About
This 324-metre long structure twists and winds its way along Littlehampton seafront between two striking metal shelters.
Located on Littlehampton promenade, home to a Quality Coast Award-winning beach, it’s officially the longest bench in Britain. The 9,000 multicoloured, reclaimed hardwood slats, which meander around lampposts and dip in and out of the ground, are engraved with hundreds of personal messages from the public. There’s even a marriage proposal in amongst them!
The Long Bench was inspired by a number of ideas, including one from children at Connaught Junior School, who wanted somewhere on the seafront where they could all sit together. When Arun District Council asked the public what they wanted to see in Littlehampton, one of the top requests was also more seating along the seafront. So, award-winning architects Studio Weave got designing!
The UK’s longest bench was built by Brighton-based construction company Millimetre Ltd between Harbour Park and East Beach café. It opened in July 2010 and can seat more than 300 people.
In March 2012, Littlehampton Long bench became the proud owner of two prestigious architecture awards from the Civic Trust. At a ceremony held in Edinburgh, it won the Special Award for Community Impact and Engagement and was also recognised for Outstanding Contribution to the Quality and Appearance of the Environment.
Please note that all of the Long Bench slats have now been sold and none are currenly available to buy.
For more information, please email linda.standley@arun.gov.uk
Facilities
Accessibility
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors - Banjo Road Car & Coach Park, within 100 metres.
- Ramp/Level Access
Establishment Features
- Beach / Coast within walking distance
- Open all year round
Parking & Transport
- Bus stop within walking distance
- On site parking close by
- Railway station within walking distance
Specialist Features
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Children
- Marketed Towards Families
- Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
- Marketed towards student/youth
TripAdvisor
Map & Directions
Click here to view the map.
Road Directions
Littlehampton is on the West Sussex coast just off the A27 on the A259.
Follow signs to the seafront and/or brown and white signs to south Terrace an The Seafront Green.
Public Transport Directions
Regular trains run to/from London Victoria and local coastal towns to Littlehamptonand the beach is a 10 minute walk from the rail station, along the riverbank.
Tel: 08457 48 49 50 www.nationalrail.co.uk
Stagecoach Buses operate regular bus services which link Littlehampton to the coastal towns of Bognor Regis, Worthing, Brighton and Portsmouth, plus Arundel and Chichester.
Telephone: 0845 121 0170 www.stagecoachbus.com
National Express operate a daily service to/from London Victoria to Littlehampton.
Telephone 08705 80 80 80 www.nationalexpress.com
.png){kind=icon}