Littlehampton

[Waffle12]

Hi wise mumsnetters

We are hoping to go to littlehampton this week (weekday rather than weekend but as its summer holidays not sure if that will make much difference to how busy it is).

We havent been before, so was after thoughts on which beach would be best- east beach or west beach.

We have a 5yr old and an 11month old.

Our wish list would be sand rather than pebble/shingle, possible to get the buggy onto the beach, somewhere to get something to eat, preferably areas that have a bit of shelter for the baby.

Do either of them have rock pools? How far does the sea go out at low tide- are u walking for ages to get to the sea? Any tips for parking at either one?

Any advice grately appreciated. Thanks.

[RiseUpWiseUpEyesUp]

West Beach only has a very very small cafe and nothing else except the beach, a lot of dog walkers go on that side.

East Beach has some sandy patches and of course more sand when the tide is out. It does go quite far out but it’s not too far of a walk I wouldn’t say. Most of the beaches here are shingle. East Beach has the cafe and kiosks, a little further up is Mewsbrook Park which is lovely too. There’s a large car park where the Harvester is which is right near the sea, it’s rarely busy but it is paid. There are a few streets around you may be able to find parking but the east beach is 5 mins from the town. It’s a lovely beach really

[RiseUpWiseUpEyesUp]

I took this on a grim day so not at its best! But there are sandy patches like this just beyond the shingle, and it was about an 1.5 hours after lowest so you can see how far roughly you’d have to walk

[Waffle12]

Thank you both- that's really helpful

Looks like east beach is the best for our needs then.

Can you tell me about high tide- is any of the beach exposed or does it come right up? Any sand at all at high tide? Does the tide come in quite quickly? Need to try and time our trip around tides and the baby's nap times

[RiseUpWiseUpEyesUp]

Those patches of sand I’m pretty sure are there regardless of the tide, it definitely doesn’t come right up because the pavement and the beachfront are relatively level - so there’s not the big dips in shingle you might see at some other beaches. The you get 2-2.5 hours either side of low tide where you can see the rest of the sand, it’s not like you’d be out at the end and suddenly be flooded or anything. I’d say it’s quite a child friendly as beaches go!

[Wheresmycider]

There is a playpark on the seafront, just past the loopy bench that has a lovely sandpit if all else fails. At highest tide its generally only shingle to be seen but this falls away quickly.
There is a big observation wheel on the seafront at the moment, and the best ice creams are sold from a cafe on the riverfront (2 minutes from the beach) strawberry and vanilla whippy!

[fabulous40s]

Google the tides as it's perfect for going when the tide is low - loads of little pools for the kids and the sea is shallow. Lots of big sandy patches. You can walk for ages and only be up to your knees.
Park in the east beach car park and there is a little cafe for getting a drink / ice cream / chips. There is a little train that goes up and down the prom for children. And a big fun fair at the end but we don't tend to use it.

[Waffle12]

Thats great guys- really helpful- thank you.

[Riverganges]

Are there loos at East beach? We are thinking of going this week too!

[Bradpittsarmpitts]

There are loo’s at East beach and after visiting yesterday they were quite clean. Beach wasn’t too busy, there are some rock pools when the tide is right out, there is still a small amount of sand on the beach when the tide is right in. I think it’s perfect for a trip with young children.