Things To Do
in Selsey

Situated on the southern coast of West Sussex, Selsey is a small, welcoming seaside town known for its long shingle beaches and views across the English Channel. Its history as a fishing and maritime community is evident in the harbor, local pubs, and the nearby Selsey Bill lighthouse. The town sits just inland from Pagham Harbour and Chichester Harbour, offering easy access to wildlife reserves and coastal walks.

With a relaxed pace, family-friendly attractions, and easy day trips to Chichester and the South Downs, Selsey is ideal for a restful coastal break.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Selsey
morning
:

Arrive in Selsey and check into your cozy seaside accommodation. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at a local café overlooking the ocean. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach to soak in the coastal views.

afternoon
:

Visit the historic Selsey Lifeboat Station to learn about its importance in maritime rescue efforts. Explore the local shops featuring unique crafts and souvenirs. Take a bike ride along the stunning coastal paths.

evening
:

Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a renowned local restaurant. Stroll along the beach under the stars, listening to the soothing sound of waves crashing. End the night with a warm drink at a nearby pub.

day 2
Exploring West Wittering Beach
morning
:

Head to the beautiful West Wittering Beach, known for its golden sands and rolling dunes. Settle down with a picnic breakfast while watching the waves. Take a dip in the refreshing sea if the weather permits.

afternoon
:

Build sandcastles or indulge in some water sports like paddleboarding or windsurfing. Enjoy a beachside café for lunch, savoring fresh local produce. Explore the nature trails in the surrounding area for some stunning coastal views.

evening
:

Return to Selsey and freshen up for dinner, perhaps trying some traditional British fare. Visit the nearby Selsey Theatre for an evening performance or a movie. Wind down at your accommodation, listening to the sounds of the ocean.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🍽️Meal for 2 mid-range restaurant$40-70
🏨Night in a mid-range hotel$90-150
🛍️Groceries for a week$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Scenic coastal scenery and wildlife-rich nature reserves
  • Relaxed pace with family-friendly attractions and pubs
  • Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
  • Smaller town amenities may require trips to nearby larger towns for certain services

Places to Visit in Selsey

Visit one of these nice places.

Selsey Bill Lighthouse & Cliff Edge

Iconic headland with ocean views, ideal for sunrise or dramatic sea-sky photography.

Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve

Wetlands and marshes teeming with birdlife; excellent for golden hour and wildlife shots.

Chichester Harbour from Itchenor/Bosham

Calm waters, boats, and reflections along the harbor—perfect for serene coastal photography.

Bracklesham Bay Beach & Dunes

Wide sandy shore with gentle dunes and expansive sea vistas for wide-angle shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Selsey

The local cuisine in and around Selsey centers on fresh seafood, hearty pub fare, and traditional Sussex sweets. Expect simple, flavorful dishes that highlight coastal produce, with tea rooms and pubs offering classic cream teas and regional desserts.

Selsey Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Sussex Pond Pudding

A traditional steamed pudding with a rich custard-like surprise inside; a quintessential Sussex dessert often found in local tea rooms.

Must-Try!

Fresh seafood platter

Assortment of locally caught prawns, crab, and white fish, best enjoyed at a seaside pub or fish shack.

Potted shrimps

Cold prawns in seasoned butter served with crusty bread—great as a light seaside starter.

Fish and chips

Classic seaside staple featuring locally sourced cod or haddock, best enjoyed hot and crispy.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Seaside markets and seasonal stalls

Pop-up stalls along the seafront during summer offering fresh seafood, baked goods, and local crafts.

Markets in nearby towns

Occasional farmers' markets in Chichester and nearby towns where you can find cheeses, chutneys, and seasonal produce.

Climate Guide

Weather

Selsey has a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers. The proximity to the sea keeps temperatures moderated year-round, though wind and rain can be frequent; expect changeable weather and layered clothing year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness and queuing

Greet staff with a simple hello and please/thank you; queuing is the norm in shops and bus stops.

Dogs and public spaces

Respect dog-friendly rules; keep dogs on leads where required, especially on beaches during breeding seasons.

Respect for wildlife

Stay on marked paths and observe wildlife from a distance; avoid disturbing birds and protected habitats.

Safety Guide

Safety

Coastal safety is important: watch for tides and strong currents, beware of slippery rocks, and follow local signage. Stay aware of weather changes, especially in autumn and winter, and keep an eye on children near the water. In case of emergency, call 999 for help.

Tipping in Selsey

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary but not mandatory. In pubs, rounding up or a 5-10% tip for table service is common; in cafes it is typically optional.

Payment Methods

Debit and credit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Cash is still useful at smaller venues and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days, mild to warm temps, and busy seafront. Ideal for beach activities, long walks, and sunset photography, but expect crowds on weekends.

Autumn

Cooler air and migrating birds along the coast; pleasant weather for coastal walks and wildlife watching.

Winter

Often windy and cooler with occasional frost; quieter streets and dramatic stormy seas suitable for moody photography.

Spring

Milder days, blooming hedgerows, and increasing wildlife activity; great for nature walks and outdoor dining.

Nightlife Guide

Selsey at Night

Selsey offers a small, friendly nightlife scene centered on pubs with occasional live music, quiz nights, and seasonal events. It’s more low-key than a city nightlife hub, making it ideal for relaxed evenings by the sea with friends and family.

Hiking in Selsey

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve Coastal Walk

Accessible trails around the marshes with birdlife and water views—great for a peaceful hike.

Cissbury Ring Circular

A short drive away, a historic hill fort with panoramic downs and sea views; a popular day hike.

Chichester Harbour Loop

Scenic walk around the harbor with chances to spot birds and boats, suitable for varied fitness levels.

Airports

How to reach Selsey by plane.

London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Major international hub with extensive rail and road links; accessible from the region by car or train.

Southampton Airport (SOU)

Regional airport serving UK and European destinations; reachable via road and rail connections from West Sussex.

Bournemouth Airport (BOH)

Regional airport offering a range of domestic and European flights; convenient by road from coastal towns.

Getting Around

Walkability

Selsey is a compact coastal town with a walkable seafront and town center. The core area is easy to navigate on foot, and many seaside spots are reachable by short walks; bikes are popular for longer coastal routes. Public transport outside peak season can be limited, so plan ahead if staying in a rural area.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families visit for holidays and weekend getaways; family-friendly beaches and parks are common.

Retirees

A steady presence of long-term residents and retirees who value a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Seasonal visitors

Holidaymakers converge in the warmer months, influencing local services and atmosphere.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Sailing and watersports

Coastal location supports boat cruising, sailing, and paddleboarding along the Sussex coast.

Golf

Nearby golf courses offer scenic links and countryside play with sea views.

Football and cricket

Common local clubs and recreational leagues, especially in the summer months.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can increase in summer as holidaymakers visit the coast. Selsey relies on road links along the A259 and local lanes; public transport is available but less frequent than in larger towns, so plan ahead for longer trips to Chichester or Bognor Regis.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Selsey.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are generally available at pubs and cafés; look for vegetable pies, frittatas, and salads.

Vegan

Vegan options are increasingly available, but may be limited in some traditional pubs; check menus ahead or request substitutions.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is provided by the UK's NHS system. Local residents can access GP practices in Selsey and nearby towns, with hospitals located in Chichester and Worthing for emergencies. For non-urgent care, book appointments with local clinics; in case of serious injury, use NHS emergency services.

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