Between Worthing And Bognor Regis Is A Charming Coastal Town With Fresh Seafood, Gorgeous Beaches, And Shops

Littlehampton sits where the Arun river meets the English Channel. The main attraction for many is its family-friendly seafront with cafés, a promenade, and long stretch of beach. Cross the river and the aesthetics change from those familiar seaside clichés of vibrant beach huts, busy shops, and amusements to an altogether wilder proposition. West Beach has one of England's most beautiful dune systems, with an expansive shoreline, rare wildlife, and scenic walking routes winding alongside and between grassy dunes.

The town also has a working harbor with a colorful set of quayside houses, independent shops, and a distinctive riverside setting that makes it an appealing alternative to the South Coast's better known resorts. There's a pier at the mouth of the Arun with a short, white lighthouse, as well as a quaint town museum, a small selection of galleries, and a rather curious collection of modern architecture. Between all this, there are fish and chip shops and atmospheric sit-down restaurants in which to enjoy the local catch, fresh from the Atlantic.

Littlehampton's position between Worthing and Bognor Regis makes it an effortless addition to a West Sussex coastal itinerary, with towns such as Brighton less than an hour away by train. It's easy to reach by direct train from London, too, if traveling via the capital.

While Littlehampton has the charms typical of an English seaside town, it's West Beach that stands out for its wilder, more natural coastline. Most easily reached by crossing the red Littlehampton Harbor Bridge near the railroad station and following the river for around 15 minutes, this quieter stretch of beach has sand flats, shingle, and rolling dunes that form one of three sand dune systems in West Sussex. The area's wildlife is protected, so stick to designated paths and boardwalks rather than trampling over fragile vegetation, which is all too common, unfortunately.

West Beach is part of a protected coastal landscape, with the remains of a Napoleonic-era fort nearby and fossils along the shore. It's also a good place for a long walk west of town, best timed for low tide when the beach opens up, revealing a wide stretch of sandy beach, rare in this part of England. For a longer walk, consider following the Arun river for around 5 miles to the beautiful castle-topped town of Arundel. 

From West Beach, cross the Arun river to East Beach, which offers a more traditional seaside experience. The shoreline is a mix of sand and shingle, backed by a promenade and large seafront greens, and there's a line of cheerful beach huts in yellows, blues, and purples that can be booked for personal use. When it's time to refuel, 47 Mussel Row is a perfect option for its fresh-off-the-boat crab, scallops, and mussels, while Osca's Fish & Chips is a classic takeaway and Riverside Fish is a nearby fishmongers.

Littlehampton's pier is modest compared with the grand Victorian structures found elsewhere along the English coast, such as the world's longest pleasure pier in Southend-on-Sea. However, its position, hovering over the water, makes it worth a look. From there, Pier Road follows the river toward the town center, with small shops such as Pier Road Coffee & Art, which serves coffee and displays and sells art by local artists alongside souvenirs. A RNLI fundraising shop, meanwhile, has maritime-themed gifts and souvenirs, with proceeds supporting the lifeboat charity. 

Despite its classic seaside credentials, Littlehampton has a few unexpectedly contemporary pieces of architecture, most notably along its seafront. The standout is East Beach Café, designed by Thomas Heatherwick CBE: a long, rippling structure clad in weathered steel, intended to evoke the textures of the shoreline. The Long Bench, made from thousands of reclaimed hardwood slats, is nearby. Created by Studio Weave, it winds for 354 yards along the promenade, twisting around lampposts and dipping into unusual alcoves, its length engraved with locals' and visitors' personal messages.

Littlehampton is straightforward to explore on foot, with the town center, railroad station, riverfront, and beaches connected by leafy walking routes. For a day trip, combine the dunes at West Beach with the busier East Beach and a riverside stroll, leaving time for a lunch overlooking the harbor. To explore more of the English coast, consider a scenic train ride through the countryside to "London by the Sea," aka Brighton — which is known for its nightlife. It takes around 50 minutes by direct train.