Shoreham-By-Sea: Coast, Nature and History

You can plan your trip around the attractions that interest you. For culture, there are the Church of St Mary De Haura and the Marlipins Museum; outdoors, nature reserves, the river and various routes offer more options for planning your visit.

Church, Architectural History and Museum

The Church of St Mary De Haura is a Grade I listed building with more than 900 years of history. Its origins date to around 1130, with further building phases from approximately 1170 to 1230. Visitors can currently visit the church seven days a week from 10 am to 3 pm; check the opening hours before travelling.

The Marlipins Museum displays medical instruments used by naval surgeons and 19th-century ship models. Individual exhibits may change. Admission is currently free, and advance booking is not required. Check the visitor information again before your trip. The collection offers a different insight into maritime history from the church: here, the focus is on objects and models, while the church showcases a long architectural history.

Maritime History and Coastal Landscape

The RNLI currently invites visitors to visit Shoreham Harbour Lifeboat Station, meet the crew and see the lifeboats. Check the latest visitor information in advance. Shoreham Fort is one of only two surviving small forts and gun batteries built to protect England’s south coast. The River Adur is also part of the town’s history: it has been an important trade route since Roman times.

Shoreham Beach is designated as a Local Nature Reserve because of its unusual habitat, shaped by vegetation. Rare plants found there include Yellow Horned Poppy, Sea Kale, Curled Dock and Starry Clover. As parking is limited, the best way to reach Shoreham Beach is by public transport. The Friends of Shoreham Beach regularly run activities for people of all ages, sharing knowledge about marine life. Check specific dates before your trip.

Another nature reserve lies nearby, south of Norfolk Bridge in the Adur District. Managed by the RSPB, the wild bird sanctuary includes tidal mudflats and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This protected tidal habitat can be compared with the vegetation at Shoreham Beach: here, the focus is on mudflats and bird habitat, while there it is on a coastal habitat shaped by plants.

Routes and Practical Connections

The Downs Link is a 37-mile shared-use route. It connects the North Downs Way in Surrey with Shoreham-By-Sea in West Sussex, follows two disused railway lines and is a long-distance route for walkers, horse riders and cyclists. The Coastal Link follows a different course: it follows the River Adur along former railway lines and is suitable for walking and cycling as far as Guildford. This distinguishes a route with a documented total length and named user groups from a riverside route description with Guildford as its destination.

The King Charles III England Coast Path passes Shoreham Harbour, the old lighthouse and traditional boatyards. The Shoreham pedestrian bridge, also known as The Adur Ferry Bridge, connects Shoreham High Street with Lower Beach Road on Shoreham Beach. It shortens the alternative road route by about 1.5 miles. Check local notices about maintenance or temporary closures before setting out.

Discover more destinations: East Wittering, Funtington, Billingshurst, Stedham, Littlehampton, Midhurst, Bolney, Slinfold

For the broader travel overview: West Sussex.