Did you know? We celebrate National Beach Day this Sunday
National Beach Day is celebrated each year on August 30, 2026 - a day that encourages people to enjoy the natural beauty of coastal areas while promoting environmental awareness and clean-up efforts.
Arun District is home to around 15 miles of beautiful coastline, stretching across popular seaside destinations including Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Middleton-on-Sea, Felpham, Climping and Elmer. From award-winning beaches and family-friendly seafronts to quieter stretches of coastline and nature-rich shorelines, Arun's beaches attract residents and visitors from across the region and beyond.
Our beaches are much more than places to relax and enjoy the sea. They play a vital role in supporting the local visitor economy, helping to sustain local shops, cafés, restaurants, accommodation providers, attractions and leisure businesses - more so in the summer.
Our visitor strategy
Arun District Council's Visitor Strategy highlights tourism as a key driver of local prosperity, with a target of growing the district's annual visitor economy impact from £452 million to £475 million by 2028. Visitors who come to enjoy our coastline help support local jobs, encourage investment and contribute to thriving town centres across the district
Whether it's building sandcastles on Littlehampton's award-winning beach, enjoying a traditional seaside day out in Bognor Regis, or exploring the natural beauty of Climping Beach, every visit helps support Arun's coastal communities and economy.
The magic of the coast all year …
Spring and summer bring crowds, especially after a spell of warm, sunny weather. There is nothing quite like a day at the beach, cooling off in the sea, enjoying an ice cream and listening to the sound of children having fun.
However, autumn and winter reveal a different kind of magic. As the crowds fade away, the coast becomes a place of peace and reflection. Crisp mornings, dramatic skies and the rhythmic sound of the waves create the perfect setting for a refreshing walk or a moment to pause and take in the beauty of nature.
The cooler months also offer some of the most spectacular coastal scenery. Sunrises and sunsets can be particularly striking, casting vibrant colours across the sea, while stormy weather can transform the coastline into a dramatic natural spectacle. It's also a wonderful time for wildlife spotting, with seabirds and other coastal species often easier to see away from the busy summer season.
Visiting the coast during autumn and winter is a reminder that its beauty extends far beyond the summer months.
Love the coast, leave no trace
Our beaches are beautiful in every season, but they need our help to stay that way. Every piece of litter removed from the shore is one less piece that could end up in the sea, where it can harm wildlife and pollute marine environments. When visiting the coast, remember to take your rubbish home or use the bins provided, dispose of fishing gear responsibly and consider picking up any litter you see along the way.
Small actions can have a significant impact in helping to keep our coastline clean, safe and welcoming for everyone.
Seagulls don't need feeding!
If you are visiting the coast, please don't feed them fish and chips or bread crusts - which aren't good for them. It can also lead to them attacking people, so please think twice!
We offer plenty of information about our beaches including beach safety, rules and water quality, which is checked every six days.
Our beaches | Arun District Council
Today gives us the perfect opportunity to give a huge thank to our amazing Beach Patrol team for helping to keep our beaches clean, welcoming and enjoyable for all. We're also incredibly grateful to the RNLI and their lifeguards, whose commitment, expertise and bravery help keep us safe on and around the water.