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Information for Visitors
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Littlehampton Visitor Guide
 History of Littlehampton Littlehampton is steeped in history. Its origins date back to Roman Times, when it was known as Hampton. It wasn’t until the 14th Century that it became Little Hampton - this differentiated it from the larger Southampton. Read more...
As with many seaside towns, it has seen its share of bloody times. In 1136 the forces of Empress Matilda landed here to begin her war with King Stephen.
The town has been a haven for creatives over the years, with Percy Bysshe Shelley, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Lord Byron all coming to savour the peace and tranquillity. More recently, fans of Ronnie Barker will be interested to know that he had a property in South Terrace and it is thought that the series Open All Hours was based on his local corner shop in Norfolk Road, Littlehampton. In addition to this the 30AU (Assault Unit) was based at the Marine Pub in Littlehampton and these men were the basis for Ian Fleming’s James Bond.
Importance of the River
Littlehampton has a beautiful natural harbour at the mouth of the River Arun. The harbour provides a safe haven for all leisure craft as well as being a small commercial port.
The River Arun drains over 376 square miles of land, nearly all of which is in the county of West Sussex, through its entrance at Littlehampton. This is believed to be the largest catchment area of any river between the Medway and the Tamar along the south coast. If one imagines a bath as the catchment area and the plug hole as the mouth of the river, then it is a remarkably big bath and a remarkably small plug hole - just 30 metres or 100 feet in width at the entrance. The river also has the reputation for being the second fastest flowing in the country.
Littlehampton has been a port since Roman Times, but it only overtook Arundel as the river’s main harbour in the 1820’s. Maritime trade was the most important driver of Littlehampton’s economy until the railway first steamed into town in 1863. The new railway changed the face of the industrial areas of the town and brought holiday makers into the area - beginning the town’s booming leisure industry. Littlehampton had already officially been a town for a decade by this point and the motto - "Progress" (which still stands as the town’s motto) - must have seemed exceedingly appropriate.
 Once inside the harbour, there are pontoons complete with power, light and water which are provided in front of the Harbour Office. For a small charge these are available for visitors as are the showers and toilets within the office. The moorings are adjacent to Pier Road with its shops and waterside restaurants and just a short, level stroll along a scenic riverside walkway from the town centre. The maritime themed pedestrian precinct plays host to familiar High Street stores as well as chemists, newsagents, a hardware shop and supermarket.If you get under the skin of Littlehampton, you’ll uncover all sorts of interesting facts. For example, those of us young (or old) enough to remember, the first ever Blue Peter lifeboat was (and still is) stationed at Littlehampton, the lifeboat service has been in operation since 1884. Have a look at amazing aventures and brave rescues the boat has been involved in.
The harbour limits extend for six miles from the sea to the old bridge road at Arundel although navigation is possible for small craft as far as Stopham Road Bridge, a distance of 20 miles. There are, however, several low bridges to negotiate if attempting this passage and at low water shallows will be found at Warningcamp, Ford, North of Stoke Bridge, the Black Rabbit Hotel and in the vicinity of Offham Bridge.
 The Oyster PondThe Oyster pond was originally used to house local fishermen’s (predominantly shellfish) catches. It acquired its name due to the fishermen storing large amounts of oysters in the pond. It was converted into a boating pond in the late 1870s. There was a very active model yacht club in the town in the 1920s and they would come to the Oyster pond and race their model ships. During the annual Regatta the ferrymen and fishermen would dress up and take part in races across the pond.
The Oyster Waymarkers
Look out for some unique art work that lines the Riverwalk way in Littlehampton. Stretching from the Look & Sea! Visitor Centre down the area opposite the Oyster Pond, the Oyster Waymarkers give visitors the opportunity to discover local seafood recipes. The recipes were compiled and designed by staff and students at Littlehampton Community School. The Littlehampton Fish Recipe Book is available to buy from the Museum and Look & Sea! Centre. The influence of the local fishing industry is evidenced by the many restaurants lining the Riverwalk.
The Fort and the West Bank
 In the mid 1700’s, Littlehampton Redoubt was built to protect the town from any invaders. The Redoubt had a battery of guns pointing up the river and out to sea - a formidable sight. A century later, a smaller five gun fort was built on the West bank and, although heavily overgrown, one can still see its outlines. The sand dunes on the West Bank are designated as a Site of Scientific Interest where wildlife and rare plants can be discovered in their natural habitat. Walk along the uncommercialised beach and enjoy the natural sea-scape - you will find it an uplifting experience!
The magnificent viewing Tower is the ideal way to complete a visit to Littlehampton. With a 360ºc panorama it provides one of the best views in Sussex. The Heritage Exhibition has recently been redeveloped to focus on the seaside and harbour history of Littlehampton.
Within the centre there’s the Harbour Lights Cafe which is open daily from 9am serving breakfasts. Here you will be able to eat delicious food whilst enjoying the scenic harbour.
Littlehampton Visitor Information Centre
The Littlehampton Visitor Information Centre is situated on the ground floor of the Look & Sea! Visitor Centre and is open daily from 10am. Staff provide helpful, friendly and professional advice throughout the year and they stock a comprehensive range of maps including a detailed road map of the Town, publications of local interest and gifts.
Local Area- Sussex by the Sea
Sussex by the Sea embraces not only Littlehampton but the well known seaside resort of Bognor Regis and the historic town of Arundel, surrounded by timeless villages, unspoiled coastline and the South Downs , an area designated as one of natural outstanding beauty, provides breathtaking views. For nature lovers there are marshes, rolling chalk downland, woodlands, meadows, rivers and wetlands - a haven of habitats for wildlife, rare birds, butterflies and plants. Littlehampton is also within a 30 minute drive from the famous Goodwood International Sporting venue where you can experience a range of motorsports including driving classic and sports cars or enjoy walking in the grounds of the Estate.
There’s a good range of accommodation in and around Littlehampton from seafront and riverside B & Bs and self-catering apartments to caravan and camping sites.
Getting to Littlehampton
Getting to Littlehampton couldn’t be easier - it is well connected to the rest of West Sussex by road, rail and boat, and an easy 2 hour drive from London. Find us
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This page was last updated on 30/07/10 at 14:37:32
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