Mewsbrook Park Pedalo & Boat Hire

The River Arun winds through Littlehampton, and Mewsbrook Park is where you actually get on it. This is proper seaside Sussex - the sort of place where families rent a pedalo for an hour and suddenly the kids stop asking for their phones. You're propelling yourself past trees and marshland, watching the water change colour with the light, occasionally spotting herons doing their patient hunting thing.

The park itself sits right on the riverbank with a small launching area. You can hire pedalos if you want to do the work yourself, or grab a boat and motor around at a more leisurely pace. It's not white-knuckle stuff - this is gentle, family-friendly paddling. Most people allow a couple of hours, though you can stretch it longer if you're after a proper escape. The water's tidal, so timing matters; check conditions before you show up.

Walkers will appreciate the riverside paths around here too. It's not dramatic scenery, but it's honest and calming. Kids under ten tend to rate it highly - there's something magical about being on water that low and slow. Teenagers might find it a bit tame unless they're into wildlife spotting.

If you're based at South Downs Caravan Park a few miles inland, this makes a decent afternoon break from the park routine. Littlehampton itself is right there, so you can combine it with the beach or a proper walk along the shore. Worth a visit if you're in the area and the weather's decent.