Littlehampton aerial view

Things to do in Littlehampton

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Littlehampton is a well-established seaside resort on the south coast that offers a host of family fun. The town developed from a fishing community to a holiday destination in the 18th-century and became known as ‘The Children’s Paradise’ in the 1920s, a reputation it still lives up to today.

You can get to Littlehampton in just 24 minutes driving from our Church Farm Holiday Park, where you’ll find tons of things to keep yourselves and the kids entertained. There really are so many things to do in Littlehampton you might not know where to start, but below we’ve outlined a list of our favourites so you can get ahead of the game.

1. West Beach, Littlehampton

1. West Beach, Littlehampton

Address: Littlehampton BN17 5LH

West Beach is not just a fantastic sandy beach but also a site of scientific interest, home to one of only three sand dune systems in West Sussex. With its laid-back atmosphere, it’s a great place to spend a sunny day building sandcastles, swimming in the sea or enjoying a picnic.

Just by the car park you can check out the Littlehampton Napoleonic Fort, built in 1854 and since 2011 the focus of a community restoration project. Stop by the award-winning West Beach Cafe for a bacon sandwich and coffee or choose between pizza and fish and chips if you’re feeling really hungry.

2. East Beach, Littlehampton

2. East Beach, Littlehampton

Address: Littlehampton BN17 5LH

Opposite West Beach on the other side of the River Arun you’ll find East Beach, another awesome spot to enjoy seaside fun and relaxation. You can stroll along the promenade and take in the Long Bench, thought to be the longest bench in Britain and one of the longest in the world.

Cool off with a dip in the sea and when the tide goes out take your chance to explore the tide pools for little underwater creatures. The beach is bordered by large seafront greens, perfect for picnics, ball games and host to a number of events during the year while lifeguards are in position during the summer months. For food and drink look no further than the East Beach Cafe, a modern cafe designed to resemble a large piece of driftwood that offers creative versions of seaside classics.

3. Harbour Park, Littlehampton

Address: Windmill Rd, Littlehampton BN17 5LH

Practically situated on East Beach is Harbour Park, an amusement park with an array of rides and entertainment perfect for a young family. Set predominantly outdoors, let the kids crash about on the Dodgems, drop from the sky on the Dolphin Leap, get wet on the Water Chute, ride the Ocean Coaster or take a spin on the Jelly Swinger. There’s also adventure golf, trampolines, bumper boats and super cars, with the park free to enter and ticket options ranging from 10-ride strips to unlimited day or annual passes.

Rain never stops play either with the newly-refurbished indoor soft play area open to all children aged nine and under. Babies up to 18 months can enjoy soft play blocks, mini slides and bubble tubes, whilst toddlers from 19 months to three years old can step into Toddler Town - a role-playing area where they can try out life as a vet, shopkeeper, florist or builder. Kids from four to nine can also enjoy the Under The Sea themed soft play area, recently renovated to include light tunnels, tumbling nets, a huge interactive gaming screen and a brand-new improved giant slide.

4. Mewsbrook Park, Littlehampton

Address: Hendon Ave, Littlehampton BN16 2LX

A little further down the seafront is Mewsbrook Park, established in 1930 and still popular for its beautiful flower beds, picnic area, boating lake, children’s play area and lovely cafe. Explore the Ruby Gardens conservation area, with interpretive panels that help you uncover its little inhabitants and learn more about the ecosystem. 

Hire a pedal boat or visit the model boating lake, and train fans will love the charming miniature railway which connects the park and Norfolk Gardens which has a pitch and putt golf course. Break for a scrumptious English breakfast at Mewsbrook Park Cafe or enjoy afternoon tea, while there’s also a swimming pool and gym in the Littlehampton Wave leisure centre next door and even a skatepark!

5. Littlehampton Ferry, Littlehampton

5. Littlehampton Ferry, Littlehampton

Address: Ferry East Bank departure, BN17 5LR

Take a trip across the River Arun on the Littlehampton Ferry, which links the town centre with the sandy beaches, golf course and yacht club on the West bank. Carrying up to 12 passengers as well as dogs, the ferries run roughly every 20 minutes or when full during the school holidays and at weekends if the weather is good from Easter until September.

There are also up to five harbour tours a day, where passengers will learn all about the history of the area and its shipbuilding, with local attractions and wildlife pointed out. The ferry was specifically sourced from Florida in the United States and started running in 2012.

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6. Littlehampton Museum, Littlehampton

Address: Manor House, Church St, Littlehampton BN17 5EW

In the centre of town sits the Littlehampton Museum, where visitors can spend a few hours exploring permanent galleries showcasing a wealth of extraordinary Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman era archaeology as well as detailed fossils found in the area.

Learn all about the town’s journey from Roman settlement through to the prosperous Victorian era and how it eventually became the present-day leisure haven you see today. Throughout the year they host a wide variety of exhibitions, while during the school holidays exciting events are held at the museum including learning workshops, pottery classes and arts and crafts sessions.

8. Climping Beach, Littlehampton

8. Climping Beach, Littlehampton

Address: Climping, Littlehampton BN17 5RN

Climping Beach - the next one along from West Beach - is a quiet pebble beach with a large expanse of sand at low tide, popular for windsurfing and dog walking. A lot less crowded than its neighbours, you can grab simple dishes and sweet treats at Climping Beach Cafe or indulge in some fine dining at The Restaurant at Bailiffscourt Hotel. 

There’s also a stunning spa at Bailiffscourt, built in the style of a Sussex barn with dramatic exposed timber frames and expansive windows. They run a number of spa and restaurant packages for anyone to enjoy too.

9. Out of Bounds, Angmering

9. Out of Bounds, Angmering

Address: Golfers Ln, Angmering, Littlehampton BN16 4NB

Located towards Angmering, a few miles northeast of Littlehampton is the fun-filled Out of Bounds. Get involved in outdoor activities like adventure golf, foot golf, adventure nets and jumping pillows, or head inside for clip ‘n climb, laser tag, ten pin bowling and soft play. Relax at the Time Out Cafe while the kids tire themselves out.

10. Windmill Entertainment Centre, Littlehampton

Address: Windmill Rd, Littlehampton BN17 5LH

The Windmill Entertainment Centre is a small theatre and single-screen cinema, with a 213-seat auditorium situated on the seafront in Littlehampton. After a day on the beach, catch a film or play with blockbuster films to community shows on offer.

How to get to Littlehampton from us

Only 24 minutes in the car from our Church Farm Holiday Park lie the delights of Littlehampton. Just follow this route to get there:

  • Follow Pagham Road and Hook Lane to Sefter Road in Rose Green for 1.5 miles

  • Continue onto Rose Green Road before taking Hewarts Lane to Chalcraft Lane

  • Continue on Chalcraft Lane before taking Rowan Way and the A259 onto East Street/B2187 into Littlehampton

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