West Sussex, Sussex, England, United Kingdom

Arundel Beaches

Overview

Arundel, a historic market town nestled inland along the River Arun, serves as an excellent base for discovering the West Sussex coast. While not directly on the sea, the nearest beaches are only a short drive away, offering visitors the chance to combine town exploration with seaside excursions.

The coastline near Arundel presents a variety of beach experiences. For convenience and traditional seaside appeal, East Beach in nearby Littlehampton is a popular choice, known for its mix of sand and shingle. Those seeking a quieter escape often head to the more natural, shingle and sand shores of Climping Beach, favoured for its peaceful atmosphere. Littlehampton's West Beach also offers a similar tranquil setting close by.

Venturing slightly further unlocks more coastal gems. The expansive sands of West Wittering Beach are famous throughout the region and make for a stunning day trip, though planning is advised. Alternatively, Worthing Beach provides the classic British seaside experience with its pier and lively promenade.

From bustling resorts to serene natural stretches, the coast accessible from Arundel caters to different tastes. Whether you prefer the amenities of East Beach, the tranquility of Climping Beach, the sandy beauty of West Wittering Beach, or the traditional fun at Worthing Beach, there's a seaside spot nearby. Explore our full list below for even more options along this varied coastline.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Arundel a good place for a beach holiday?

Arundel itself is a historic market town located inland on the River Arun, not directly on the coast. However, it's very close to the sea (around 4-5 miles), making it an excellent base for exploring the various beaches of West Sussex. You get the charm of the town with easy access to coastal spots.

What type of holiday is Arundel best for if I like beaches?

Arundel is ideal if you enjoy combining cultural sightseeing (like visiting Arundel Castle and the cathedral) with day trips to nearby beaches. It suits couples, families, and those looking for a relaxed pace rather than a purely beach-focused resort holiday. It offers a mix of town amenities and easy coastal access.

What are the closest beaches to Arundel?

The nearest beaches to Arundel are Littlehampton (East Beach and West Beach) and Climping (also known as Clymping). Both are typically around a 10-15 minute drive away.

East Beach

Climping Beach

Are the beaches near Arundel sandy or pebbly?

It's a mix. Littlehampton East Beach has sand and shingle, especially at low tide, along with a traditional promenade. Littlehampton West Beach and Climping Beach are more natural, featuring shingle, pebbles, and sand, backed by dunes at Climping. Further afield, West Wittering is famous for its large sandy expanse.

Climping Beach

West Wittering Beach

Can you swim in the sea near Arundel?

Yes, swimming is possible at the nearby beaches like Littlehampton and Climping, particularly during the summer months. However, like much of the UK coast, the water temperature is cool, even in summer. Always check local conditions, tide times, and safety flags before entering the water.

Littlehampton Beach

Climping Beach

How do you get to the beaches from Arundel?

Driving is the easiest way to reach the closest beaches like Littlehampton and Climping, typically taking 10-15 minutes. There are also local bus routes connecting Arundel to Littlehampton. Cycling is another option for the relatively short distance.

Littlehampton Beach

Climping Beach

Are dogs allowed on beaches near Arundel?

Dog restrictions vary by beach and time of year. Generally, many beaches have restrictions during the main season (usually May 1st to September 30th) on their main sections. However, places like Climping Beach and parts of Littlehampton West Beach are often more dog-friendly year-round or have designated areas. Always check local signage.

Climping Beach

Which is better near Arundel: Littlehampton or Climping beach?

It depends on what you prefer. Littlehampton East Beach offers traditional seaside resort amenities like cafes, amusements, and a promenade, making it popular with families. Littlehampton West Beach and Climping are quieter and more natural, backed by dunes and offering a more peaceful experience, favoured for walks and nature.

Littlehampton Beach

Climping Beach

Is parking difficult at the beaches near Arundel?

Parking availability and cost vary. Littlehampton has several pay-and-display car parks near the beaches. Climping has a pay-and-display car park which can fill up on sunny days. Further afield, West Wittering is notorious for expensive pre-booked parking that sells out quickly in peak season. Arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.

Littlehampton Beach

Climping Beach

West Wittering Beach

Are there beaches near Arundel with cafes and toilets?

Yes, Littlehampton East Beach is well-equipped with cafes, restaurants, toilets, and other seaside facilities along its promenade. Climping has more limited facilities, typically toilets and sometimes a seasonal cafe near the car park. West Wittering also has good facilities but requires pre-booked parking.

What's the vibe like at the beaches near Arundel?

The atmosphere varies. Littlehampton East Beach has a busy, traditional family seaside resort feel. Littlehampton West Beach and Climping offer a more relaxed, natural, and sometimes wilder coastal atmosphere, popular with walkers and those seeking tranquility.

Climping Beach

Are there any quieter, less crowded beaches near Arundel?

Climping Beach and Littlehampton West Beach tend to be quieter than Littlehampton's main East Beach, especially outside of peak summer weekends. Exploring slightly further along the coast might also reveal less busy stretches, though accessibility can vary.

Climping Beach

East Beach

Is West Wittering beach worth the drive from Arundel?

West Wittering is renowned for its beautiful sandy beach and scenic views, making it very popular. It's about a 40-50 minute drive from Arundel. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on your priorities. It offers a classic sandy beach experience but requires pre-booking expensive parking well in advance, and traffic can be heavy. Littlehampton and Climping are much closer and easier to access.

West Wittering Beach