Littlehampton Beach
A charming seaside town with a beautiful sandy beach, family-friendly attractions, and a dog-friendly West Beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Littlehampton Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming seaside town with a beautiful sandy beach, family-friendly attractions, and a dog-friendly West Beach.
"A little gem with clean facilities, clear waters, and a great mix of activities for families and dog owners."
🚗 Easy Train Access
Under 2 hours from London by train! Southern Rail from Clapham Junction is a breeze.
🐶 Dog-Friendly West Beach
West Beach welcomes dogs year-round. Perfect for a calm, sandy escape with your furry friend.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sandy Shores
Littlehampton Beach
Expansive sandy stretches perfect for sandcastles and sunbathing, with clear waters ideal for paddling.
West Beach Dog-Friendly Haven
Littlehampton West Beach
A peaceful, year-round dog-friendly beach with wide sands and dunes, perfect for a calm escape.
Amusement and Fun Park
Littlehampton Seafront
A classic seaside amusement center with rides for kids and teens, plus arcades for extra fun.
Coastal Sunsets
East Beach, Littlehampton
Dreamy sunset views over the sea, offering a picturesque end to a day by the coast.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Parking and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚗 Easy Train Access
Under 2 hours from London by train! Southern Rail from Clapham Junction is a breeze.
🐶 Dog-Friendly West Beach
West Beach welcomes dogs year-round. Perfect for a calm, sandy escape with your furry friend.
💰 Pack Your Own Snacks
Food huts can be pricey. Bring your own supermarket grub to save money!
👟 Watch Out for Pebbles
The beach transitions from pebbles to sand. Be mindful of the tide as it comes in.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Train Access
Under 2 hours from London by train! Southern Rail from Clapham Junction is a breeze.
🐶 Dog-Friendly West Beach
West Beach welcomes dogs year-round. Perfect for a calm, sandy escape with your furry friend.
💰 Pack Your Own Snacks
Food huts can be pricey. Bring your own supermarket grub to save money!
👟 Watch Out for Pebbles
The beach transitions from pebbles to sand. Be mindful of the tide as it comes in.
📸 Capture the Sunsets
East Beach offers stunning sunset views, perfect for photographers.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Galore
Kid-friendly beach with funfair rides, mini trains, arcades, and classic seaside treats.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Littlehampton Beach is praised as a gem with clean facilities, clear waters, and a good mix of activities for families and dog owners. Visitors appreciate the less crowded atmosphere compared to other beaches and the reasonable parking. Some note that food can be expensive, and the transition from pebbles to sand requires awareness of the tide.
"Hampton Beach is a little gem that offers all the essential amenities, including clean restrooms, well-maintained beaches, and a long walkway along the sea and riverside. There are plenty of options for fresh snacks, such as donuts, fish and chips, and ice cream. The seawater is clear and blue, and you can easily see where the river meets the ocean.
The beach features a small pond with ducks and swans, along with an amusement center and fun park that has a variety of rides for kids and teens. I enjoy this place because it is less crowded, with no waiting time to find parking like at other popular beaches. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun in beautiful light. I plan to return soon to explore other side of the long sea beach."
Ashish Muley
"Super beach, but super busy, it’s going to have great facilities, once all the new showers and toilets are open, the purpose built car park is open and is very reasonable. Be warned though the food huts are very expensive so make sure you take your bags of supermarket grub"
Nicolas Povall
"Lovely beach, few meters of large stone to get to the waters,but sandy floor otherwise, clear waters and felt warm at times. Be aware of the large tide when it comes in as we had to move our stuff further away from the sea at some point.
Couple of paid parking lots and street parking.
Children play ground and two shops with long queues."
darkwing318
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach Littlehampton Beach from London by train. Southern Rail operates services from Clapham Junction, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours.
Yes, there are purpose-built car parks available near the beach, which are reasonably priced. Street parking may also be an option.
While specific cycle routes aren't detailed, the coastal location makes it a pleasant destination for cyclists. Check local cycling maps for the best routes.
The long walkway along the sea and riverside offers good accessibility. The sandy beach itself may present challenges for wheelchairs, especially at higher tides.
For convenience and speed, the train is highly recommended, especially from London. Driving is also an option with available parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Littlehampton Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the sand and sea freely.
As a public beach, Littlehampton Beach is accessible at all times. However, amenities like amusement centers and food outlets will have their own operating hours.
Tickets for the amusement park rides are typically purchased on-site. It's advisable to check the specific amusement center's website for any advance booking options or special offers.
