Selsey is a coastal town where beaches can be enjoyed alongside nature and local history. When choosing accommodation, you might consider whether you want to focus mainly on the coast, walks and bike rides, maritime history or activities in the water. The local attractions and landscapes each offer a different focus.
Beaches and nature reserves
Selsey is surrounded by beaches on all sides except the north. East Beach is Selsey's largest beach and stretches towards Pagham Harbour. On the northeastern side of the town, at the mouth of Pagham Harbour, a protected shingle spit is home to a variety of wildlife. Beyond Oval Field lies Selsey's most secluded sandy beach. Benches and picnic tables are located in Oval Field.
At RSPB Pagham Harbour, many footpaths pass through salt marshes, mudflats, grassland, farmland, woodland, reed beds, lagoons and shingle beaches. The variety of landscapes gives a walk here a different focus from visiting a single beach.
RSPB Medmerry is one of two coastal nature reserves located on either side of Selsey Town. It offers the chance to take long walks and bike rides through rugged landscapes, with panoramic views and sunsets. If you are comparing routes through different habitats with longer walks and bike rides, Pagham Harbour and Medmerry each offer a different starting point.
Exploring on foot and by bike
The Selsey Cycle Network describes circular routes around the Manhood Peninsula in a brochure. This provides a separate way to plan your visit, alongside bike rides through the RSPB Medmerry landscape. Check the latest route details before setting out, as individual route information may change.
The coast also offers a range of themes for planning your day: East Beach is defined by its size and its stretch towards Pagham Harbour, while a protected shingle spit with wildlife lies at the harbour mouth. The sandy beach beyond Oval Field adds another option. This lets you choose between a beach and a nature reserve without combining the individual locations into a set route.
Windmill, history and maritime insights
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 connects important historic sites marked with blue plaques. While the mill highlights a single historic building, the trail takes you to several marked sites.
Selsey Lifeboat Station was founded in 1861. At the visitor centre, visitors can see the Shannon All Weather Lifeboat up close in the Experience Room. As visitor arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the latest visiting information in advance.
Another hands-on option is Chisel Pottery at Mariner's Yard, which offers pottery courses and workshops for adults and children. The course schedule may change, so check the latest dates and offerings before planning a visit.
Activities in the water and in the evening
Off Selsey, shore diving, snorkelling and freediving are possible close to the beach. Dive depths range from 8 to 40 metres. One specific dive site is the Far Mulberry, Phoenix Caison wreck. It is classified as a Scheduled Wreck and can be reached by a 15-minute RIB ride from the shore at Selsey. Conditions and operators may change, so check the latest local conditions and options for the activity in question in advance.
Selsey is known for its dark night skies and is associated with the astronomer Sir Patrick Moore, who lived there. This connection adds another aspect of local history to the coastal and nature themes. It offers a separate point of interest for travellers interested in astronomy and a place's connection with a well-known figure.
Discover more destinations: Plaistow, Worthing, Faygate, Slinfold, Coldwaltham, Findon, Lower Beeding, Hurstpierpoint.
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