Selsey between coast and nature

Selsey is a coastal town with beaches, nature reserves and paths through varied landscapes. If you want to make coast and nature the focus when choosing your destination, you’ll find a variety of highlights here. Maritime history, a Heritage Trail and pottery classes also shape the town.

Beaches and coastal landscape

Beaches surround Selsey on every side except the north. East Beach is Selsey’s largest beach and stretches towards Pagham Harbour. At the mouth of Pagham Harbour, on Selsey’s northeastern side, is a sheltered pebble beach with diverse wildlife.

Beyond Oval Field lies Selsey’s most secluded sandy beach. Benches and picnic tables are in Oval Field itself, so the beach and places to rest are in two different parts of this area.

Nature reserves and trails

RSPB Medmerry is one of two coastal nature reserves located on either side of Selsey Town. Long walks and cycle rides there pass through a rugged landscape with panoramic views and sunsets. If you’d rather explore the area on foot, RSPB Pagham Harbour also has many walking paths.

The paths at RSPB Pagham Harbour pass through salt marshes, mudflats, grassland, farmland, woodland, reed beds, lagoons and pebble beaches. By contrast, long walks and cycle rides are specifically described for RSPB Medmerry; Pagham Harbour is distinguished by the variety of landscapes along its walking paths.

For cycling directions, the Selsey Cycle Network describes circular routes across the Manhood Peninsula. Individual route details may change, so check the latest route information before setting out on a particular ride.

Local history and classes

Medmerry Mill, also known as Selsey Windmill, is a restored 19th-century red-brick windmill. It operated from 1820 until the 1920s. Selsey’s Heritage Trail links important historic sites marked with blue plaques. Selsey Lifeboat Station was founded in 1861.

At the Selsey Lifeboat Station visitor centre, you can see the Shannon All Weather Lifeboat up close in the Experience Room. Visitor arrangements may change, so check the current options before your visit.

Another option is Chisel Pottery at Mariner's Yard: the studio offers pottery classes and workshops for adults and children. If you’d like to fit a class into your stay, check the latest dates, as the programme may change.

Activities on the water

Off Selsey, shore dives, snorkelling and freediving are possible close to the beach. Dive depths range from 8 to 40 metres. Conditions and providers may change, so check the current options before making specific plans.

One wreck site off Selsey is Far Mulberry, Phoenix Caison. It is classified as a Scheduled Wreck and can be reached by a 15-minute RIB ride from the shore at Selsey. If you’re interested, check the current arrangements for the trip.

Selsey’s dark night skies are another feature of the town. They are associated with Sir Patrick Moore, the astronomer who lived in Selsey.

Discover more destinations: Shoreham-By-Sea, Steyning, Burgess Hill, Findon, Angmering, Lancing, Boxgrove, Pagham.

For the wider travel overview: West Sussex.