Looking for a new adventure?

Then you’re in luck...

THIS MONTH'S HIGHLIGHTS

Looking for a new adventure?

Then you’re in luck...

THINGS TO DO

Sussex by the Sea, what will you discover?

A knight in full armour during a re-enactment eventin the grounds of Arundel Castle
Read more

History & Heritage

Arundel, Historic Market Town

Nestled between the South Downs and West Sussex coastline Arundel is a historic market town famed for its stunning castle and cathedral. Take in the picturesque streets as you visit the independent shops, cafés and restaurants. Then enjoy the meandering River Arun and countryside of this gateway to Britain’s newest National Park.

FIND OUT MORE
Read more
Bognor Regis

Beaches & Parks

Bognor Regis

Explore Bognor Regis and its traditional seaside charm. Create new memories in the fresh sea air or relax in one of its excellent parks for a great family day out. The busy town centre offers a variety of shops and eateries to enjoy and there's plenty of year round entertainment at the Alexandra Theatre, Picturedrome Cinema, historic pier and local pubs.

FIND OUT MORE
A view of Bognor Regis beach, from the calm sea at low tide  towards the  buildings along the Esplanade, including Butlin's  Resort.
Littlehampton Harbour. A view downriver towards the harbour mouth, with many small boats and yachts moored on the sparkling water.
Read more

River Arun & Seaside

Littlehampton

A traditional seaside town with a twist! The award winning beach, seafront and adjoining green space provides fresh air and unique architecture. There's a bustling harbour and riverside walkway to the town centre and plenty of food & drink choices. Discover the brand new water sports and activities hub, ‘The Beach@Littlehampton' and some great family attractions.

FIND OUT MORE
Read more

Countryside

South Downs & Villages

Britain's newest National Park is a stunning backdrop to the Sussex coastline. Blend the best of English coast holidays with charming villages, cycling and walking trails and the spectacular landscapes of the South Downs rolling countryside.

FIND OUT MORE
Two cyclists on one of the many bridle, cycle and footpaths on the South Downs, surrounded by rolling hills and  fields.

If you need another reason

Located in the centre of England's South Coast, Sussex by the Sea is your perfect base for exploration.

Read more

MILES OF VARIED COASTLINE

Enjoy miles of sea views: fresh air, award winning family beaches, natural harbours, nature reserves, river and marina.

Read more

ON THE WATER

Join the excitement: fish, go crabbing, hire a boat, explore shipwrecks, windsurf, sail, or simply swim.

Read more

CULTURE & HERITAGE

Immerse yourself in history and stories: castle, museums, cathedral and churches, ancient woodland, events and more. 

And there's still more to see...

