Why Visit Littlehampton?
Littlehampton might be best known today for its bustling harbour, its beautiful stretch of beach and having the longest bench in the UK. However, Littlehampton was once a sleepy fishing village.
Long before sunbathers arrived, Littlehampton’s identity was shaped entirely by the River Arun, which had become a bustling port by the 14th century, trading extensively with France. In fact, during the French Wars of the 16th century, the town was so heavily targeted by raids that fortification became a priority, embedding a distinctly protective, military grit into the local culture early on. The town then became widely recognised as a major shipbuilding hub before turning into a popular seaside resort.
An Introduction to Littlehampton Club Site
Located just off the main road into Littlehampton, this is a peaceful site on the edge of Wick town, within easy walking distance of Littlehampton itself, along with its beaches, supermarkets, and local pubs.
We stayed at the Littlehampton Club Site for a four-night weekday break in May and found it to be the ideal location for those wanting to explore the local area of not only Littlehampton but also Bognor Regis, Brighton, Chichester and Arundel.
Campsite at a Glance
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Location & Accessibility
- Very easy to get to along major roads.
- Easily accessible for motorhomes (up to 8.5m) and caravans. However, do not arrive before 1 pm, as there is nowhere really to wait, and you cannot check in ahead of this time.
- There is a bus stop about 200m from the campsite entrance
- Main Train station is in Littlehampton town centre
The entrance to Littlehampton Club Site
Arriving at the Littlehampton Club Site
As previously mentioned, we arrived for a mid-week stay at Littlehampton at the beginning of May. Speaking to the team on arrival, we had just missed a very busy bank holiday weekend, where there had been over 80 families. However, during our stay, there were only around 20 of us, and therefore, it was extremely peaceful.
The one thing we love about these club sites is how well-maintained they are. The entrance is manicured, the flowers are in bloom, and the quirky signals highlight that great thought has been put into the first impressions of this site. Each pitch is clearly marked out, and there is plenty of room between you and the next set of guests. The grass is always well-maintained, giving it an overall impression that it is well-cared for.
A big plus for me is that there is always an information room full of local leaflets, restaurant ideas and, most importantly at this site, bus timetables. For me personally, I also love perusing the bookshelves each of these sites has, checking titles to see what I might fancy reading next. They do ask for a small donation of either 50p if you are swapping or £1 for any book purchased, with all proceeds going to a local charity.
One very important thing to note is that this site does not allow check-in to begin until after 1 pm. If you arrive early, I would suggest heading down to park up at the local Morrisons, but there is nowhere really to pull over here, especially if you have a larger vehicle or a caravan.
Facilities Review
Toilets & Showers
There is a large toilet and shower block on site, with plenty of clean, hot showers available. Each shower is also individually managed, which means you dictate the water temperature and flow, making it ideal for those with families who need to regulate this. We love the fact that there is not a push button in sight, making the whole experience far more enjoyable.
On behalf of every female reading this, there is also a full-length mirror in the ladies’ block and several hair dryers free to use.
These blocks are closed for a short period of time each day for cleaning, but when this happens, they do have a couple of toilets available for people to use, and there are also disabled facilities on-site for anyone who needs them.
The washblock at Littlehampton
Washing Up Area
There is a small washing-up area located at one end of the shower block with four sinks available. Being inside means that it is great when it rains, but just be mindful that this is also closed at the same time as the showers for cleaning, and there is no bin here for food scraps, as recycling on this particular site is very strict.
Extra Facilities on-site
You will also find a large laundry room on site and plenty of water filling points. These are located at different locations, making filling up and draining grey water easy. For those travelling in a motorhome, there is also a drive-over option to facilitate the dropping of grey water, and some pitches are fully serviced, which means you have water and the ability to drop down without going anywhere.
Noise, Atmosphere & Experience
This is a quiet site; if you are after somewhere that has a clubhouse or evening entertainment, you might be better off going elsewhere. There is a pub around the corner that does have live music, quizzes and bingo nights on occasion, but on the whole, those who visit will be looking for something more tranquil.
