The Arun District of West Sussex is home to 15 miles of shingle and sand coastline with two ‘Seaside Award’ winning resort towns and some beautiful Sussex villages with quieter rural beaches. There are two very different harbours to enjoy too, the busy Littlehampton Harbour where the River Arun meets the sea and the quieter open coastline of the RSPB Pagham Harbour. Wherever you go, the coast is overlooked by the ever-present South Downs offering many walks, cycling and horse riding routes with plenty of opportunities to observe Sussex at its best - all year round.

Here are our top tips and helpful resources so you can make the most of the coast in ‘Sussex by the Sea’.

1. How to get here

Each of our towns have railway stations that connect to London (Victoria) and other towns along the South Coast and inland to Arundel and the South Downs. Bognor Regis and Littlehampton stations are just a short walk or bus / taxi ride to the main beaches.

If you are visiting the beaches of Bognor Regis and Littlehampton this summer by car, it’s a great idea to plan in advance. There are plenty of parking spaces with easy access to the seafront, in both resorts, although the weekends and Bank Holidays of course can be very busy. You can find all information, including parking charges and directions, on the Arun District Council website

The promenades in both resorts are designed for ‘shared use’ with access to wheelchair users, cyclists, and walkers to enjoy the fresh air, sea breezes and those big blue skies. There are many places to eat, attractions, seaside shops and bars to cater for all, including of course plenty of ice cream, seafood and fish & chip options, and the town and village centres are within easy walking distance of the beaches. Look out for freshly caught fish and seafood to buy and try out the local activity of ‘crabbing’ at Littlehampton.

2. Stay Safe

Most importantly, make sure you stay safe at the coast and on our rivers. We want you to go home with nothing but happy memories!

Please take time to see and follow advice from the experts when enjoying the water and don’t forget the sunscreen too!

Please see details of Lifeguards at Littlehampton and Bognor Regis Beaches during the main season. Beach Patrol Officers are also on duty in the summer months, so make sure you say hello and listen to any advice they offer as the very local experts!

 
3. Dog-friendly

If you’re planning a beach trip with your four-legged friend, it is helpful to understand the areas of the beach where they are welcome, however, most popular areas are restricted during the summer months, so that all visitors can enjoy the fresh air and open spaces.

Between 1 May and 30 September each year, you cannot take your dog onto these main areas of the beach:

• Bognor Regis – from Bognor Regis Sailing Club ramp to Gloucester Road
• Felpham – from Canning Road to Felpham Sailing Club
• Littlehampton – from East Pier to Norfolk Road

Dogs should be kept on a lead when walking on the promenades alongside these areas.

Here’s more information about the dog-friendly beaches of Sussex by the Sea  plus more guidance on how we can all enjoy the beaches safely.

4. Experience local wildlife

Some great places to visit for nature by the coast include: Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve Littlehampton's West Beach and inland WWT Arundel, RSPB Pulborough Brooks plus of course the ever present nearby South Downs National Park  For some great hints and tips on observing the county’s nature take a look at Sussex Wildlife Trust and the Sussex Bay Kelp Project in our Living Seas.

Relax in the shade of the summer trees, witness the changing seasons and admire the plants and wildlife in one of the district's many Green Flag award winning parks  most within walking distance of the beaches.

Plan your activities or relaxation with all the weather, tides and other useful information you might need and read our series of useful Things To Do blogs.

5. Stay local for longer

There are many quality places to stay in ‘Sussex by The Sea’ from camping, glamping, tourer and caravan sites, holiday villages to cosy B&Bs, boutique guest houses, coaching inns and top class hotels and spas, including at Butlin’s, Bognor Regis.

Check online booking channels and the Where To Stay Pages at Visit Arundel Love Bognor Regis and Visit Littlehampton and contact the proprietors to book your stay.

There's more to discover across the beautiful county of West Sussex. Search for even more ideas and inspiration at: Experience West Sussex  and the South Downs National Park.