For the latest version of this page and future updates, please go to the naturist beach Guide at the: Naturist UK Fact File
General
This beach is situated to the west of Littlehampton, beyond the estuary
of the river Arun. It is also known as 'West Beach'.
Access & Parking
Updated August 2004 by Neal
Join the A259 (linking Bognor Regis with Littlehampton) and head eastwards. Shortly after the turnings for Middleton-on-Sea and Burnham, you will arrive at a junction signposted 'Climping', with a large white sign in the middle of a grass verge indicating 'To The Sea'. Take this turning and after 0.5 miles pass a couple of pubs on your left and a craft shop on the right, before arriving at the busy car park entrance. Parking is not permitted on any grass verges or on the roadside leading up to the car park, and potential visitors should be aware that the local council appear to be active in towing away illegally parked vehicles. The beach itself is a few yards in front of the car park.
Description
A narrow stip of shingle backed by dunes, at low tide a wide strip of
sand is revealed.
Despite the "no nudism" notice erected by the Local Council -
which may naturists will find offensive - this beach is quite well-known
for its nude use.
An enquiry with Arun District Council (who manage West Beach) produced
the following reply:
"There is a long history of nudism at this site and the matter
has been well discussed through correspondence and in the local press.
There was considerable dialogue with the Central Council for British
Naturism in the 1980s and local naturists in the 1990s. Whenever the issue
has been raised in commitee, our members have reaffirmed their view that
nudism should be discouraged.
And also:
"It is therefore only fair for us to warn naturists who intend no
offence that the beach is not designated for for nudism and that the
removal of clothes could be misconstrued."
It might be reasonable to conclude from this that the notice is mainly intended as warning that the naturist use of the beach is unofficial and not condoned by the local Authority.
At one point - it was hoped that the Council might be persuaded to make
the beach 'official' - but this was apparently prevented by local
objectors.
As always - if you decide to visit this site proceed with caution, avoid
giving gratuitous offence and disrobe at your own risk!
Update: Autumn 2004
There continue to be reports of activity in the dunes behind the beach by individuals who "are in the main not proper nudists, but perverts, flashers, gay men on the prowl and exhibitionists". It appears that this is the main reason for the complaints which fuel the Council's attitude and the consequent "no nudism" sign. One local resident says that he is "armed with a Video camera and all tapes with any indecent behaviour will be passed over to the Sussex Police".
Facilities
None around the beach itself, though a grotty public toilet is handy (if
unpleasant) in the corner of the car park. Beachgoers should make
preparations before visiting as the local villages are all private roads
hence very few facilities for visitors. Nearest food/drink outlets and
entertainments are located in Littlehampton.
Water Quality
Excellent, in keeping with other beaches in this area. Currents are
strong, however, so bathers are wise not to stray too far out.
This page compiled with help from:
Other Beaches This Area Send E-mail About This Beach
PLEASE NOTE:
Information on this page is provided "as is" and without any
express or implied terms or warranties.
Any use you may make of the information is entirely at your own risk.