INSIDER’S GUIDE
The author and former model loves winter walks and cultural escapades on this stretch of English coastline
I grew up spending time on the Sussex coast. My grandmother Violet lived there, and it’s also where my children’s book Madame Badobedah and its sequel are set. I’ve got a real love and nostalgia for the landscape and beaches: Elmer, Littlehampton and particularly Climping, where there’s an incredibly pretty, wild walk that is lovely to do in the wintertime.
At Littlehampton, visit the East Beach Cafe, which is right on the sand. It serves a delicious brunch of scrambled eggs and a Virgin Mary – or, for lunch, order some fish and chips with mushy peas.
Afterwards, amble through Littlehampton marina. I like to drop by the Boathouse for a hot chocolate, before heading over to my oldest friend Emily’s seafront house. We’ll sit on her balcony, wrapped up in layers, and sip takeaway picante margaritas from East Beach Cafe while looking out over the water.
To stay warm, I pack lots of Connolly jumpers. I also bring walking boots, Common Projects trainers and Frame jeans, and I have a very old, blankety coat from Missoni that I love. Beauty-wise, Irene Forte’s serum is perfect on cold, windy days – all her products smell delicious and work for sensitive skin. Finally, I’ll bring my Lisa Eldridge lipstick in Dance Card.
Amberley Castle is a dreamy place to stay. It is also very near to everywhere you’d want to go in Sussex.
I first visited when my friend got married there; it is so beautifully mediaeval and spooky, with an amazing dovecote in the grounds. The main house still feels like a castle, but the rooms are really comfortable and the food is fantastic.
For an evocative seaside