There is a small play park on site catering for different ages, but again, I would consider this more of a couple’s site for anything longer than a few nights.
Mobile Signal/WiFi/Remote Working
The site actually provides free Wi-Fi, which is perfectly acceptable for anyone wanting to check emails while on holiday. For those, however, who like to be able to stream, you may find that you need to pay for their premium package.
We are on the Three Network and Vodafone, and while Three was weak, Vodafone did allow us to be able to work online from the camper and stream some TV in the evening. For those who have Starlink, you will have no problems whatsoever, as there is a clear line of sight on all pitches with no overhanging trees to worry about.
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Things To Do Nearby
Walks
For those who love the outdoors and walking, while on the face of it, Littlehampton may not be your first choice, but there are plenty of different walking trails to explore.
Starting from the Littlehampton Caravan and Motorhome Club Site on Mill Lane, you have easy access to the coast, River Arun, Climping Beach, Arundel and the edge of the South Downs. The campsite itself is about a 30-minute walk from the seafront and town centre.
- Littlehampton Seafront Circular
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: The promenade, sand dunes, East Beach, the harbour, and the nature reserve.
Refreshments: You have two potential options, either East Beach Café or Harbour Lights Café.
This is a relaxed coastal walk which is suitable for most abilities, following the promenade and riverfront before looping back inland.
- West Beach & Climping Circular
Distance: 3.8 miles (6 km)
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Highlights: A shingle beach, the dunes, woodland, open farmland, and wildlife.
Refreshments: Finish with a stop at Arun View Inn.
One of the most scenic local walks, which takes in one of the least developed stretches of the Sussex coastline.
- River Arun Harbour Walk
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: The harbour, the yacht club, taking in river views, boats and birdlife.
Refreshments: You can stop for a drink at either the Arun View Inn or the Steam Packet.
Ideal for an evening stroll from the campsite into town and along the waterfront.
- Littlehampton to Arundel
Distance: 10 miles (16 km) one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: The River Arun, wetlands with both castle and countryside views.
Refreshments: Several riverside pubs and cafés in historic Arundel.
This follows the riverside route inland to Arundel, one of the area’s classic longer walks.
- Arundel Circular via Swanbourne Lake
Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Swanbourne Lake, woodland, castle views, and parkland.
Refreshments: Cafés and pubs in Arundel.
Take a short bus or train ride to Arundel and then enjoy one of Sussex’s prettiest circular routes.
- Littlehampton to Worthing (England Coast Path)
Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
Difficulty: Easy but long
Highlights: Continuous sea views, Long Bench, beaches and coastal wildlife.
Refreshments: Numerous cafés along the route, including The Beach – Littlehampton at the start.
This is a flat and rewarding day walk along the coast.
- Wick & Lyminster Village Loop
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Historic villages, farmland, quiet lanes.
Refreshments: You can enjoy a break at either the Six Bells or The Locomotive.
This is a gentler countryside alternative to the coastal routes.
- Climping Beach to Atherington Nature Reserve
Distance: 6 miles (9.5 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Coastal habitats where you can experience birdwatching along a quiet shoreline.
Refreshments: Return via the Arun View Inn or the town-centre cafés.
This is excellent for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
- South Downs Way Sampler (Burpham Section)
Distance: 8–9 miles (13–14 km)
Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
Highlights: Chalk hills, panoramic views and South Downs scenery.
Refreshments: Village pubs around Burpham.
Taking on this walk, which is just a short drive or bus ride from the campsite, means that you will experience some of the finest South Downs walks. The South Downs Way is frequently recommended for its views and varied terrain.
- Harbour, Town & Beach Explorer
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Difficulty: Very Easy
Highlights: The harbour, pedestrian riverside paths, beach, and town centre.
Refreshments: You have several different options, including the Harbour Lights Café, The George Inn and The White Hart.
This one is perfect for arrival day or for those looking for a leisurely evening walk.
All of these routes give a good mix of coastal, riverside, countryside and South Downs scenery and are all accessible from or near the campsite itself.
