East Beach
Littlehampton's award-winning sandy beach
East Beach is Littlehampton's principal bathing beach, stretching eastward from the mouth of the River Arun towards Rustington. The beach is sandy and gently shelving, making it popular with families and young children who can paddle safely at the water's edge. At low tide the sand extends a considerable distance, providing space for beach games, kite flying and sand castle building that the high-tide beach cannot match.
The beach has been awarded a Blue Flag on multiple occasions, recognising the quality of the water, the facilities and the environmental management of the site. Beach huts line the upper promenade, their colourful facades creating one of the most photographed scenes in the town. The huts are owned by the council and available for hire on a daily or seasonal basis, providing changing facilities, shelter from the wind and a base for a day at the seaside.
Lifeguards patrol designated swimming areas during the summer season, typically from late May to early September. The lifeguard service provides reassurance for families and helps manage the interactions between swimmers, paddleboarders and other water users. Red and yellow flags mark the patrolled area, and beach users are advised to swim between the flags for their own safety.
The promenade runs along the back of the beach, providing a level walking and cycling route from the harbour mouth to Rustington. The promenade is well maintained and accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, with ramps at regular intervals connecting the upper level to the beach. Benches, litter bins and dog waste bins are provided along the route.
Parking for East Beach is available at the East Beach car park and at several smaller car parks along Sea Road and South Terrace. The main car park fills quickly on sunny summer weekends, and arriving early or using public transport is advisable during peak periods. The beach is also accessible by foot from the town centre, a walk of approximately ten minutes along the seafront path.
Dog restrictions apply during the summer months, with dogs excluded from the main bathing beach between May and September. Outside these dates, dogs are welcome on all parts of the beach and the area is popular with dog walkers throughout the winter. The western end of East Beach, closest to the harbour entrance, is particularly attractive for walkers who combine a beach walk with a visit to the harbour area.
The beach is cleaned regularly during the summer season, with mechanical beach cleaning equipment removing litter and seaweed from the sand. The cleanliness of the beach contributes to its Blue Flag status and to the overall visitor experience. Information boards at the main access points display tide times, safety advice and details of the lifeguard service, helping visitors plan their time on the beach safely and enjoyably. The combination of clean sand, safe swimming, good facilities and the colourful promenade makes East Beach one of the most attractive family beaches on the West Sussex coast, drawing visitors from across the region throughout the warmer months and providing a popular walking destination even during the quieter winter season when the beach takes on a different, more contemplative character.