Best attractions and places to see around Climping, a seaside village in West Sussex, offer a blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks. The area features a unique coastline, including an expansive shingle beach and protected sand dunes. Visitors can explore ancient architecture and tranquil countryside pursuits, making it a diverse destination for outdoor activities.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Highlight • Monument
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Highlight • Historical Site
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Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Cycling is limited. Access from London Road (where cathedral is)
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it's beautiful but it seems it may have been overgrown through times. Now (May 2025), it is full of nettles, bramble, slipped banks and even fallen tree. So prepare to be lifting your bike. Very challenging for mountain bikers. I haven't seen that tree with roots out...either fallen or on slightly different route? There were machines to take care of fallen trees (past Arundel Park gate towards South Stoke)
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Beautiful views, trails and architecture in a historical place. Some hill walking, mud tracks (of this time of year) walk along the River Arun. You will see a variety of birds, adulating ground levels, scenic photographic views both panoramic and sculpture. Visit the old market town, churches, a cathedral, views of Arundel Castle, sit by the lake with a hot drink from the cafe at Swanbourne Lake. Walk your own pace and enjoy.
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Not great for riding, narrow, overgrown and lots of walkers. Most of the time you have no views of the river either.
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Climping offers a variety of natural beauty. You can visit the expansive, unspoiled Climping Beach, known for its shingle, pebbles, and dark sand exposed at low tide. It's also a designated biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and includes the West Beach Local Nature Reserve. Additionally, explore the protected Climping Sand Dunes, which feature rare vegetated shingle. The River Arun Riverside Path provides a peaceful stretch for strolls and birdwatching.
Yes, Climping is rich in history. You can explore Stane Street Roman Road, where you can literally walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations. Other notable historical landmarks include St Mary's Church, dating back to 1080, and the 18th-century Black Horse Inn, once a smuggler's haunt. Bailiffscourt, also known as Atherington Priory, features a 13th-century chapel.
For families, Swanbourne Lake is a beautiful spot where you can take a leisurely walk, relax on the banks, or even hire a rowing boat between March and October. Kids will also enjoy feeding the swans and ducks. Climping Beach is also a great place for families to enjoy the seaside, build sandcastles at low tide, and explore the natural environment.
Absolutely! Climping is surrounded by stunning countryside and offers various walking opportunities. You can find numerous routes, including easy loops like the 'Climping Beach & West Beach Local Nature Reserve loop' (6.8 km) or more challenging options. For detailed hiking trails, check out the Hiking around Climping guide.
Climping Beach generally welcomes dogs, but it's important to be aware of seasonal restrictions, especially in designated nature reserve areas like West Beach. While the National Trust protects parts of the coastline, specific dog policies can vary. It's always best to check local signage upon arrival to ensure compliance with any restrictions in place for the protection of wildlife, particularly within the Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve.
Climping can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time often depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for beach activities, watersports like kite and wind-surfing, and enjoying the countryside walks in warmer weather. Autumn offers particularly fantastic views, especially along the Halnaker Windmill path and the famous Halnaker Tree Tunnel, with vibrant foliage.
For refreshments, the 18th-century Black Horse Inn is a historic pub located just a five-minute walk from the beach, offering a unique atmosphere and even a skittle alley. Near the mouth of the River Arun, the West Beach Café is known for its fish and chips. If you're visiting Swanbourne Lake, the Swanbourne Lodge Tearooms offer a range of food and drink.
Yes, several spots offer excellent views. Hiorne Tower, a 19th-century folly near Arundel, provides an excellent vantage point over the surrounding countryside and the South Downs National Park. Halnaker Windmill also offers fantastic 360-degree views from its hilltop location, with a handy bench for a snack stop.
Climping and its surroundings offer various cycling opportunities. You can find easy road cycling routes, such as the 'Life Is Beautiful Dog Mural – Harry Ramsden's Fish and Chips loop' (33.1 km) or the 'River Arun Pedestrian Bridge – Arun Retractable Footbridge loop' (24 km). For a comprehensive list of routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Climping guide.
Beyond the main attractions, consider exploring the tranquil River Arun Riverside Path for peaceful strolls and birdwatching away from crowds. The historic St Mary's Church, with its 12th-century canonical sundial, offers a quiet glimpse into ancient architecture. The Clymping Windmill, though no longer working, is a unique landmark converted into a house, adding to the village's charm.
Yes, there are several running trails available. You can find moderate routes like the 'Mewsbrook Pond – Littlehampton Promenade loop' (10.9 km) or more challenging options such as the 'Littlehampton Promenade – Goring Greensward and Beach loop' (24.5 km). For a full selection of running trails, refer to the Running Trails around Climping guide.


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