Harbour Park

Harbour Park is a children’s amusement park beside the beach in Littlehampton, West Sussex. It sits next to the working harbour and marina on the seafront. The park opened in 1932 on the site of an old fort and windmill. Billy Butlin started it with a large roller coaster called The Wild Mouse. After the Second World War the park became part of the Butlin’s Empire before passing to the Rank Organisation. In 1977 the Smart family bought it and renamed it Smart’s Amusement Park, adding indoor rides and a hall of mirrors. The park has changed names and owners several times since then. In 1994 Gary Smart led a big redevelopment and it became Harbour Park. A £750,000 investment in 2007 brought a log flume with a 6.5-metre drop. Two years later the indoor skating rink was replaced by a soft play area. A bronze statue of Billy Smart watches over the main building. The park keeps the Smart family’s focus on family fun while adding modern attractions. Visitors find a mix of indoor and outdoor rides for younger children. The Galley Restaurant & Tea Rooms serves tea with real leaves in a maritime setting. The Harbour Coffee House offers hot chocolate with marshmallows and light meals. Riverside Parlours sells fresh doughnuts, ice creams and other snacks. The park sits directly on the beach with views of the harbour and marina. Traditional rides sit alongside newer additions like the log flume. Families can enjoy both the attractions and the seaside setting.