Littlehampton West Beach is dog-friendly all year round, making it a great spot for pet owners. 
Parking is available in purpose-built car parks and is generally considered reasonable. Some street parking might also be available, and at certain times, parking can be free after 8 pm. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include building sandcastles, paddling in the sea, enjoying funfair rides, playing in arcades, and taking mini train rides. It's also a great spot for leisurely walks and enjoying the seaside atmosphere. +1
Absolutely! The beach offers a funfair, mini train rides, and a wide sandy area perfect for sandcastles, making it a fantastic destination for families.
The beach offers essential amenities like restrooms and showers (some newly installed). There are also food options and a long walkway along the sea and riverside.
Yes, the seawater is described as clear and blue, and at times felt warm. Be aware of the tide, which can come in quickly.
Nearby attractions include the amusement center, fun park, arcades, and the East Beach Cafe. You can also enjoy walks along the coast towards Rustington.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find classic seaside snacks like donuts, fish and chips, and ice cream from various food huts. The East Beach Cafe offers a more refined dining experience.
Yes, the East Beach Cafe is a popular spot with a terrace and DJ events. The Beach Littlehampton also offers Sunday Roasts.
Some food huts can be pricey, so bringing your own supermarket snacks is a good tip.
While specific options aren't detailed, many seaside cafes offer a range of choices. It's best to check menus at individual establishments like the East Beach Cafe.
Yes, there are cafes and food outlets along the seafront where you can grab a coffee.
📸 📸 Photography
The East Beach offers stunning sunset views. The pier, the harbour, and the general seafront provide picturesque scenes, especially with the boats.
While not explicitly mentioned, coastal areas often offer great aerial photography opportunities. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
Late afternoons and evenings are ideal for capturing the beautiful light, especially during sunset. Early mornings can also offer soft, beautiful light with fewer people.
The pier and the distinctive architecture of the East Beach Cafe are notable landmarks. The meeting point of the river and the ocean also offers unique photographic opportunities.
It's excellent for landscape, seascape, family, and pet photography, especially with the varied scenery from sandy beaches to the harbour.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds. While food huts can be a bit pricey, packing your own snacks and drinks is a great way to manage costs. The accessible walkway along the seafront is also helpful for strollers.
🐶 Dog Owners
+1West Beach is often quieter than the main seafront, offering a more peaceful environment for a relaxed day out with your pet. Remember to bring water for your dog and be mindful of other beachgoers. It’s an ideal spot for a refreshing coastal walk with your canine best friend.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
The harbour and pier also present picturesque scenes, especially with boats and the sea. The unique architecture of the East Beach Cafe is another photogenic landmark. +1 Aim for late afternoons or early mornings for the best light and fewer crowds. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to Littlehampton Beach from London
If you prefer to drive, Littlehampton is accessible via the A27. There are purpose-built car parks available near the seafront, which are generally reasonably priced. However, during peak times, parking can become busy, so arriving early is advisable. Some street parking may also be available, and it's worth noting that parking can sometimes be free after 8 pm.
For those looking for a more scenic route, cycling is also an option, though it would be a longer journey. The coastal paths and surrounding areas offer pleasant cycling opportunities. Regardless of your chosen mode of transport, the journey is generally smooth, allowing you to reach the seaside with ease.
Dog-Friendly Adventures at West Beach
+1The West Beach area is often described as more peaceful and less crowded than the main seafront, providing a more relaxed environment for both dogs and their owners. The grassy sand dunes at the top of the beach offer a lovely spot for a stroll or a picnic, adding to the natural beauty of the area. It’s an ideal location for a calm day out, away from the hustle and bustle.
When visiting with your dog, remember to bring water and any necessary supplies. While the beach is dog-friendly, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and ensure your dog is under control. The clear waters and ample space make it a fantastic spot for dogs to play and explore safely.
Family Fun and Seaside Delights
+1Beyond the rides, the beach itself is a major draw. The wide, sandy shores are perfect for building elaborate sandcastles, playing beach games, or simply relaxing and soaking up the sun. The clear, shallow waters are ideal for paddling, allowing younger children to safely enjoy the sea. Classic seaside treats are also a must, with numerous stalls offering ice creams, donuts, and other delicious snacks to complete the quintessential beach experience.
For those seeking a bit more excitement, the amusement arcades offer a chance to test your skills and win prizes. The combination of rides, beach activities, and classic seaside food makes Littlehampton Beach a perfect spot for creating lasting family memories. It’s a place where traditional seaside charm meets modern entertainment.
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