The River Arun
The tidal river that defines Littlehampton
The River Arun is the defining geographical feature of Littlehampton, flowing through the town and entering the English Channel through the harbour mouth between East Beach and West Beach. The river gives the town its character, its harbour, its history and much of its visual appeal. The tidal section of the Arun runs through the town centre, and the rise and fall of the water, the movement of boats and the changing light on the river surface provide a constantly shifting backdrop to daily life.
The Arun is one of the faster-flowing rivers in England, with a tidal range that can exceed five metres at spring tides. The speed of the current and the volume of water moving through the harbour entrance create conditions that demand respect from boat users, swimmers and anyone near the water. The river is not suitable for casual swimming, and warning signs remind visitors of the dangers of the tidal currents.
The harbour area, where the river meets the sea, is the heart of Littlehampton's maritime life. Fishing boats, pleasure craft, yachts and the occasional commercial vessel use the harbour, and the pontoons and moorings along both banks of the river accommodate boats of all sizes. The harbour master's office manages the harbour operations, and the RNLI lifeboat station on the east bank provides the search and rescue capability that a busy harbour entrance requires.
Upstream from the harbour, the river passes through increasingly rural surroundings on its way to Arundel, approximately four miles to the north. The riverside path provides one of the finest walks in the area, following the river through water meadows, past reed beds and alongside farmland to the historic town of Arundel with its castle and cathedral. The walk is flat and largely accessible, though some sections can be muddy after rain.
The river supports a variety of wildlife, including herons, egrets, cormorants, swans and a range of wading birds that feed on the mudflats exposed at low tide. The reed beds along the banks provide habitat for reed warblers and other wetland birds, and otters have been recorded on the river in recent years, a sign of improving water quality and habitat management.
The Arun has shaped Littlehampton's history as a port, a fishing harbour and a shipbuilding centre. The town's maritime heritage is evident in the harbour area, the boatyards, the chandleries and the pubs and restaurants that line the riverfront. The relationship between the town and its river continues to evolve, with the harbour regeneration projects of recent years creating new public spaces and improving access to the waterfront.
The river is also the setting for various community events and activities throughout the year, including raft races during Lifeboat Week, rowing competitions, kayaking trips and organised river cruises that carry passengers between Littlehampton and Arundel during the summer months. The cruises provide a relaxed and scenic way to experience the Arun valley, passing through a landscape that has changed remarkably little since the medieval period. The river's importance to the community is both practical and emotional, serving as a transport route, a habitat, a recreational resource and a source of the visual beauty that defines the town's character.