Shoreham-by-Sea offers a range of highlights for a stay: the long architectural history of St Mary de Haura, maritime artefacts at the Marlipins Museum and the distinctive vegetation of Shoreham Beach. Paths along the River Adur and a footbridge add practical options for hikers, cyclists and walks between named places.
Church and Museum
St Mary de Haura has a history spanning more than 900 years. The Church of St Mary De Haura is a Grade I listed building. Its origins date to around 1130; further building phases date from approximately 1170 to 1230. The church is currently open to visitors seven days a week, from 10 am to 3 pm. Check opening hours before you travel.
The Marlipins Museum offers a different focus: its described collection includes medical instruments used by naval surgeons and 19th-century ship models. Individual exhibitions may change. Admission is currently free, and advance booking is not required. Check these current visitor details before your trip.
Lifeboat Station and River History
The RNLI invites visitors to visit Shoreham Harbour Lifeboat Station, meet the crew and see the lifeboats. Check the station’s visitor information before you travel.
The River Adur has been an important trading route since Roman times. Shoreham Fort also represents another aspect of the coast’s history: it is one of only two surviving small forts and gun batteries built to protect England’s south coast. These historical themes complement the church’s architectural history without requiring a tour or a particular order.
Nature at Shoreham Beach
Shoreham Beach is designated a Local Nature Reserve because of its unusual vegetation-rich habitat. Rare plants found there include Yellow Horned Poppy, Sea Kale, Curled Dock and Starry Clover. The Friends of Shoreham Beach regularly hold activities for people of all ages, where they can learn more about marine life. Check the specific dates if you plan to visit for one of these activities.
Nearby, south of Norfolk Bridge in the Adur District, is a wild bird sanctuary managed by the RSPB. Its habitat includes tidal mudflats; the site is designated an area of significant scientific interest. It offers another nature connection alongside the vegetation-rich habitat of Shoreham Beach.
Paths and Connections
The Downs Link is a 37-mile shared route connecting the North Downs Way in Surrey with Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex. The long-distance route follows two disused railway lines and is intended for walkers, horse riders and cyclists. Its length, two endpoints and permitted user groups provide a clear framework for planning your own route.
The Coastal Link runs along the River Adur and follows former railway lines; it is suitable for walking and cycling as far as Guildford. The King Charles III England Coast Path passes Shoreham Harbour, the old lighthouse and traditional boatyards. One section of the path starts on the north side of the River Adur estuary, beside mudflats and salt marshes. These descriptions offer different landscape and route themes without needing to be combined into a single tour.
The Shoreham footbridge, also called The Adur Ferry Bridge, connects Shoreham High Street with Lower Beach Road on Shoreham Beach. Compared with the alternative road route, it shortens the journey by around 1.5 miles. Follow local notices in case of maintenance work or temporary closures.
Getting to Shoreham Beach
The local tourist information office recommends travelling to Shoreham Beach by public transport, as parking is limited. If Shoreham Beach is part of your plans, this restriction is a practical consideration when choosing how to get around locally.
Discover more destinations: West Chiltington, Bognor Regis, Lower Beeding, Pagham, Henfield, Westbourne, Amberley, Rusper.
For the wider travel overview: West Sussex.