Pubs & Eating Out
There are several pubs close by to enjoy, but the top ones that we would recommend include the following:
This is just a short walk from the campsite and also happens to be where the bus drops you off after visiting Arundel, making it the perfect place to end a day out. They have a reasonably sized beer garden as well as several benches out front and a large restaurant.
Open all day, this is in a beautiful beachfront location, with both seating outside on the beach, while for cooler days, you can enjoy looking out over the beach from the comfort of somewhere warm, thanks to the full glass wall. There is plenty going on in the evenings as well, from live music to quiz nights.
The Beach – Littlehampton
This one is perfect for a hot sunny day. It has a large outdoor seating area overlooking the River Arun, and while it is well-known for its seafood, there is also an extensive vegan menu available.
As the name might suggest, if you fancy mussels while visiting Littlehampton, this is the place to go. It’s heavy on seafood, with mussels along with fish and chips, seafood pasta and sea bass taking pride of place on this menu.
This is the place to visit when you fancy a carvery on a Tuesday. In fact, you can enjoy a barbecue here any day of the week, making it extremely popular. For those who don’t want this, however, they have one of the most extensive menus in town with everything a family travelling together could wish for. Fancy a burger, pizza, seafood or a Goat’s Cheese Salad, they have it all here. They also offer different meal deals across the week, so those looking for good quality but cheap options should certainly check this place out.
This pub offers a roaring fire, hearty food and a pint of local ale, and as Burpham is only about ten minutes from Littlehampton, this is a great little place to visit if you are after a proper country pub experience.
Beaches around Littlehampton
If you’ve never explored the West Sussex coast, honestly, you’re missing a treat. This stretch of southern England has a bit of everything to suit most people.
Littlehampton itself is worth a proper mention because it actually has two very different beach experiences depending on which side of the River Arun you end up on. The East Beach is the more polished of the two, with a great promenade and lots of facilities (food options, beach shops, and cafes) that make it an easy choice for families. The west side has more of a rugged, unhurried feel that I personally love. The west side is not as convenient, perhaps, for families, but it is still worth visiting, as it has been designated a nature reserve due to the sand dunes that feature here, along with the remains of the WWII bunkers.
Littlehampton Beach
Away from Littlehampton, West Wittering is well known for its wide sands, where the water is surprisingly clear for England, and on a good day, it genuinely doesn’t feel that far off a European beach break. While Climping is great for anyone trying to escape the crowds, it’s quieter and wilder, and the dunes are home to all sorts of wildlife if you take the time to look.
Further along, Worthing has that classic British seaside energy with a pier being the main focus of the waterfront, but it doesn’t feel tired or run-down. Finally, you have Bognor Regis, known for its expansive views, while the town itself has everything you need for a comfortable day out by the sea.
Attractions Nearby
The area around Littlehampton has a lot more going for it than just the beach, which is something I think often gets overlooked.
This is a great shout for families, as it has rides, arcades and soft play and sits right on the seafront, so you can easily combine it with a beach day.
Here you will find a boating lake and a miniature railway that the kids absolutely love, and it has a lovely, unhurried feel to it.
Arundel Castle
For couples, especially, the short drive or bus ride to Arundel is honestly one of my favourite things to do in this part of Sussex. Arundel Castle has nearly a thousand years of history packed into it, and the town itself is full of independent cafes, bookshops and antique shops that make for a really lovely wander.
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre
This is another hidden gem nearby, and when the summer crowds have got too much, this area is peaceful, scenic and genuinely impressive if you’re into wildlife or just fancy something a bit different.
Rainy-Day Activities
Seen from afar, the Norman Keep is worth the trip, and it’s only about ten minutes from Littlehampton. Inside the castle is ideal for a rainy day, but if you visit when the weather is better, make sure you allow time to wander around the impressive gardens. You could also add in a trip to Arundel Museum to find out more about the picturesque, historic town.
Arundel Castle Gardens
This one is perfect for those travelling with children, as it is packed full of different activities to keep everyone entertained, no matter what their ages, and includes bowling, climbing and arcade games.
This Cathedral is the perfect example of French Gothic architecture, and the beautiful stained glass alone makes it well worth the short drive. It is also free, making it a great place to explore in the rain.
This creative indoor play centre has been designed to spark children’s imaginations and has several different themed role-play rooms perfect for those travelling with little ones.
PLAYXPERIENCE, Bognor Regis
As an alternative to Out of Bounds, you could head to Bognor Regis, as Playxperience is also home to numerous indoor activities, including bowling, soft play and arcade games.
A National Trust gem on the edge of the market town of Petworth is home to an impressive art collection and grand interiors that make for a genuinely lovely couple of hours. The town itself is full of antique shops and cafes worth exploring too, should you be looking for a full day out.
Nearby Towns to Explore
Arundel
If you visit just one place from the Caravan and Motorhome Club site in Littlehampton, make it Arundel. Access it easily by car or by taking the bus, which stops outside the Six Bells pub.
The castle is the obvious starting point and truly lives up to its reputation. It sits high above town, offering unbeatable views across the South Downs, and commands the heart of Arundel.
The Cathedral at Arundel
Arundel Cathedral is worth a visit too. It is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture that most people walk past without going inside, which is a shame because it’s genuinely beautiful. Even if you opt not to venture inside, make sure you take the time to enjoy the intricate exterior.
The High Street is lined with antique shops, art galleries and independent cafes. Off the main road, you will find Nineveh Chapel, now a collection of independent shops featuring art, crafts and collectables that you could easily browse for an hour.
As a book lover, I wholeheartedly recommend stopping to peruse the shelves at Kim’s Bookshop. It is the kind of place where you go in for a browse and come out an hour later with a bag full of things you didn’t know you wanted.
Brighton
Brighton is perhaps the most popular place to visit along this coastline. The Royal Pavilion is often the first thing on most people’s lists. The completely unique, Indian-inspired palace sits in the middle of this seaside city, and while it should feel painfully out of place, here, where anything goes, oddly, it fits right in. The Lanes are the other essential stop. This maze of narrow streets is lined with independent shops, galleries, and cafes. Make sure you wander north to North Laine, which is home to the largest collection of independent retailers on the south coast.
For book lovers, Brighton is genuinely one of the best cities in England. You can even lace up your walking shoes and follow the city’s curated Literary Trail, which guides you through the haunts of the extraordinary writers who lived, worked, or drew inspiration here. The trail takes you from the Regency-era steps of Jane Austen and Charles Dickens to the gritty, noir streets made famous by Graham Greene’s Brighton Rock. Along the way, you can spot the blue plaque marking the home of The Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling in nearby Rottingdean or trace the footsteps of modern bestsellers like Peter James, whose famous Roy Grace detective series is set entirely in the city.
The city’s modern literary scene is just as vibrant as its history. Kemptown Bookshop is Brighton’s oldest independent store, established in 1976. Spread across three floors, it was voted one of the top 12 indie bookshops in the UK by The Times and sells coffee and cake too, which only adds to the appeal. Goldsboro Books is another standout, specialising in signed hardback first editions, making it the kind of place you go in for a browse and come out having spent more than you planned. Whether you are hunting for a rare collector’s item or reading on the pebbles by the pier, Brighton is a city where stories truly come alive.
Bognor Regis
Bognor doesn’t always get the credit it deserves, and I think that’s partly because people write it off before they’ve spent any real time there. Yes, it has all the classic seaside elements: the pier, the beach, the fish and chips, and there’s genuinely nothing wrong with any of that, but there is so much more to this underrated place.
Aldwick Beach, just west of the pier, is worth seeking out, quieter than the main stretch, with colourful beach huts and soft sand that reveals itself as the tide goes out. Hotham Park is another highlight and is home to a beautifully maintained green space with a boating lake, miniature railway and free summer bandstand concerts.
For book lovers, the town has a surprisingly rich literary undercurrent and has its own local Literary Trail, which maps out the town’s unexpected connections to literary giants and the dozens of novels set right on these shores. As you wander, you will learn more about Jane Austen’s inspiration for Sanditon as well as Philippa Gregory’s Tidelands. If you follow it just down the road to Felpham, you’ll find the cottage where William Blake lived and wrote the famous prefatory poem to Milton (which we now know as the hymn Jerusalem). Even James Joyce spent a summer here in 1923, drafting early elements of Finnegans Wake.
