Wildlife and Seals
This secluded bay has become a quiet haven for wildlife. Grey seals are sometimes spotted hauling out on the sands at low tide, basking just offshore, or bobbing curiously in the waves.
The remoteness of the location makes it one of the few places along the Sussex coast where seals can rest undisturbed.
An Unofficial Nudist Beach
Since the 1970s, Covehurst Bay has also been known as an unofficial naturist beach. Its isolation and steep paths keep visitor numbers low, and those who do make the trek often value the sense of freedom and privacy the bay provides.
Practical Info
- Location: Covehurst Bay, beneath Hastings Country Park, East Sussex
- Access: Steep woodland footpaths from Fairlight Road; best visited at low tide for sand access
- Best Time to Visit: Summer months during calm conditions and low tide; sunsets on clear days are spectacular
- Nearby: Hastings Country Park, Fairlight Glen, Ecclesbourne Glen, Rock-a-Nore in Hastings Old Town, Hastings Pier Beach, Cliff End Pett Level.
