Here you'll find information about accessibility in Sussex by the Sea and some useful links for further information.
Whether you are looking to book a holiday, visit for the day, go shopping or enjoy the fresh sea and country air we hope that this information will help you make a suitable choice.
During the current Coronavirus pandemic, please visit the Know Before You Go page
Bognor Regis and Littlehampton are both situated on the coastal plain between the South Downs and the English Channel, so benefit from flat, level terrain.
BEACH ACCESS
Both seaside resorts have long level promenades alongside the sand and shingle beaches The promenades have shared access for pedestrians, wheelchairs, buggies, skaters, skateboarders and cyclists - so with care, the fresh air can be enjoyed by all!
ACCESS to most if not all West Sussex beaches and shoreline, for those who use a wheelchair or have a mobility impairment is sadly limited, due to the geographical nature of the (in places) steep shingle slopes and the groynes
USE OF RAMPS in place for jet skis and other water craft by pedestrians, buggies and wheelchair users is not allowed for safety reasons.
Please see the Arun District Council Beaches page for more information
TOWN CENTRES in both seaside towns have thriving traffic free shopping areas with level access to most shops and there are Shopmobility schemes in both towns.
Arundel is an historic market town that has developed over nearly a 1,000 years around the Norman Castle on the side of a very steep hill. This does mean that unfortunately wheelchair access is not quite so easy
However, on the south east of the town, from the
railway station and A27, The Causeway,,Arundel
Lido and Mill Road are all on flat terrain and provide wonderful views up to the castle and cathedral. Mill Road provides a very pleasant ‘promenade’ and is easily accessible from the main car / coach park immediately opposite the main castle entrance. This wide tree-lined avenue runs alongside the impressive Norman / Victorian castle to
Swanbourne Lake, Arundel Wetlands Centre and The Black Rabbit riverside pub.
The lower half of the High Street and Tarrant Street, where the main shops are located, is also flat, although the pavements are narrow in places. There is a one-way traffic system (west) in Tarrant Street.
See some helpful maps here.
The town has a wealth of historic buildings, dating from the Medieval to 19th Century. Many of these are now small
independent shops and galleries, but due to their historic nature there is limited access for wheelchair users. However, the shopkeepers are a helpful bunch, so are happy to help if required.
Arundel’s larger
visitor attractions such as the
Castle, Roman Catholic
Cathedral, and the Arundel
Wetlands Centre (WWT), all have facilities for wheelchair users and welcome visitors of all abilities. It is advisable to telephone in advance to check that they have facilities suitable for your particular needs
Arundel town is situated at the foot of the
South Downs National Park; the UK's newest National Park that provides the backdrop to much of the coastal strip in West Sussex, and which stretches 100 miles or so between Eastbourne and Winchester. The natural geography of the area means access to the Park involves chalk and flint paths and steep hills in most areas.
Click on the following link for inspiration and information on access to the Park, including the Miles Without Stiles project for wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, dog walkers and less agile walkers can choose from a list of routes from across the South Downs. While you are there take a look around the National Park website for more ideas.
LOCAL VISITOR INFORMATION POINTS
Arundel Museum and Visitor Information Point is located in a new building opposite the Castle and next to the
largest Car Park in town. There is a ramp into the (ground floor) building and volunteers are on hand to guide and assist if required. Visitor information leaflets are available for personal collection and local information is freely available from the volunteers on duty.
The Regis Centre and Visitor Information Point in Bognor Regis
has very good access on ground level. Visitor information leaflets are available for personal collection, local information is freely available from the volunteers on duty. and free digital tourist information and website access via an iPad is provided.
Tourism leaflets and local information are available to collect from several
Littlehampton Visitor Information Points within local shops and organisations, all located just a few minutes' (level) walk from the seafront, river and town centre. Due to the nature of each location accessibility is variable,so please note which ones are highlighted for best accessibility.
ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS AND ACCOMMODATION
When you search for things to do and where to stay in the Arundel, Bognor Regis and Littlehampton areas you’ll see whether a business has accessible facilities when you click on its facilities tab. You can then use the contact details provided to find out more.
If accessibility is a special requirement for your holiday, you can also select this option when using 'Customise Your Visit' to generate a list of attractions, accommodation, venues and other tourism providers that have accessible facilities..
USEFUL LINKS
Find more accesibility inspiration about
visiting England if you have particular needs and see some useful links to organisations that may be able to help further.