Meet our West Sussex neighbours

FIND OUT MORE

Things to do

15 Mar, 2024
There’s nothing quite like breathing in the fresh, spring air during a beautiful stroll in your favourite place.
26 Feb, 2024
As winter bids farewell and the promise of spring lingers in the air, West Sussex beckons families to embrace the season's beauty and embark on delightful adventures. Whether you're drawn to historic castles, charming seaside towns, or vibrant events, Arundel, Bognor Regis, and Littlehampton offer a treasure trove of activities for all ages. Here are some family-friendly suggestions to make the most of your springtime in West Sussex.
River Arun with wildlife
25 Jan, 2024
Our beautiful Arun District is a haven for wildlife and home to many species of animals, insects, flora and fauna.
The South Downs near Arundel in the Arun District
17 Jan, 2024
It's never been more important to be mindful about the way in which we travel.
17 Jan, 2024
Embrace the changing seasons and enjoy some seasonal activities on a budget in the Arun District / ‘Sussex by the Sea’ this Winter! If you’re looking for free, low cost or perhaps ‘added value’ days out, activities and events to enjoy in Arundel, Bognor Regis & Littlehampton - without stretching the purse strings, we have some suggestions for you to investigate. ο»Ώ
16 Jan, 2024
The Arun District of West Sussex is home to 15 miles of shingle and sand coastline with two ‘Seaside Award’ winning resort towns and some beautiful Sussex villages with quieter rural beaches. There are two very different harbours to enjoy too, the busy Littlehampton Harbour where the River Arun meets the sea and the quieter open coastline of the RSPB Pagham Harbour . Wherever you go, the coast is overlooked by the ever-present South Downs offering many walks, cycling and horse riding routes with plenty of opportunities to observe Sussex at its best - all year round. Here are our top tips and helpful resources so you can make the most of the coast in ‘Sussex by the Sea’. 1. How to get here Each of our towns have railway stations that connect to London (Victoria) and other towns along the South Coast and inland to Arundel and the South Downs. Bognor Regis and Littlehampton stations are just a short walk or bus / taxi ride to the main beaches. If you are visiting the beaches of Bognor Regis and Littlehampton this summer by car, it’s a great idea to plan in advance. There are plenty of parking spaces with easy access to the seafront, in both resorts, although the weekends and Bank Holidays of course can be very busy. You can find all information, including parking charges and directions, on the Arun District Council website The promenades in both resorts are designed for ‘shared use’ with access to wheelchair users, cyclists, and walkers to enjoy the fresh air, sea breezes and those big blue skies. There are many places to eat, attractions, seaside shops and bars to cater for all, including of course plenty of ice cream, seafood and fish & chip options, and the town and village centres are within easy walking distance of the beaches. Look out for freshly caught fish and seafood to buy and try out the local activity of ‘crabbing’ at Littlehampton. 2. Stay Safe Most importantly, make sure you stay safe at the coast and on our rivers. We want you to go home with nothing but happy memories! Please take time to see and follow advice from the experts when enjoying the water and don’t forget the sunscreen too! Please see details of Lifeguards at Littlehampton and Bognor Regis Beaches during the main season. Beach Patrol Officers are also on duty in the summer months, so make sure you say hello and listen to any advice they offer as the very local experts! 3. Dog-friendly If you’re planning a beach trip with your four-legged friend, it is helpful to understand the areas of the beach where they are welcome, however, most popular areas are restricted during the summer months, so that all visitors can enjoy the fresh air and open spaces. Between 1 May and 30 September each year, you cannot take your dog onto these main areas of the beach: Bognor Regis – from Bognor Regis Sailing Club ramp to Gloucester Road Felpham – from Canning Road to Felpham Sailing Club Littlehampton – from East Pier to Norfolk Road Dogs should be kept on a lead when walking on the promenades alongside these areas. Here’s more information about the dog-friendly beaches of Sussex by the Sea plus more guidance on how we can all enjoy the beaches safely. 4. Experience local wildlife Some great places to visit for nature by the coast include: Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve Littlehampton's West Beach and inland WWT Arundel , RSPB Pulborough Brooks plus of course the ever present nearby South Downs National Park For some great hints and tips on observing the county’s nature take a look at Sussex Wildlife Trust and the Sussex Bay Kelp Project in our Living Seas . Relax in the shade of the summer trees, witness the changing seasons and admire the plants and wildlife in one of the district's many Green Flag award winning parks most within walking distance of the beaches. Plan your activities or relaxation with all the weather, tides and other useful information you might need and read our series of useful Things To Do blogs . 5. Stay local for longer There are many quality places to stay in ‘Sussex by The Sea’ from camping, glamping, tourer and caravan sites, holiday villages to cosy B&Bs, boutique guest houses, coaching inns and top class hotels and spas, including at Butlin’s, Bognor Regis. Check online booking channels and the Where To Stay Pages at Visit Arundel Love Bognor Regis and Visit Littlehampton and contact the proprietors to book your stay. There's more to discover across the beautiful county of West Sussex. Search for even more ideas and inspiration at: Experience West Sussex and the South Downs National Park .
15 Jan, 2024
January marks National Dog Walking Month! We’ve created a blog of ideas on how you can share the delights of ‘Sussex by the Sea’ with your four-legged companions…
Christmas lights
13 Nov, 2023
