48 Hours in Selsey

The Sunshine Capital of the UK

Selsey is a unique seaside town, rich in history and wildlife, at the most southernly tip of West Sussex, 8 miles out into the Solent. With more sunlight hours than anywhere in the UK, it is a true destination.

Steeped in the tradition of fishing, internationally famous for its seafood. It is one of the last remaining towns on the South Coast where fishermen can be witnessed bringing in the fresh catch.

Surrounded by miles of natural beaches on all but the northern side, with its bathing water rated as Excellent, Selsey caters for many activities, experiences and interests.

Beaches ideal for grabbing an umbrella and staking your claim for the day in the sunshine. Wild natural beaches for exploring by foot in all seasons. Beaches to spot the abundance of wildlife from sea birds to seals and even dolphins.

Further inland its RSPB Nature Reserves of Pagham Harbour and Medmerry offer long walks and cycle rides through breath-taking rugged landscapes of panoramic views and glorious sunsets. Bursting with wildlife these reserves are a true retreat and escape from urban areas, every view is Instagram ready for capturing the perfect photograph.

Even after dark, discover Selsey’s dark skies and stars made famous by the late Sir Patrick Moore.

The town itself is bustling with independent retailers, restaurants, cafés and pubs - a visit is a great opportunity to sample Selsey’s local produce.

Written by: Zoe Neal, Destination Selsey

2-Day Itinerary
Things You Can't Miss
Our Guide for the Best Recommendations in Town
Travelling to Selsey

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Morning

East Beach Pond, Selsey

Start the day at East Beach and follow the Seal Art Trail. On your way to the seafront, visit Selsey’s popular bakery, Enticotts or The Fruit Basket at East Beach’s local parade of independent retailers to pick up something delicious.

Amble along towards the seafront, past East Beach Pond, which is an oasis of nature and tranquility, regular haunt for model boat enthusiasts. Here you can find one of the seal sculptures which make up the Selsey Seal Art Trail, this seal commemorates the role Selsey played during the two World Wars. Click on the QR code plaques on each seal to learn about the story behind each one as you find them on route.

Selsey Seal Art Trail Head towards the seafront, past the Map Seal which sets out different routes around Selsey. The orange route will take you along the sea defence wall, past the third seal which is a nod to Selsey’s diving and fishing heritage onto Selsey Fisheries. This is one of the last working fishing beaches on the South coast. If you time it right, you could see the fishermen bringing in their catch of Selsey’s world famous crab and lobster. If you miss that you can still visit Julie’s fish shop to sample Selsey’s seafood.

Next stop is RNLI Selsey which has been a permanent guardian of Selsey’s waters since 1861. This free of charge visitor experience of a crewed Lifeboat Station gets you up close to the huge Shannon Class lifeboat and smaller D Class inshore lifeboat. You can immerse yourself further by getting the chance to try on the kit and at specific times see the crew and boats in action during their practice drills. Get in the mood for a sea themed lunch by joining in with a sea shanty as the Selsey Shantymen regularly perform outside.

Julie's Fish Hut

For lunch you could grab some cooked lobster, crab, prawns or cockles and sit on the pebbled beach, taking in the sea views whilst watching the bobbing fishing boats. Alternatively, carry along heading west and to the close by Lifeboat Inn for a pint and fresh crab salad or one of their traditional British pub dishes.

Afternoon

It’s now time to carry on west along the seafront and onto Selsey Bill featured in songs Saturday’s Kids by the Jam and Driving in My Car by Madness! Next stop is Oval Field where you can meet Selsey’s marine ecologist for a Mulberry Marine Experiences guided shore walk. These walks have been described by a journalist for the Telegraph “learning as much on the sandy arena of Oval Field Beach as if I’d watched an episode of Blue Planet.” Selsey’s waves hide a plethora of sea life living alongside shipwrecks and reefs which can help you to discover either by foot or by learning to dive through this dive and ecology school.

A group of children on a beach with waves coming in

Evening

The Seal pub, Selsey

Make your way along to the Sir Patrick Moore Seal with its working telescope. Sir Patrick Moore made Selsey’s dark skies famous through BBC’s Sky at Night programme which was filled at his home in Selsey. During the months of May to November the Milky Way can be viewed here with the naked eye.

Next stop is Selsey’s High Street which is bustling with independent shops, pubs and eateries. Pass the bug hotel seal at Hillfield Park and continue up to the High Street.

Stop off for a cocktail and tapas at Lal Bar or head to The Hopp Inn, Selsey’s micro pub supplying carefully selected local ales, ciders and other alcoholic beverages. Maybe try the popular Brilliant Gin, made locally on the peninsula.

The Seal Pub which Sir Patrick Moore frequented, serves something for every taste, from light snacks to a la carte dining to fresh, locally caught fish.

Head back down the High Street to the seafront to take in one of Selsey’s Insta-worthy big-sky sunsets and that fresh sea air before retiring to your accommodation.