School Library

A school library in Patching might sound like an odd stop for holiday makers, but if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Onslow, Brook Lane, or Fox Wood are all within walking distance - it's worth knowing what's there. The reality is that most school libraries aren't open to the public outside term time, and access can be patchy depending on the school's policies. Your best bet is ringing ahead to check if visits are possible.

That said, school libraries in rural Sussex villages often have local history sections and community connections that proper public libraries have stripped away. If you do get in, you'll likely find decent material on the South Downs and the area's heritage - genuinely useful if you're planning walks or trying to understand what you're seeing on the coastal paths nearby.

For families with school-age kids, it's the sort of place that fills a rainy afternoon without costing anything. Younger children might find it a bit dull after twenty minutes, and honestly, unless you've got a specific research need or the kids are library enthusiasts, there are better ways to spend your time on the Sussex coast. The surrounding villages have proper points of interest. If you're staying at Littlehampton Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite further out, you'd be better off heading into town itself rather than hunting for a school library in Patching.