It’s also worth knowing about Heygate’s Bookshop, a wonderfully independent family-run shop tucked inside the Grade II listed railway station. They stock pre-loved and new books alongside jigsaws, comics, and audiobooks. It’s the sort of bookshop that has a full-sized Dalek in it and doesn’t feel the need to explain why.
Chichester
Chichester is the kind of city that takes you slightly by surprise; you arrive expecting a nice enough market town, but it really is so much more. It’s home to ancient Roman city walls that you can walk nearly all the way around and Roman baths that sit underneath the museum right in the centre.
The cathedral is the obvious starting point and more than delivers, with nearly 950 years of history, intricate stone carvings, beautiful stained glass and spire tours that take you 164 steps up for views across the city. While art lovers need to make sure they add the Pallant House Gallery to their list in order to explore the impressive display of British art dating from the 1900s to the present day.
For book lovers, Chichester has quietly become a premier destination, boasting a rich literary trail that winds through the city’s historic streets. The trail celebrates Chichester’s deep connection to the Romantic poets; it was here in 1819 that John Keats began writing his masterpiece, The Eve of St. Agnes, drawing vivid inspiration from the cathedral’s medieval architecture. Literary enthusiasts can also track down the haunts of modern legends, like The Chronicles of Narnia author C.S. Lewis, who was a frequent visitor to the cathedral, and locally born author Kate Mosse, who has set several of her sweeping historical novels right here in the city.
The local bookshop scene perfectly mirrors this literary heritage. The Sussex Bookshop on South Street is a charming two-floor independent store in a Grade II listed building, specialising in beautiful editions, signed copies and literary gifts. Chichester Books is a more recent addition, only opening its doors on Southgate in 2025, but it is best described as a treasure trove of books.
Why Book Lovers Should Visit Littlehampton
Unknown to many, it is also home to a fascinating, gritty literary history. Like many towns along the West Sussex coast, it has acted as a magnet for writers seeking inspiration.
Littlehampton
The most thrilling of these authors, however, has to be Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond.
During the Second World War, Fleming served as an officer who helped mastermind the operations of 30 Assault Unit (30AU), a specialised commando group tasked with seizing enemy codebooks, technology, and intelligence documents. The intense, high-stakes espionage work Fleming witnessed in Littlehampton went on to heavily shape the character of James Bond when Fleming sat down to write Casino Royale a decade later.
But Fleming is far from the town’s only literary claim to fame. Littlehampton has a wonderful knack for showing up in the lives of iconic authors, including Lord Byron and John Galsworthy, the Nobel Prize-winning author of The Forsyte Saga. It was also the centre of the Wicked Little Letters Scandal, a massive national literary mystery in the 1920s. A series of famously profane, anonymous letters sent to local residents caused a scandal that gripped the nation, which more recently inspired the 2023 dark comedy film Wicked Little Letters.
Final Thoughts…
Who This Campsite Is Best For
- Best for families and couples.
- Great for first-time campers due to the abundance of facilities and ease of public transport to explore.
- Good stopover site if you are planning to visit more of the south coast or before travelling across the Channel.
Final Verdict
Would we return?
Definitely, especially if we were in the area and wanted a base to explore more of the South Coast. The fact that you can get a train along the coast, and even into London, should you wish, certainly appeals.
Best season to visit?
For us as a couple, May – June is the best time to visit. It is not yet the holiday season, but the weather has turned, making it a great time to explore.
For those travelling with children, I can imagine that this is a great place to visit during the six-week summer holiday (August), as the beaches are safe for children and therefore there are plenty of other activities to enjoy, plus a wide range of eateries.
Value for money?
If you are an active member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, especially if you travel in the low season, this site is good value for money. The on-site facilities make for a very comfortable stay.
Have you visited Littlehampton Caravan and Motorhome Site? Do you have any comments or views that you would like to share?
Have you visited Littlehampton or the surrounding area? What other activities, towns, cafés or walks would you recommend to others?
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