Littlehampton

Day Trips

Arrive in Littlehampton and stroll along the pebbled beach to feel the fresh sea breeze. Marvel at the colourful beach huts and watch fishermen launching boats into the sparkling water. Grab a takeaway coffee from a local café and settle on the shore to take in the panoramic views.

Rent a deckchair or kayak and explore the gentle waves of the English Channel at your own pace. Wander along the East Beach promenade, admiring the modernist wooden Sound Mirrors and public art installations. Stop at a beachside snack stand for fish and chips or a traditional ice cream cone.

Savor a seaside dinner at a harbour-front restaurant, sampling local seafood specialties like fresh mussels or plaice. As the sun begins to set, take a leisurely stroll across the Colonnade Pier and photograph the golden horizon. End the night with a relaxing pint at a cosy pub overlooking the water.

Begin with a guided walking tour of Littlehampton Harbour and learn about its maritime heritage from centuries past. Pause at the Fishermen’s Quay to watch boats unloading the day’s catch and chat with local fishmongers. Capture photos of the busy dockside and the Victorian-style harbour architecture.

Board a river cruise along the River Arun for a tranquil journey through the surrounding marshlands. Spot elegant swans, migrating birds, and lush reed beds while the skipper shares anecdotes about the river’s history. Disembark at a quaint jetty for a riverside picnic under swaying willow trees.

Return to the harbour and dine at a seafood bistro with outdoor tables overlooking the water. Sample a seafood platter paired with a crisp local white wine as lights twinkle on the water’s surface. Conclude the evening with a gentle moonlit stroll along the riverbank.

Head to Climping Beach Nature Reserve and set out on the coastal path at sunrise for an immersive wildlife experience. Watch wading birds dancing on the mudflats and scan the horizon for seals basking on sandbanks. Pause on the shingle beach to appreciate the untamed, windswept beauty of the coastline.

Continue along the South West Coast Path towards West Beach, stopping to examine rock pools teeming with starfish, crabs, and small anemones. Spread a picnic on the dunes and enjoy sandwiches while sea birds wheel overhead. Explore the dunes’ unique flora, spotting rare orchids and wild grasses.

Return to Littlehampton for a relaxed dinner in a farm-to-fork restaurant showcasing West Sussex produce. Indulge in hearty seasonal dishes served with artisan breads and local ale. Finish the day with star-gazing on the beach, listening to waves lapping at the shore.

Kick off the day at Harbour Park amusement centre, enjoying classic rides like the carousel and miniature railway. Hear the laughter of children as they race wave machines and tumble through soft play areas. Grab a quick snack at the on-site café before exploring more attractions.

Challenge the family to a round of crazy golf set against a backdrop of maritime sculptures and colourful obstacles. Follow up with the high-thrill pirate ship and spinning teacups for more giggles and squeals. Refuel with ice creams and popcorn from the park’s nostalgic kiosks.

Head to a family-friendly restaurant nearby for pizzas, burgers, and kid-approved sides. Watch a local puppet show or family theatre performance at the town’s community hall. Wind down with hot chocolate on the beach as dusk falls, listening to distant seagulls.

Start early with a hearty breakfast at a local bakery before setting off eastwards along the Sussex coastal trail. Feel the bracing sea air on your face as you traverse low cliffs and rugged shingle stretches. Pause to photograph colourful rock formations and wind-sculpted sand dunes.

Arrive at Climping Beach and relax on soft sand under the summer sun, or alternatively try windsurfing in the sheltered bay. Sample fresh sandwiches and salads from a beachside café while gazing at the sparkling water. Explore the little-known medieval St Mary’s Chapel ruins hidden inland in the dunes.

Return on foot or by bus to Littlehampton and change for smart-casual attire. Dine at a riverside brasserie and sample seasonal dishes like roasted local lamb or pan-seared cod. Conclude the evening with a riverside concert or live acoustic music at a nearby pub.

Visit the Littlehampton Museum to delve into local history, from shipbuilding to Victorian beach tourism. Examine intriguing displays of ship models, vintage postcards, and period clothing. Chat with curators to uncover little-known tales of maritime adventurers.

Head to a nearby art gallery showcasing contemporary works by regional artists, including watercolours of the coast and modern sculpture. Participate in a drop-in art workshop to create your own seaside-inspired piece. Enjoy tea and cake in the gallery café while discussing favourite exhibits.

Attend an evening lecture or book reading at the town library, often featuring authors and historians. Wander back to town centre for dinner at a stylish bistro offering international flavours with a Sussex twist. Finish the evening with a stroll under the glow of street lamps and the scent of night-blooming jasmine.

Rent a canoe at Fishermen’s Quay and paddle upstream on the gentle River Arun, guided by a local instructor. Navigate through mirror-like waters framed by lush willow trees and abundant wildlife. Pause on a hidden riverbank for homemade pastries and fresh fruit.

Continue downstream, challenging yourselves with small rapids while admiring the tranquillity of the countryside. Stop near Tortington for a short walk to the ruins of an Augustinian priory set in peaceful meadows. Share a simple riverside picnic of quiches, salads, and chilled beverages.

Return the canoes and head back to Littlehampton to freshen up. Enjoy a laid-back dinner at a gastropub featuring wood-fired pizzas and seasonal sides. As night falls, listen to live jazz or folk music in the pub’s cosy lounge area.

Take a short coach ride to the nearby town of Arundel, dominated by its majestic castle perched on a hill. Join a guided tour of Arundel Castle’s opulent state rooms, medieval keep, and manicured gardens. Stroll through the historic market square and sample local pastries.

Explore Arundel Cathedral’s Gothic spires and magnificent stained-glass windows before wandering along the riverside walk. Enjoy lunch in a quaint tearoom, choosing from homemade quiches and freshly baked scones. Browse boutique shops offering handmade crafts and antiques.

Return to Littlehampton for a casual seafood grill dinner at a popular waterfront venue. Watch the harbour lights dance on the rippling water over a glass of chilled rosé. Conclude with a moonlit beach walk to reflect on the day’s exploration.

Visit the weekly farmers’ and artisans’ market in the town centre to sample local cheeses, breads, and jams. Chat with producers about sustainable farming methods and take home edible souvenirs. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and pastries as you wander from stall to stall.

Attend a matinee performance at the Littlehampton Pavilion theatre, showcasing a play, musical, or dance production. Explore the pavilion’s art deco foyer adorned with vintage posters before the show. Afterward, discuss favourite scenes over light lunch at a nearby deli.

Dine at an intimate bistro featuring live acoustic performers for a relaxed atmosphere. Order sharing plates of tapas or small plates to sample a variety of flavours. Cap the night with a whisky or gin tasting at a specialist bar, discovering regional distilleries.

Spend your final morning at East Beach Café, famed for its striking seashell-shaped design and panoramic sea views. Indulge in a full English breakfast or a healthy acai bowl while watching surfers catch early waves. Browse the surf shop for last-minute souvenirs.

Take a leisurely bike ride along the riverbank and coastal paths, stopping for a casual picnic under shady trees. Revisit favourite spots from earlier in the trip, perhaps lingering at the Sound Mirrors for a final photo. Reflect on memorable moments as you pedal back to town.

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a fine-dining restaurant, savoring a tasting menu of locally sourced ingredients. Raise a toast to a successful trip with a glass of English sparkling wine. Finish the evening with a gentle beach stroll under a starlit sky, bidding Littlehampton a fond goodbye.