Littlehampton Harbour boasts of being the Best Kept Secret on the South Coast, and there is certainly much to commend the place.

The best identifying mark from seaward is a large square-looking building of brown brick with a white structure on top which lies a little to the east of the harbour entrance. Nearer in you can also see a grey gasometer a little inland to the west.

Having located the entrance, head in from a mile or so offshore on a course of about 346º to find the best water, which means that coming from the west you will go a little past the entrance before starting your approach. Fin keel yachts of any size will probably need at least half tide to cross the bar in settled weather but, as always, do your own sums to find the appropriate tidal window for your boat. In a strong onshore wind against the ebb give the place a miss.

The shallowest water is just off the breakwater and once inside make sure you avoid the training wall on the eastern side of the entry channel which is marked by perches and covers at half tide. As of 2009 there was a bank of shingle on the west side of the channel opposite the end of the short eastern pier.

The Town Quay is a short distance up the river on the east side opposite the Arun Yacht Club. Visitors’ berths are clearly marked on the pontoon and you can easily stay afloat at all states of the tide though in season you will probably need to raft up. There is water on the pontoon (which is secured by gates) and also electricity but to use the power you will need to arrive in “office hours” and obtain a card. Showers and loos in the Harbour Office adjacent.

Yachts that can take the ground may find hospitality at the Arun YC opposite, while power boats that can negotiate the low footbridge will find a well equipped marina a little further up the river on the west side. Yachts can also use the marina but need to provide 24 hours notice to arrange for the bridge to be opened.

Ashore, the pedestrianised quayside incorporates an attractive traditional style development with pretty views over the harbour, while town centre shops are just a few minutes walk away. Good pizzas at Piccola Italia and traditional fish and chips at Fred’s on Pier Road just seaward of the quay are among several eating options which also include pubs and a Thai restaurant. Longer stay visitors may care to take a bracing walk along the shingle beach west of the town or, depending how old they are feeling, try the fun-fair.

© 2009 Yachtpilot