West Beach
A quieter stretch of coast west of the Arun
West Beach lies on the western side of the River Arun, separated from the main town by the river and reached via the footbridge or by road through Climping. The beach is shingle and sand, wilder and less developed than East Beach, and attracts visitors who prefer a more natural coastal experience without the facilities and activity of the main resort beach.
The beach runs westward from the river mouth towards Climping and Atherington, backed by low dunes and coastal scrub rather than the built promenade of the eastern side. The dune system is ecologically valuable, supporting plant species adapted to the mobile, salty environment and providing habitat for insects, birds and small mammals. Visitors are encouraged to stay on marked paths through the dunes to prevent erosion and disturbance.
West Beach is popular with dog walkers, who have access to a long stretch of coast without the summer restrictions that apply on East Beach. The open character of the beach and the lack of crowds make it attractive to those seeking space and quiet. Windsurfers and kitesurfers use the beach when conditions are suitable, the open aspect providing reliable winds that the more sheltered eastern beach cannot match.
Access to West Beach is from the car park at the end of Rope Walk, which is reached via the footbridge from the harbour area or by car through Climping village. The car park is operated by Arun District Council and charges apply during the summer season. The facilities at West Beach are minimal compared to the eastern side, with no lifeguard service, no beach huts and limited toilet provision. Visitors should come prepared with their own supplies.
The western end of the beach merges into the Climping Beach area, which is managed by the National Trust and has its own car park and access. The coastal path connects the two areas, and a walk from the Littlehampton harbour along West Beach to Climping and back is one of the finest coastal walks in the area, covering approximately four miles.
Sea defences along parts of West Beach have been the subject of ongoing debate and engineering work. The natural processes of coastal erosion continue to shape this stretch of coast, and the balance between protecting properties and infrastructure and allowing natural coastal processes to operate is a challenge that Arun District Council and the Environment Agency continue to address.
The atmosphere at West Beach varies dramatically with the seasons and the weather. In summer, the beach is a peaceful retreat from the crowds on the eastern side, with families and couples settling into the dunes with picnics and books. In winter, the beach takes on a wilder character, with storm waves breaking on the shingle bank and the wind carrying salt spray across the dunes. The winter beach is popular with photographers, storm watchers and hardy dog walkers who appreciate the solitude and the raw power of the sea. The contrast between the two sides of the river is one of the pleasures of the Littlehampton coast, offering two quite different beach experiences within a few minutes of each other.