If you’ve never been to Elmer, it’s a quiet little seaside village, alongside Middleton-on-Sea on the West Sussex coast, tucked between Bognor Regis and Littlehampton. It’s the kind of place that still feels local, calm, friendly, and perfect if you want to switch off for a few days. The beach is wide and peaceful, and my dog loves running across the sand like he owns it, although not too keen on the pebbles.
Day 1: Beach Walks and a Trip to the Theatre
We arrived in Elmer early on Friday afternoon. The first thing we did was head straight to the beach. The tide was low, the sky was clear, and the sand went on for ages. My dog went wild after the car journey, running, digging, paddling, the lot. I followed behind, happy to breathe in that salty sea air.
Later, after something to eat, a few of us (no dog) drove over to Chichester. The Festival Theatre was showing Lord of the Flies, and I couldn’t miss it. The show was powerful, dark, but brilliant. When we drove back to Elmer later that night, the beach was silent except for the waves. It felt like coming home to calm.
Day 2: Markets, Coffee, a Swim and Curry with Friends
Saturday morning started with a wagging tail and a stretch of fresh air with an early beach walk. After breakfast, we made our way to the Ford Airfield Car Boot, a proper local event where you can find everything from old books to weird ornaments. We didn’t buy much, partly because of the lack of space to transport anything home.
Next stop was a beach walk (see feature photo at the top) and a stop off at The Beach Club on Littlehampton’s East Beach, which does excellent coffee right on the seafront. It’s one of those places where you can sit and watch the world drift by. The carrot cake and black americano were perfect, sweet, soft, and gone in seconds.
That afternoon, back on Elmer Beach, I couldn’t resist a quick swim around the rock islands. The sea was chilly but totally worth it. Later on, a few friends joined for a curry night, great food, and that happy, fresh-air feeling that only comes after a day by the coast.
Day 3: Climping’s Changing Coast and Lunch in Felpham
Sunday started slowly, with a walk towards Climping Beach. It’s a beautiful spot, but you can really see how the coastline is changing. The sea’s been eating away at the farmland since the Environment Agency decided to leave this stretch to the mercy of nature. It’s sad but fascinating, nature doing what it always does.
By lunchtime, we were in Felpham, sitting outside The Lobster Pot Cafe. If you love sea views and homemade cake, this is your place. Not a slice of cake for us as I went for the big English Breakfast (see below), whilst my dog, after some sausage, was fast asleep under the table, worn out but happy.
The Autumn drive home took us through the lovely countryside around Petworth and Chiddingfold, trees turning golden brown, quiet villages, and that end-of-weekend glow that makes you wish you could stay just one more night.
Why You’ll Love Elmer
Elmer might not have the big attractions of Brighton or Bournemouth, but that’s what makes it special. It’s peaceful, dog-friendly, and full of coastal charm. Whether you’re walking on the beach, grabbing a coffee, or tucking into a slice of cake, it’s the kind of place that leaves you feeling lighter, a proper seaside weekend reset.
🐾 Quick Travel Tips for Elmer, West Sussex
- Dog-friendly? Yes! Dogs are welcome year-round on Elmer Beach.
- Beach: Pebble banks with sand at lower tide levels and rock islands.
- Parking: Limited, but our accommodation had parking, so the problem was solved.
- Nearby: Chichester (theatre, shops), Littlehampton (cafes, harbour), Felpham (great food).
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for quieter beaches and cooler walks.