Discover Shoreham-By-Sea

Shoreham-By-Sea combines coastal landscapes, wildlife watching and a rich history centred around the River Adur. When planning your trip, it is worth comparing the experiences you would like to combine: historic sites and museums, waterside paths or a trip to Shoreham Beach. This will allow you to choose the location of your accommodation based on whether you would rather focus on culture, scenery or active days outdoors.

History and culture on the River Adur

A prominent point of interest is the Church of St Mary De Haura, a Grade I listed building. The church was built around 1130; further construction phases date from approximately 1170 to 1230. St Mary de Haura therefore has a history spanning more than 900 years. It is currently open to visitors seven days a week from 10 am to 3 pm. Anyone wishing to include historic architecture in their trip will find a specific site here with a long history of development.

The Marlipins Museum focuses on a different subject. It displays medical instruments used by naval surgeons and 19th-century ship models. Admission is free, and advance reservations are not required. In addition, the Shoreham Harbour Lifeboat Station invites visitors to see the station, meet the crew and view the lifeboats. These different attractions also make Shoreham-By-Sea interesting for travel groups whose interests range from local history and the maritime past to present-day work at the harbour.

Coast, nature and special habitats

Shoreham Beach is designated as a Local Nature Reserve because of its unusual habitat, characterised by its vegetation. Rare plants such as Yellow Horned Poppy, Sea Kale, Curled Dock and Starry Clover grow there. In the surrounding area, south of Norfolk Bridge in the Adur District, there is also a wild bird reserve managed by the RSPB, with tidal mudflats. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Those who value nature experiences when choosing a holiday apartment can consider these landscapes an important part of their trip planning.

The Friends of Shoreham Beach regularly organise activities for people of all ages, offering opportunities to learn about marine life. Such an event can be a shared addition to a walk or an exploration of the coastal landscape. As parking is limited, Shoreham Beach is best reached by public transport. This practical consideration is just as much a part of choosing your accommodation and planning your days as the attractions you wish to visit.

Routes for walks and cycling trips

The River Adur has been an important trade route since Roman times. Today, the surrounding area can be explored along a variety of routes. The Downs Link is a 37-mile shared route connecting the North Downs Way in Surrey with Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex. As a long-distance route, it is intended for walkers, horse riders and cyclists and follows two disused railway lines. This makes it a clear choice for anyone wishing to incorporate a longer route into their trip.

The Coastal Link runs along the River Adur on the route of former railway lines and is suitable for walking and cycling as far as Guildford. The relevant section of the King Charles III England Coast Path begins on the north side of the River Adur estuary, beside mudflats and salt marshes. The route passes Shoreham Harbour, the old lighthouse and traditional boatyards. In addition, the Shoreham pedestrian bridge, known as The Adur Ferry Bridge, connects Shoreham High Street with Lower Beach Road on Shoreham Beach and shortens the alternative road route by around 1.5 miles.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans

Shoreham-By-Sea is suitable for a trip that includes more than just one attraction. If you prefer museums and historic buildings, St Mary de Haura and the Marlipins Museum can form the cultural focus. For those interested in nature, Shoreham Beach, the wild bird reserve and the activities organised by the Friends of Shoreham Beach offer different highlights. Anyone who prefers to stay on the move can choose between the Downs Link, the Coastal Link and the England Coast Path. A holiday apartment or holiday home should therefore above all suit your preferred daily rhythm and planned activities.

Shoreham Fort is also part of the area's history. It is one of only two surviving small forts and gun batteries built to protect England's south coast. Together with the harbour, river, coastal paths and historic buildings, it makes this a destination that brings a variety of discoveries together.

Discover more destinations in the surrounding area

For further searches, you can also view Rustington, Bolney, Funtington, Birdham, Wisborough Green, Haywards Heath, Boxgrove and Billingshurst.

To the higher-level travel overview: West Sussex.