Confirmed · West Sussex · Landscape
West Wittering Beach
The coast near the Mother House (2018 special) in Call the Midwife. Open to visitors; allow 1 to 2 hours.
- On screen as
- The coast near the Mother House (2018 special)
- Series and episodes
- Christmas special 2018 · Christmas special 2018
- Access
- Open to visitors
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours
- Where
- West Wittering, West Sussex
On screen
How West Wittering Beach appears
In the 2018 Christmas special, the nuns travel to their order's Mother House while a vote raises questions about Sister Julienne's future. Radio Times links the production's West Wittering filming to that Mother House visit, and the West Wittering Estate confirms the series has filmed on its beach. The story places the Mother House by the sea away from Poplar; the actual building used for the Mother House is not identified, so this guide covers only the beach. The open sands, dunes and big skies give these scenes a very different feel from the crowded streets of the East End, which is why they stand out in the series.
The real place
What you can visit
West Wittering is a long, clean sandy beach at the mouth of Chichester Harbour, owned and run by the West Wittering Estate, a private company that keeps it open to the public. Behind it are dunes, grassland and rows of beach huts, and at East Head a sand spit cared for by the National Trust stretches into the harbour. The beach itself is free to walk on, but the estate charges for its large car park, which often sells out on hot days and may need booking in advance. Check the estate's website for car park terms, dog rules and seasonal opening times.
The estate is private land kept open to the public: follow its posted rules on parking, dogs and barbecues.
West Wittering Estate: filming and photography ↗Driving is the usual way in: follow signs to the estate car park off Pound Road (PO20 8GH), and arrive early in summer. Chichester is the nearest main railway station, with local buses towards the Witterings and onward walking. Boardwalks and some firm paths help with access, but much of the beach is soft sand. Watch the tide and currents near the harbour mouth.
Common questions
Planning a responsible visit
Which Call the Midwife episode used West Wittering?
The 2018 Christmas special, when the nuns visit their Mother House. Radio Times links the beach filming to that story.
Is the Mother House at West Wittering?
The beach was used for coastal scenes. The building that plays the Mother House is not identified, so look on this as a beach visit.
Do I need to book parking?
On busy days the estate car park can fill and may require booking. Check the estate's website for the current arrangements before you travel.
Plan your visit
Build it into the day.
Chichester's cathedral and city walls, or Bosham on the harbour.
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