There are plenty of fun festive activities to enjoy in the Arun District this November and December. From switching on Christmas lights to conferring the Freedom of Arundel on the 18th Duke of Norfolk, there is something for everyone in our local area during this festive season.Christmas lights – ‘Switch On’ dates for your diary See the information below for each town and don’t forget that there is FREE parking on Saturdays in the run up to Christmas in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton. Littlehampton Lights Switch On – 18 th November Soak up some Christmas spirit at the Littlehampton Christmas Lights Switch on event and Late-Night Shopping on the 18th November. The High Street will be packed with festive cheer and lots of local retailers will be staying open late, so you can snap up your Christmas gifts. Enjoy live music and entertainment as well as food stalls, artisan stalls and the opportunity to visit Father Christmas! See more at: Events – Visit Littlehampton and their social media channels. Bognor Regis lights Switch On – 25 th November Come and join the festive fun in Bognor Regis from 4pm- 7pm and soak up the atmosphere with plenty of seasonal activities and things to do, as well as live music, entertainment and stunning digital projections! Read more about this event here: https://lovebognorregis.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-switch-on/ Follow the “ Enchanted Woodland ” Light Trail through Hotham Park to the “ Ice Rink in the Park” for a magical Christmas experience from 4 th – 17 th December. Watch out for more information coming soon on our social media platforms and See more ‘What’s On in Bognor Regis’ information at Love Bognor Regis and their social media channels. We are also delighted to share that the ‘Ice Rink In The Park’ (London Road Coach Park) will be open 23 November 2023 to 02 Jan 2024 inclusive. Arundel Christmas lights Switch On – 1 st December December 1 st 2023 will be a double celebration in the historic town of Arundel. Not only will the Christmas Tree lights be turned on, to launch the traditional Christmas Festival, but on the same occasion, the Mayor of Arundel will confer the Freedom of Arundel on Edward Fitzalan-Howard, the 18 th Duke of Norfolk, the hereditary Earl Marshal of England, whose responsibilities include organising major ceremonial state occasions. “So many people wished to witness and participate in this very special event that there was not a room in the town large enough to accommodate them. So, we decided to hold it in the Town Centre, at the heart of the conservation area, where everyone who wished to could take part”, explains Cllr. Tony Hunt, Mayor of Arundel. “The Freedom of Arundel is only conferred in rare and exceptional circumstances. Since 1945 this honour has only been conferred on 7 individuals and the Royal Sussex Regiment. It took account of the contribution that the Duke had made to national life through organising both the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth ll and the Coronation of King Charles lll. This has earned the Duke of Norfolk respect and gratitude across the country, and in doing so it has enhanced the reputation of Arundel. People in Arundel told me that they felt proud that “our Duke” had not only organised the Coronation but was centre stage throughout”, explains Cllr. Tony Hunt. Conferring the Freedom of Arundel also marks the contribution that the Duke has made to life in Arundel, and the exemplary effort which he has made to maintain sustainability and biodiversity on the Norfolk Estate, including his project to extend curlew from their northern stronghold on the Yorkshire Moors to the Peppering Estate in West Sussex. Keep an eye out for more festivities throughout December, as part of the wonderful annual Arundel at Christmas event and don’t forget the November and December Monthly Farmers’ Markets (3rd Saturday of each month) and much more. Find out more at: VisitArundel.co.uk and their social media channels. Several of the villages in Sussex by the Sea will be holding seasonal events too. Follow our social media channels for the latest information shared as its published.
18 Oct, 2023
Take the opportunity to discover and enjoy the colourful, if distinctly cooler, season of autumn in Sussex by the Sea here in the Arun District of West Sussex. This October’s Half Term there are Halloween inspired events, Fireworks and pumpkins galore – along with historic characters coming to life at Arundel Castle and a spot of cold water swimming at Arundel Lido to give you the chills – and tempt you out of doors. Take a look at our suggestions below and follow our social pages for even more inspiration – shared direct from our ‘cool’ local attractions and hospitality businesses. Arundel Bignor Roman Villa - Bignor Pumpkin Patch - VisitArundel.co.uk 7 th – 31st October 2023 New this year Arundel Pumpkin Patch Arundel Farmers’ Market – 16 th October - will no doubt have pumpkins, squashes and plenty of other seasonal vegetables. Aldingbourne Country Farm - Witching Woodland Walks and Halloween Spooktacular to explore. Arundel Lido – Not ‘spooky’ but definitely ‘chilling!' Arundel Castle - Characters Through History weekend 25th and 26th October – the final big event before the castle closes for the season on the 29 th October 2023. Check the castle’s website for 2024 opening dates. Arundel Museum - Discover the history of Arundel, take part in a Children’s Art Workshop (23rd October) and view the brand-new Exhibition : Rebuilding Arundel Castle 1870-1900 from 13th October – 24th January 2024 WWT Arundel – There’s Eek! Week and more at this wonderful location in the watery countryside by the River Arun. And fireworks at nearby Fontwell Park Racecourse on the 4 th November. Bognor Regis Bognor Regis Football Club Fireworks and Kids Disco - 22 nd October Bognor Regis Museum are hosting their Halloween ‘Ghost Hunt – 24 th – 28 th October Butlin’s, Bognor Regis: ‘Spooktober’ Half Term Breaks – and more Discover nature and some wonderful autumn colour in Hotham Park and explore the Heritage Trails on the seafront and throughout the town. Check out the Love Bognor Regis Facebook page for some clever, and different ways to support your local town centre businesses this Halloween. And visit the Love Bognor Regis website for even more ideas to help you enjoy this famous seaside town all year round. Littlehampton The Beach, Littlehampton continue with their varied range of activities for all and East Beach Café have Half Term activities for the youngsters - and there’s a Tourism & Hospitality Networking event at East Beach Café on the seafront on Tuesday 17 th November Littlehampton Museum Visit the children’s Roman’s Exhibition before it closes at the end of October. Rustington Museum – has the opportunity to make Autumn decorations and Masks Enjoy Littlehampton Harbour , Harbour Park , Mewsbrook Park , Littlehampton Wave Leisure Centre and Beach & Riverside Walks – there’s a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Saturday 21 st October too, with activities and entertainment to celebrate the completion of the newly refurbished town centre. Plus – Fireworks! - the biggest local event of them all is the annual Littlehampton Bonfire Procession and Seafront Greens Fireworks on Saturday 28 October! See Visit Littlehampton and Littlehampton Town Council for more inspiration and events. If you know of any other Fireworks Displays happening in the district , let us know on our Facebook page – look out for and add to the comments on our dedicated Half Term and Fireworks post coming soon. While you’re here, why not check out our other Things To Do blogs and our Social Media plus more partners Experience West Sussex and the South Downs National Park for even more inspiration!

SUSSEX BY THE SEA

Stay for pleasure

Leave with memories

Share by: